Jennifer Pittorino
A new scholarship has been established to support women from the Maribyrnong community.
Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA) in partnership with Maribyrnong council have established the scholarship which will provide women with the opportunity to participate in the WELA National Leadership Program, the scholarship covers the full program cost and travel costs for one person.
WELA is a non-for-profit community of women who work to transform Australia’s response to the environmental and climate crisis.
Maribyrnong council said it recognises that addressing the climate emergency requires a collective, collaborative effort as a local and global community.
The scholarship will support the further development of leadership from within Maribyrnong’s community, building on the council’s Climate Emergency Community Advisory Group.
The group was founded in 2020, developing councils first ever Climate Emergency Strategy, using a deliberative democracy approach.
The council said the key objectives of the Climate Emergency Strategy include ceasing emissions of greenhouse gases by the council and working with the Maribyrnong community to transition to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Drawing down or removing existing and future greenhouse gas emissions from the atmosphere, and empowering and mobilising community action and building community resilience.
The council said it will enable a better future for the planet, the city, the community and the children.
Mayor Cuc Lam said the council recognises that addressing the climate emergency requires a collective and collaborative effort as a local and global community.
“By investing in the development of women leaders, we are also aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable future for all,” she said.
“Through this scholarship, we are looking to support the further development of leadership from within Maribyrnong’s community, enabling a better future for our planet, our city, our community, and our children.
“Council is providing a member of our community the chance to participate in this well-established leadership course, and we are actively exploring additional programs and opportunities.”
Details: wela.org.au/programs/wela-national-program/scholarships/
