Regional Climate Leadership Program
The power to adapt to a changing climate resides within communities, and it’s been harnessed for maximum impact by the Regional Climate Leadership Program. Since 2020, this initiative has supported 24 emerging community leaders from the region to come together, collaborate, pool resources, develop skills and build networks to help their local communities get climate ready.
“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any,” says program graduate Melanie Scaife, quoting the American novelist Alice Walker. “Thanks to the program, I now understand the latest climate science, am across climate adaptation initiatives in the region, and have acquired the skills to help my community prepare for what’s to come.”
Graduates have completed 18 months of face-to-face and online learning, and are now leading a range of community projects across the region, including in regenerative agriculture, wildlife conservation, waste management and bushfire preparedness.
Objectives
We acknowledge and respect Victorian Traditional Owners as the original custodians of Victoria’s land and waters, their unique ability to care for Country and deep spiritual connection to it. We honour Elders past and present whose knowledge and wisdom has ensured the continuation of culture and traditional practices. We are committed to enabling self-determination for all Aboriginal people and aim to work closely with the Aboriginal community to drive action and improve outcomes especially in the context of a changing climate.