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Need time out to develop yourself, and increase your impact? Westpac Fellowship open
Freya Lucas
Sep 07, 2022
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The Westpac Social Change Fellowship is seeking applications for the 2023 cohort, seeking leaders who want to grow and develop, driving social change in Australia.
Westpac are looking for individuals who have qualities that set them apart from others. They have generosity of spirit and a strong desire to give back to Australia. Their commitment to the country’s broader social purpose, to create equal opportunity and better lives for all Australians, is reflected in their work and their actions.Full eligibility criteria is listed here, and summarised below:
- Australian citizens and permanent residents over the age of 18 can apply
- Seeking funds to build their capacity, skills, experience and connections to deliver social change
- Already be leading an initiative to improve the wellbeing of Australians at a local, state or national level
- Have the support of the community that the initiative is seeking to benefit
- Keen desire to share ideas with others, to be challenged and to be inspired.
The funding guidelines and FAQs and last year's information session recording offer further insights.
In supporting the Fellowship program, 2016 Westpac Social Change Fellow, Mary Freer said, Westpac is making “an investment in developing the game changers, giving us the space and time to grow and connect with the world.”
“Although we live in one of the luckiest countries in the world, social issues surrounding health, disability, disadvantage and unemployment still affect many Australians. These issues can’t be solved with the wave of a magic wand. But they can be improved by people like you with the determination, ideas, and networks to create genuine change,” the application guide notes.
The Fellowship gives professionals “the rare chance to focus solely on yourself and your development.” Ten fellows are chosen each year, each of whom receive up to $50,000 and the opportunity to enhance their learning and skills, expand their networks, and explore new opportunities on a six month personal development journey which allows them to “really explore their leadership potential”. From overseas research and travel to development courses and work experience, the Foundational Leadership Program also offers hands-on professional coaching advice to really help Fellows bring their ideas for social innovation to life.
All Fellows become part of the Westpac 100 Scholars Network, a group designed to be inspiring, influential and a life-long learning experience.
Westpac Social Change Fellows are those who are “already doing extraordinary things,” with a capacity for giving and a strong desire to change the world, with an impressive track record of driving change, who are at a point in their professional lives where they would like to “step things up a notch”. They thrive on collaboration and are ready to explore new networks, learnings and opportunities so they can create better lives for even more Australians.
“Westpac has given Australia a gift. This is truly the most incredible opportunity I have received in my development as a leader, as a social entrepreneur, as an individual wanting to create a better future for Australia,” said 2018 recipient Mikhara Ramsing.
Applications opened on 22 August, and an online information session is being held on 7 September at 1pm.
Applications will close on Thursday 6 October 2022 at 5:00pm AEDT, with notification of outcomes due in late February 2023. Click here to assess your eligibility and to apply or review the funding guidelines here.
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