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Peter Cullen Trust - Expressions of Interest – Board Directors

Help Shape the Future of Leadership in Australia's Water and Environment Sectors

The Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust is at an exciting point in its journey.

Guided by Our Strategy 2025–2030, we are seeking Expressions of Interest from outstanding leaders to join the Board of Directors of Peter Cullen Water and Environment Limited, Trustee of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.

Why Join the Peter Cullen Trust?

Serving on the Board of the Peter Cullen Trust is an opportunity to contribute to one of Australia's most respected leadership organisations in the water and environment sectors.

Our Directors help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that has developed 350+ leaders who are influencing policy, organisations and communities across Australia. Together, they champion courageous leadership, informed debate and meaningful collaboration to address some of the nation's most complex water, environment and climate challenges.

As a Director, you will have the opportunity to:

• Make a lasting impact by helping shape the future of leadership across Australia's water, environment and climate sectors.
• Work alongside exceptional people by joining a highly engaged Board and connecting with an influential national network of Fellows, Friends, partners and sector leaders.
• Contribute strategically by applying your expertise, governance experience and professional networks to support the Trust's next phase of growth and impact.
• Support a purpose that matters by helping build courageous, collaborative leadership to tackle the big challenges in water, environment and climate.

This is an opportunity to contribute your experience to an organisation with a strong reputation, an ambitious strategy and a genuine commitment to creating positive change for future generations.

If you believe that the most enduring change comes through courageous leadership, genuine collaboration and learning together, we invite you to consider joining our Board.

About the organisation

Peter Cullen Water and Environment Limited operates as a Company Limited by Guarantee and is the Trustee of the Peter Cullen Water and Environment Trust.

Established in 2009, the Trust exists for public charitable purposes:

• protecting and enhancing Australia's natural environment, in particular aquatic environments and their catchments; and
• providing and facilitating learning, communications and informed debate about aquatic environments and their catchments, and about the things that influence them.

For more than fifteen years, the Trust has delivered on this purpose through its flagship Leadership Programs, national Fellows Network and bespoke initiatives that respond to emerging opportunities and challenges across the water, environment and climate sectors.

Today, the Trust recognises that business as usual is no longer enough. Our Strategy 2025–2030 provides a clear direction for the future, while the current operating environment calls for fresh thinking and bold leadership. We have identified 2027 as the year for "shifting the dial"—building on our strong reputation and trusted partnerships while embracing new opportunities for growth and impact.

About the role

The Board of Directors is responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring strong governance, overseeing organisational performance, maintaining financial sustainability, and planning for future leadership.

Our Directors are active contributors, encompassing both their core governance responsibilities, whilst actively sharing their expertise, strategic thinking and professional networks to help the Trust achieve its ambitious goals.

Appointments will be confirmed at the 2026 Annual General Meeting for an initial term of three years, with the opportunity to serve a maximum of three terms.

Formal Board meetings are held four times each year—twice in person and twice online. In addition, Directors participate in relevant committee meetings, strategic initiatives and key Trust events. Directors are expected to embody the Trust's five guiding Principles, meet the standards set out in the Director Code of Conduct, and contribute in a timely and collaborative manner.

Remuneration

Board positions are voluntary (pro bono).

Directors are not remunerated; however, the Trust reimburses reasonable travel and accommodation expenses incurred by Directors performing their duties on behalf of the Trust.

Particular skills and experience sought

The Board seeks to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and welcomes applicants with a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives, including but not limited to diversity in gender, geography, Indigenous heritage, professional disciplines and lived experience.

Guided by our five year strategy, the current context and our Board skills matrix, we are particularly seeking candidates who bring expertise in one or more of the following areas. Our intention is to appoint 2-3 new Directors this year.

1. First Peoples leadership

One of our five guiding Principles is Be led by Country. Our Strategy commits us to listening to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander leaders and supporting the journey towards reconciliation and self-determination.

We seek a Director who identifies as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and brings demonstrated community leadership and cultural knowledge together with strong governance capability and strategic intent. Experience on Boards, committees or Land Councils is desirable, together with a genuine or rapidly developing connection to water, environment and climate. To ensure we are not complicit in identity fraud, if shortlisted, we will seek a community reference, preferably from an Elder, to support the application.

The successful Director will not be expected to speak on behalf of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples or communities, nor carry sole responsibility for the Trust's First Nations relationships or commitments. These responsibilities are shared by the Board and organisation as a whole.

1. Government relations

We seek a Director with strong, current relationships across Federal and/or State Government within the water, environment or climate portfolios who can help maintain and strengthen the Trust's longstanding government connections.

The Trust is proudly apolitical and advocates for courageous leadership rather than particular policy positions.

1. Philanthropy

We seek a Director with an established philanthropic network and demonstrated success in securing strategic funding partnerships, philanthropic investment and sustainable revenue opportunities that will strengthen the Trust's future impact.

1. Marketing

We seek a Director with demonstrated expertise and experience in strategic market analysis and marketing to help guide the Trust’s next phase of development and delivery in line with Our Strategy 2025-2030.

Selection criteria

Essential

Governance

• Sound governance knowledge and, for Government Relations and Philanthropy candidates, experience of governance and compliance requirements within the not-for-profit sector.
• A good understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors in Australia.
• Demonstrated understanding of the distinction between governance and management.
• Experience leading organisational and financial strategy and overseeing successful implementation.
• Understanding of the Trust's operating context and its opportunities and challenges.

Networks

• Relevant professional networks and the ability to engage existing and new relationships for the benefit of the Trust.

Passion

• A genuine commitment to the Trust's purpose and principles through collaboration, diversity of thought, identity and experience, and allyship.
• The capacity and willingness to devote the necessary time to the role.

Desirable

Demonstrated leadership and significant experience within the water, environment, climate and/or land management sectors, together with the ability to understand, communicate and influence the key issues facing these sectors.

How to nominate

If you are motivated by purpose, strategic leadership and helping shape the future of Australia's water, environment, climate and land management sectors, we encourage you to submit an Expression of Interest.

Nominations close 25 September 2026.

Please email your EOI to ceo@petercullentrust.com.au, including:

• a brief Curriculum Vitae; and
• a one- to two-page cover letter addressing the selection criteria.

Successful applicants will be required to obtain an Australian Director Identification Number (DIN).

For further information, please contact Rosie Wheen, CEO, on 0418 580 159 or via ceo@petercullentrust.com.au.

Professor Emerita Cynthia Mitchell AO, Chair of the Peter Cullen Trust, is also available for informal conversations with prospective applicants. These can be arranged through the CEO.

We encourage you to share this opportunity with exceptional leaders in your networks who are committed to shaping the future of leadership in Australia's water, environment, climate and land management sectors.

Duty Statement: https://www.petercullentrust.org.au/seeking-our-next-programs-director-2/