The Leith Boully Award recognises a recent graduate of a PCT Leadership Program (Fellow), who in the time since their graduation has upheld the Peter Cullen Trust’s principles, stepped up to the challenge of driving change, and exemplified the practical and fierce leadership example set by Leith Boully^. The Trust established the Award to inspire others to follow in Leith’s footsteps and to acknowledge outstanding Fellows who honour her impact and example of practical and authentic leadership.
The Trust uses six criteria to select a Leith Boully Award recipient:
- Commitment to purpose and standing for something
- Willingness to challenge and raise the bar
- Courage and grit
- Bridging science and policy
- Speaking truth to power as a fierce advocate, and
- Working in service of the greater good for our sector and the Australian community.
Eric Vanweydeveld was selected for the Award in recognition of his work and contribution in relation to closing the water gap for First Nations communities. He has contributed to a ripple effect across the water sector and with an extensive range of stakeholders including all levels of Government, utilities, private sector, NGO’s, universities and more. One of the obvious outputs from this work was the release of the ‘Closing the Water for People and Communities Gap’ Report with WSAA. As well as this more public work, Eric drives impact and change behind the scenes, where people may not be watching – a sign of his true integrity and commitment.
Peter Cullen Trust Programs Director Dr Bek Christensen said:
“Eric upholds a strong commitment to purpose, has an incredible drive for the greater good, and operates with integrity grounded in his values.
“His commitment to this cause has been unwavering, grounded by work on country, with Indigenous communities, and supported with clear insights to science, governance, and technology.
“This Award recognises Eric’s impact so far, and importantly it is a vote of confidence from the Trust in his continuing capacity to drive change and stay the course.
“The PCT is privileged to be a part of Eric’s journey, and as a community we look forward to supporting him as he continues to create meaningful change.
^About Leith Boully:
Leith’s impact has been felt across the sector, through her leadership and involvement in water, agriculture, natural resource management and leadership development. Her many roles have included Chairperson of Sunwater, member of the Australian Water Partnership Advisory Committee, Chairperson of the Murray Darling Basin Ministerial Councils Community Advisory Committee, and a National Water Commissioner.
Leith worked with Peter Cullen and designed and delivered the Trust’s leadership programs between 2010 and 2022, inspiring over 200 Fellows across 15 programs.
Leith retired from her involvement in the PCT Programs last year, and in recognition of her incredible contribution to the Trust, and her contributions to the water sector, she was made the inaugural Honorary Life Member of the Trust and this Award was established bearing her name.
30 May 2023
