A 12 week program for community leaders across rural, regional and remote Queensland wanting to help shape the state’s future energy mix.
RRR Women’s 2026 renewable energy leadership program is designed to help build the capacity and influence of women across rural, regional and remote Queensland on this important issue. Off the back of the highly successful inaugural program in 2025, we are committed to supporting rural, regional and remote Queensland women to lead on this important issue at the local, regional, state and federal level in 2026 and for the future.
Through a mix of in-person retreats, site visits, research and thought leadership, professional development and online workshops, Future Queensland: Rural Women’s Leadership Program participants will learn from experts in leadership, climate science, energy, community engagement and advocacy. This immersive program will deepen your understanding and equip you with the tools to unite communities and harness the opportunities renewable energy can offer.
Applications to the 2026 program are now open and close at midnight on January 7.
This is your opportunity to:
- Learn from academics, industry experts and thought leaders
- Develop adaptive leadership skills
- Grow your networks and form new friendships
- Hear firsthand from community leaders, host-landholders, and councillors about their experiences with renewable energy
- Be inspired by a visit to a large-scale renewable energy project
- Shape the future of your community, region and local economy
- Contribute to published research and thought leadership materials
- Participate in advocacy and government engagement
This program is for you if:
- You’re eager to learn and step outside your comfort zone
- You’re curious about renewable energy and want learn more about it
- You want to understand more about climate change, and what the impacts and solutions look like for Queensland
- You believe communities know what works best for them, and want to play an active role in supporting your community to shape its future for the better
- You want to connect with like-minded women from across rural, regional and remote Queensland
- You’re interested in developing your advocacy skills
Questions? Contact eso@qrrrwn.org.au.
To be eligible for this program you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a current financial RRR Women member, or will sign up to become one.
- You live and/or work in a Queensland Regional Energy Hub area or another region with a high density of renewable energy.
- You are available to attend all program sessions (see dates, times and locations below).
Program structure and dates
The 12 week long leadership program includes:
| Session | Length | Where | Dates |
| Opening Retreat | 3 days, 2 nights | Rockhampton | Tuesday March 3 – Thursday March 5 |
| Workshop #1 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday March 11, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Workshop #2 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday March 25, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Workshop #3 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday April 8, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Workshop #4 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday April 22, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Workshop #5 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday May 6, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Workshop #6 | 2 hours | Online via Zoom | Wednesday May 20, 5.30-7.30pm |
| Closing Retreat | 3 days, 2 nights | TBC | Tuesday May 19 – Thursday May 21 OR Monday May 25 – Wednesday May 27 (TBC) |
Why is this program important?
A transition in Australia’s energy mix is underway, with more than 40 per cent of our energy already coming from renewable sources. Queensland is leading in rooftop solar uptake, with panels installed on over one million homes. The state is also seeing new jobs and economic activity as large-scale renewable projects progress.
This shift brings challenges, particularly for regional and rural communities who want greater clarity about how these changes will affect them and future generations. At the same time, scientists warn that Queensland is likely to face more frequent and severe extreme weather events, placing pressure on community resources and driving up the costs of repairing essential infrastructure.
Energy policy certainty and responsibly rolling out renewables are key policy priorities for RRR Women, formed with our member insight and feedback. Supporting our members to lead on this issue allows us to properly advocate for improved policy settings for Queensland communities.
Now is the time to increase our knowledge, build resilience, and collaborate. Now is the time for leadership from our communities so we can avoid what we can’t manage and can manage what we can’t avoid. And, in the best case, recognise and seize the opportunities that solutions like renewable energy bring.
In partnership with ELA
RRR Women has again partnered with ELA to deliver this program for our members. Founded in 2019, ELA is a nonprofit set up in partnership with the Myer Foundation that helps Australia make progress on climate change solutions by supporting community leadership.
A note from our President, Emma Clarke
“The shift to renewable energy is already shaping Queensland. This can happen with us, or to us. The choice is ours. I believe organisations like ours should be actively involved, ensuring community concerns are heard and needs are addressed. With a seat at the table, we can help Queensland make the most of new opportunities and prepare for the challenges that come with the renewable energy transition.”
