Bush Heritage Australia and Trust for Nature have announced a collaborative internship designed to open new pathways for women and gender diverse early career conservationists.
Women remain underrepresented across many STEM fields in Australia. In 2024 the proportion of women in STEM-qualified occupations had plateaued at 15 percent. While environmental science performs much better than the broader STEM sector in gender representation, equity has not yet been consistently achieved or sustained.
The Bush Heritage and Trust for Nature Conservation Internship aims to directly address this gap by providing practical experience, professional networks and clearer entry points into conservation careers.
Bush Heritage CEO Rachel Lowry said that when emerging leaders from diverse backgrounds are given real opportunities to develop professionally in the environment sector, Australia’s environment is stronger for it.
“As another International Women’s Day approaches, I’m once again reminded of the unique perspectives and innovation women bring to protecting Australia’s incredible landscapes and wildlife,” she reflected. “We cannot solve Australia’s environmental challenges without adequate representation and diversity across leadership at all levels.”
Trust for Nature CEO Corinne Proske said the internship will help open the doors for emerging female leaders. “This opportunity will help ensure that the next generation of changemakers that our natural world urgently needs are receiving opportunities that benefit them as individuals, as well as our entire sector.”
Biodiversity focussed financier Wedgetail announced it would be providing the foundational support to help establish the first joint internship at Bush Heritage’s and Trust for Nature’s 15th annual Celebrating Women in Conservation Breakfast on Thursday 5 March. Bush Heritage and Trust for Nature are inviting donations to help fund additional internships to help make the most of the opportunity afforded through this partnership and the Seeding the Future program.
Speaking to over 500 in-person attendees and more than 330 online participants from the Sofitel Melbourne Grand Ballroom, Wedgetail Founder and CEO Lisa Miller delivered the news following her keynote address on pioneering new models for conservation finance.
With a background in zoology and evolutionary biology, Lisa began her career as a scientist before spending 18 years building and leading product and growth teams at some of Australia’s most successful companies, including Canva. She now leads Wedgetail, an organisation that conserves and restores biodiversity through sustainable investment, and provides funding and support to the people and organisations pushing the frontiers of biodiversity regeneration.
The breakfast event was hosted by nationally recognised conservation biologist Tiahni Adamson, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander woman descended from the Kaurareg Nations, 2024 Young South Australian of the Year and inaugural winner of the 2025 SA Women of Impact award for Impact in the Community.
“This breakfast has long been a celebration of women’s role in conservation, and at our 15‑year milestone, with our fantastic keynote speaker Lisa Miller, we’re shining a light on the transformative power of women‑led investment and philanthropy on conservation,” said Rachel Lowry.
Corinne Proske added that women are not only re-shaping philanthropy, they are re-shaping conservation. “Women are helping rebuild landscapes, revive species and protect habitat forever. Their impact is tangible and enduring. Every year, this event is a reminder of why we must continue to invest in the next generation of women conservation scientists, ecologists and land managers.”
The 2026 Celebrating Women in Conservation Breakfast was supported by ANZ, Cassinia Environmental, TBH, and Yarra Valley Water.
ENDS
About us:
Bush Heritage Australia is a leading not-for-profit conservation organisation that protects ecosystems and wildlife across the continent. We use the best science, conservation and right-way knowledge to deliver landscape-scale impact. We’re on the ground, working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the agricultural sector to make sure our impact is deep, sustainable and collaborative. For further information visit: www.bushheritage.org.au.
Trust for Nature works with Victorian landholders to protect habitat for wildlife on private land. We are one of Australia’s oldest conservation organisations, and since 1972 have protected more than 119,000 ha of native habitat. Our vision is a future in which Victoria’s nature is valued, protected and thriving, and we work with over 1,700 landholders across the state to protect and restore places in Victoria where wildlife and native plants can thrive. Trust for Nature’s work is made possible through the generosity of our partners, supporters and donors who together want to make a difference to Victoria’s natural environment. We acknowledge the support of the Victorian Government.
Wedgetail is reimagining how economies, nature and communities thrive together. We offer nature-linked loans to businesses that put biodiversity at the heart of their operations. We provide grants to organisations pushing the frontiers of biodiversity regeneration. We invest in early-stage ventures that improve how we understand, repair and work with nature. Our approach is grounded in a commitment to learn by doing, which we bring to life at lighthouse properties like The Quoin in Tasmania, Australia, where we support research, test technologies, and apply regenerative practices. Wedgetail supports communities and businesses tackling the biodiversity crisis, building regenerative economies to benefit current and future generations.
Contact details:
Leah Sjerp (Bush Heritage Australia): [email protected] | 0455 635 035
Josie Smart (Trust for Nature): [email protected] | 0492 854 299
Bronte McHenry (Wedgetail): [email protected] | 0448 008 561
