In August, the Foundation held an online workshop, Burn Bright (Don't Burnout), for our GAF community, which explored activities and approaches for nurturing resilience. It was a pleasure to welcome the workshop's attendees and see many of our community members participating in the Foundation's Resilient Leaders program, our newly launched professional development resource for scholars, fellows, and alums.

With the end of 2023 fast approaching, we are now seeking our community's involvement in planning next year's workshops. I encourage all our scholars, fellows, and alums to participate in the 2024 Resilient Leaders Workshops survey included in this edition of Campus. By lending us your perspective, you're giving us valuable insights into how we can shape next year's workshops to support your educational journey and professional ambitions.  

In September, Program Manager Mairead Phillips and I travelled to Gladstone, Queensland, to join 12 of our Earthwatch Australia Student Challenge fellows on their expedition, Protecting the Reef's Coastal Frontier. Together, we learnt about mangrove and saltmarsh habitats and the urgent need to monitor and protect Australia's tidal wetlands. In the story Making a difference in the mangroves, you can learn more about the expedition and our Student Challenge fellows' valuable contribution to conservation research.

In October, the Foundation's Partner Community of Practice met online to share insights and learnings around best-practice scholarship and fellowship program delivery. Thank you to all the staff from our Program Partners who welcomed me to this group and the GAF community throughout 2023. I look forward to visiting our Program Partner Institutes across Australia next year.

As 2023 draws to a close, I wish you all the best with the end of the academic year and hope you have a safe and restorative festive season.

Paul Conroy
CEO