Mercy Integral Ecology Emerging Leaders Fellows Reach Final Stage
July 3, 2026
Fellows and some of their mentors gather at Wahluu-Mount Panorama, Bathurst, prior to their immersion in Blayney and Eugowra. L-R back: Jeni Miller, Sue Martin, Kate Stilwell, Eveline Masco, Margie Abbott, Danielle Achikian, Lorraine Connell Front: Eveline Crotty, Julia Clements, Catherine Glenister, Elizabeth Diaz, Jacinta Dykes
The current Mercy Integral Ecology Emerging Leaders Fellowship program has recently reached a significant milestone for the 2025–26 cohort.
This 18-month program involved a series of monthly meetings to discuss shared learning resources, monthly engagement with a mentor experienced in integral ecology, three immersions to deepen skills, strengthen connections with one another and the bioregion, and a culminating innovative personal project designed to address a need within each Fellow’s local community. The results of these projects have now been presented and documented.
Sister Liz Callan and Margie Abbott with some of the Fellows
The first immersion of the program explored the Hunter Valley coal export industry and was held at Callicoma Hill, a no-frills, off-grid shelter on the border of Barrington Tops National Park. The rain and subsequent infestation of leeches did nothing but strengthen this remarkable group of leaders. Participants were able to weave the challenges of the experience into their learning journey in integral ecology, reflecting on the ways in which planetary processes are being impacted by human activity at this time.
The second immersion was held in Apollo Bay, surrounded by rainforest, rivers and the sea. Fellows engaged deeply with the Traditional Owners’ perspectives of place, the cycle of rituals from Joanna Macy’s Work That Reconnects, and facilitation training.
Some of the new fellows enjoying a camp fire
The third immersion was held in Central West NSW, at Blayney, Canowindra and Eugowra. Fellows explored the areas devastated by the catastrophic floods of November 2022 and learned about the Institute’s response through the Slow the Flow – Eugowra project. They also visited, with a spirit of lament, the site of one of the world’s largest gold mines, which is now contributing to heavy metal and PFAS pollution of soil, air and waterways. Alongside this, they visited several inspiring examples of regenerative solutions, including organic permaculture farms.
Throughout the journey, Fellows contemplated questions arising from within their own bioregions and within themselves, including “What’s needed here?” and “What’s mine to do?”, inspired by Meg Wheatley’s Warrior for the Human Spirit program.
The responses to these questions were reflected in the personal project presentations held in early June. For some, this involved bold, practical initiatives within their communities; for others, it meant a deep inward journey towards greater equanimity. Every project demonstrated creativity, thoughtful reflection and courage.
Personal Projects Presentation Part One 2 June 2026
https://vimeo.com/1199620384/be922992ac
Personal Projects Presentation Part Two 4 June 2026
https://vimeo.com/1199628685/1219617a9d