Supporting changemakers in Tasmania

The Tasmanian Government is supporting women’s leadership through the 2026 Changemakers Community Leaders Program.

Liberal Member for Clark, Marcus Vermey, said diverse leadership strengthens communities and builds a more inclusive, representative industry.

“The Changemakers Program supports women who are making a difference in their communities, equipping them with strategic skills and connections to lead effectively,” Mr Vermey said.

“These scholarships help remove barriers and make leadership opportunities more accessible to women across Tasmania.”

The five-month program, delivered by the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS), offers practical skills development, mentoring and peer support to assist emerging leaders navigate complex social issues and strengthen professional networks to influence change.

The Tasmanian Government has provided funding for the program to be delivered until 31 December 2027.

In 2025, nine women completed the program through full scholarships. Ten fully funded scholarships will be offered in 2026, with a focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability, and women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The program supports the Tasmanian Government’s Equal Means Equal: Tasmanian Women’s Strategy 2022–2027, which aims to increase women’s leadership and participation.

Registrations and scholarship applications for 2026 are now open through TasCOSS.