Donate Now

National Mentoring Initiative

National Mentoring Initiative

Connect, learn and lead.
Register Your Interest

Delivered in partnership

Mentoring is a two-way path to insight, confidence and leadership.

Mentoring is about growing through connection – sharing knowledge, building trust and seeing challenges through fresh eyes. 

This program pairs people from Australia to share experiences, perspective and knowledge in a supportive virtual environment. 

The National Mentoring Initiative is part of the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program.

Participant Information

The National Mentoring Initiative is a flexible, 12-month virtual program designed to build leadership through connection and learning. Here’s what to expect:

  • 12 mentoring sessions: Connect regularly with a matched mentor or mentee to support each other’s personal and professional goals.

  • Practical learning: Join online sessions that build your leadership, communication and resilience skills.

  • Tailored growth: Explore your focus areas and gain fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

  • Real-world impact: Build the confidence to prepare for, adapt to and support your community – and others across rural, regional and remote Australia – in times of change.

  • Improved communication skills: Communication is the key to a successful mentoring relationship. It requires listening skills and the ability to give and ask for feedback.

  • Better self-awareness: Seeing yourself through the eyes of another person and exchanging feedback boosts your self-awareness. You’ll understand more about your personality and behaviours.

  • Leadership skills: Challenge your understanding of what leadership is, your own leadership behaviours and get tips on how you can create change and bring others along.

  • More confidence: Equipped with self-awareness and communication skills, you’ll be more confident about achieving your own goals and guiding others towards setting and achieving their own.

Mentoring is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are connected to rural, regional or remote Australia.

12 month program including:
– Regular mentor/mentee check ins
– Online learning sessions and guest speakers.

All learning sessions delivered online.
Mentor/mentee sessions can be done face to face, online or via phone.

Applications open: 12 October 2026

Applications close: 15 November 2026

Participation in this program is funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.

Apply Now

Matched by experts

When you apply for the National Mentoring Initiative, you’ll complete a short online form outlining your experience, connection to rural communities, focus areas and development goals. After a brief selection interview, our team will carefully match you with someone whose strengths and interests complement your own – ensuring a meaningful and supportive mentoring partnership.

Testimonials

Reflections from those who have experienced the journey
What I really enjoy about mentoring is the richness that comes with the relationship as trust and rapport builds and you start to dig a bit deeper. I am continually delighted to discover new skill sets and different perspectives, which is why I leave the door open to an ongoing relationship.
Mary RetallackAgroecologist, SA
Mentor relationships are a valuable part of not only business, but in life in general. Drought affects everyone at some point, it’s up to us to be better prepared for drought when it occurs. We have the opportunity now to make positive change and support each other into the future.
Lachlan BrownPackaderinga Feedlot, QLD
My Mentor is one of the most incredible & inspiring ladies I have ever met and is now stuck with me for life. We have stayed in touch and just recently I have needed some guidance and she was more than happy to help me and spent time helping me work through what I needed.
Jodie MitchellNewcastle Waters Station
As a mentor, I might not always know the answer to a question, but I can find it over a couple of emails. I have never had anybody [from my network] say no, and that’s the beauty.
Paul WoodCo-Founder Industry Mentoring Network in STEM (IMNIS)

Want to recommend this program to someone?

Shoulder Tap

Start your application

Express your interest in the National Mentoring Initiative by completing this form.

This is step one.

Once submitted, we’ll send you the full application form by email.

Want to recommend this program to someone? Go to our Shoulder Tap.

Frequently asked questions

A full list of FAQs related to the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program can be found here.