Applications will be open from 17 October to 14 November 2022 for a mentoring and leadership development program connecting rural Australians aged 18 to 35 with mentors from across the country.
Delivered over two rounds, we are seeking up to 80 mentors and mentees each to participate in the 12-month program starting in early and mid-2023, respectively.
For Chief Executive Matt Linnegar, the program is an opportunity to be involved in a network beyond the usual circle.
‘This program is an opportunity for Australians who live in, work with or are connected to communities where agriculture plays an important role in giving and providing really personalised guidance on things that matter to them.
‘As a mentee, think about what you need to thrive in the future. Have you ever wanted to do something and not known where to start? Where do you see yourself or your community in the next five to ten years, and what do you need to achieve it? Work from there and think of any questions that you have. This might well be that you don’t know how to put your goal into words – and that’s ok; a mentor can help.’
As for mentors, he says the program is open to professional and personal experience.
‘Similar to mentees, I would encourage people to really think about how their experience could help someone with identifying goals, navigating complex situations and challenges and having courageous conversations.
‘Putting these experiences to use by being a sounding board and guide to someone else is an incredible learning opportunity for mentors as well.’
The National Mentoring Program is part of the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. In this context, the program supports communities to prepare for future droughts by exploring the likelihood and impacts of them in rural Australia.
Mentoring is based on the idea that sharing experience in overcoming challenges, finding solutions and building communication and leadership skills on an individual level will boost long-term community well-being and resourcefulness.
It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the National Farmers Federation (NFF) and the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Learn more about the program, register interest and sign up for one of two applicant Q&A webinars.
About the Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative
The $29.6 million Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought program combines and builds on the previous Drought Resilience Leaders and Networks to Build Drought Resilience programs, so that we can deliver a more effective and targeted approach.
The Future Drought Fund is partnering with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) and the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) to deliver the program, drawing on their expertise and networks that reach across rural and regional Australia.
The Future Drought Fund is the key investment by the Australian Government to build drought resilience in Australia’s agriculture sector, the agricultural landscape, and communities. It is a $5 billion commitment with $100 million each year allocated to drought resilience programs.
Key points
- Applications for a 12-month National Mentoring Program delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) in partnership with the National Farmers Federation are open between 17 October and 14 November 2022.
- Drought is expected to become more severe as a result of climate change, and it will be critical for agricultural communities to strengthen resilience and connectedness in the face of adversity.
- This program will include one-on-one mentoring and learning sessions focusing on communication, leadership and self-awareness to develop drought preparedness, build resilience and develop networks across communities.
- The ARLF and NFF are seeking up to 80 mentors and mentees each to participate in the 12-month program in two rounds starting in early and mid-2023 respectively.
- The program is part of and funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative, delivered by the ARLF in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.
