Up to 180 places are available on a 12-months mentoring and leadership development program for people 18 years and older in rural, regional and remote Australian communities.
The National Mentoring Program is part of the Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and the National Farmers’ Federation.
The program is fully funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and has already connected more than 300 rural Australians with a mentor and delivered a number of leadership development programs in drought-prone communities across the country.
Program participants will give and receive personalised guidance on setting and achieving goals, while gaining practical communication skills and greater self-awareness. As a result, rural Australian communities will gain more people who are not just passionate about reconnecting rural communities and wanting to be proactive about challenges and opportunities, but also equipped to find solutions and bring others along the journey.
ARLF Chief Executive Matt Linnegar said: “The ARLF has been the pre-eminent provider of leadership development in rural, regional and remote Australia for 30 years with more than 2,400 alumni in all parts of the country and beyond. It is this network of people with a shared vision for thriving communities that stands behind every individual choosing to be the best version of themselves in order to make a difference.”
NFF Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said: “Mentoring and leadership development are key to advancing agriculture to unlock opportunities and reach our ambitious goal to be a $100 billion industry by 2030.
“An important part of this is having well-equipped leaders in regional, rural and remote areas who help their communities tackle challenges like drought. This program provides lifelong tools to future leaders who can then step up in these times.”
Applications are open until 3 April 2023 and can be made via the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s website. Applications from people interested in either becoming a mentor or finding one are encouraged. Mentors will be getting to know the mentee, and asking questions to help guide the mentee towards setting and achieving their goals. Mentees will share goals and challenges with their mentors and be supported in overcoming and achieving them.
Apart from one-on-one mentoring sessions, the program includes virtual learning sessions focusing on communication, leadership and self-awareness to develop drought preparedness, build resilience and develop stronger networks within communities.
Applications of individuals from various backgrounds and experiences are encouraged, with mentors and mentees matched by interest, experience and goals. All applicants should be living in or connected to rural communities and bring a desire to be actively engaged in rural communities or rural industry.
Program graduates become part of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s national alumni network of more than 2,400 people with a shared passion for thriving rural, regional and remote communities.
- Up to 180 places are available on a 12-month mentoring and leadership development program for people in rural, regional and remote Australian communities.
- 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.
- The program includes one-on-one mentoring sessions and virtual learning sessions focusing on communication, leadership and self-awareness to develop drought preparedness, build resilience and develop stronger networks within communities.
- The program is part of and funded by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund Helping Regional Communities Prepare for Drought Initiative. It is delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal and National Farmers’ Federation.
