There is something profoundly powerful about the way people in rural and regional Australia show up for one another, especially when it comes to preparing for the challenges of drought. This spirit of connection is at the heart of the National Mentoring Initiative, which has commenced for 2026 and will include the addition of senior mentors for the first time.
In May 2025, the Department for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) announced the extension of the Future Drought Fund’s Communities Program for another four years, including the National Mentoring Initiative. This year’s mentoring program is the first year of this extension and is part of the bigger effort of strengthening the social fabric of our communities to enhance preparedness for drought in key regions.
The National Mentoring Initiative is about pairing mentors and mentees from across rural, regional and remote Australia to build the confidence and capability to inspire and support local action. As Andrea Hogg, ARLF Director of Learning, notes: “mentoring shouldn’t be seen as merely transactional because, at its best, it is truly transformational. We see this transformation every time a mentee finds the clarity to pursue a new goal or the persistence to lead their community through a tough season.”
Recent outcomes from previous programs support this, with 80% of mentees noting a significant change in their self-awareness and many reporting a total shift in how they view their leadership potential. Transformative change involves a fundamental shift in an individual’s mindset, skills and approach to leadership that enable them to make a positive impact in their community. In the case of the mentoring program, participants have experienced personal growth, leadership development and increased confidence and understanding of their leadership style. This has not been an end in itself, with participants noting the program has inspired them to create change in their careers, industries and communities. Additionally, participants report that the program has expanded their networks to new industries and regions.
This impact has not been limited to mentees only. Mentors frequently find that sharing their lived experience and listening deeply to new perspectives provides a rich opportunity for their own innovation and skill transfer. In fact, in surveys more than 90% of mentors indicated a positive change in their active listening and critical thinking skills through the process.
The 2026 program will see the introduction of senior mentors, a role which adds a significant new layer of depth and professional expertise to the initiative. These experienced leaders will act as a vital support system, essentially becoming guides for the mentors. Each senior mentor will support a group of approximately six mentors to share their seasoned perspectives and offer one-on-one supervision. This isn’t just about providing an extra safety net. It is a deliberate senior development pathway designed to refine their own coaching and facilitation skills while ensuring that high-quality leadership knowledge flows consistently through the entire cohort. By facilitating community of practice sessions and leading Q&A discussions, senior mentors will help bridge the gap between individual sessions and the collective wisdom of the program, ultimately amplifying the transformational impact for every participant involved.
If you are inspired to be become a mentor or mentee, you can find all the details on the National Mentoring Initiative page or reach out to the ARLF team to start the conversation.
