Future Drought Fund mentoring program building a stronger regional Australia

February 25, 2022

Round three of the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Leaders mentoring program has opened nationally for applications.

Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud said the mentoring program joins experienced farmers and industry professionals with those that want the chance to learn about drought preparedness.

“This is a chance for mentees to get one-to-one assistance from those who have lived and worked through the issue themselves,” Mr Littleproud said.

“Participants will join the existing network of 243 mentees and 182 mentors. We want to build that network to at least 300 mentees and 250 mentors. We know that farmers often learn best from other farmers. That’s what this is about.

“Experienced farmers and agriculture professionals can take on a mentoring role. Mentors tell us that there is great personal satisfaction in giving back to the community and making a difference in someone else’s life.

“I encourage anyone wanting to benefit from that experience and expertise to put up their hand to be a mentee. They’ll get guidance from their mentor as they set and work towards new goals. They can consider new ideas on how to tackle the challenges of preparing for, and living through, drought.

“We’ve heard from program participants that they grow personally and professionally, and that the program has benefitted them as well as their families and communities. It’s contributing to a stronger regional Australia.”

Delivered by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, the Drought Resilience Leaders program will pair mentees with experienced mentors and facilitate the sharing of ideas, knowledge and skills of participants to support their community to become more resilient to the impacts of drought.

Applications close on 19 April 2022.

For more information and to apply visit https://rural-leaders.org.au/our-programs/drought-resilience-leaders/

Fast Facts:

·         Applications for mentors and mentees close on 19 April 2022.

·         The mentoring sessions will begin May 2022 and continue to November 2022.

·         The mentoring network is a component of the Drought Resilience Leaders program. The program also involves:

o   Leadership development for people in 12 selected regions

o   Community extension grants for participants in leadership development to put their leadership skills to use through small community resilience focused projects.

·         For more information about the Future Drought Fund Drought Resilience Leaders program and other FDF programs visit https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund