Delivered over two rounds, the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) is seeking up to 80 mentors and mentees each to participate in a 12-month program starting early and mid-2023, respectively.

ARLF chief executive, Matt Linnegar, said the program was 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 to give and provide really personalised guidance on things that matter to them," Linnegar said.

"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, Linnegar said the program was 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 sharing experience to overcome challenges, finding solutions and building communication and leadership skills on an individual level that will boost long-term community well-being and resourcefulness.

The program is delivered by the ARLF in partnership with the National Farmers Federation and the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal.

To learn more about the program or to apply, visit https://bit.ly/3ToMepN or email: futuredrought@rural-leaders.org.au