Round three of the Future Drought Fund’s Drought Resilience Leaders mentoring program opens nationally for applications today.
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia 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,” Minister 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.
