National NRM Mentoring Program 2026

This program is built on the success of a Leadership Framework developed for Queensland’s NRM sector with its focus on building our capacity to lead at all locations, at all levels and at all times. It is now being piloted at the national level, with the support of NRM Regions Australia and NRM Regions Queensland.

The program objectives are to:

• Providing meaningful mentorship opportunities across the NRM sector
• Provide science-based matching that delivers high program satisfaction for mentees and mentors
• Increase career development opportunities for both mentees and mentors
• Grow networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing across the NRM sector

Continued funding constraints make an investment into our future leadership capability even more critical. Building sustainable leadership allows us to maximise our potential, to strengthen networks and collaboration across the sector, and to foster a culture of continued personal and professional development.

To deliver our mentoring program, we are partnering with Brancher, a company that uses a science-based mentoring platform that connects compatible mentees and mentors and provides them with support throughout their mentoring journey.

Brancher’s science-based matching algorithm means you can expect to be matched with someone who will stretch and challenge you – and help you realise your potential.

The algorithm takes into account your career stage, goals, skills, area of work and importantly – your personal preferences and attributes through a confidential personality and values assessment.

The mentoring program is a structured 10 month program running through 2026. The program involves mentors and mentees meeting with each other at least once per month and completing five online training modules (each less than 20 minutes) over the course of the program.

There are also three 90 minute online workshops for both mentees and mentors, to help you both get the most from the program and also network with your peers.

We estimate a time commitment of two hours per month for 10 months. This includes one hour meeting with your mentoring partner (this can be done virtually) and an additional hour of ‘self-work’ including preparing for the meeting and conducting follow-up actions.

We encourage everyone to apply however we do have a limited number of spaces available and as this is underpinned by a science-based matching algorithm there will be cases where ideal matches won’t occur. We usually receive more EOIs from mentees than mentors, so depending on the number of applications we receive, there may be some people who won’t fit into this year’s program. 

Provided you are eligible, there is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ when it comes to your application, we simply want to try and find you the best mentoring partner for you.

For both mentees and mentors, if you have not been accepted into the program that means that unfortunately this year, we did not find anyone who would be a great fit for you and what you’re wanting to get out of the program. We usually receive EOIs from more mentees than mentors. 

Research shows that mentees often experience increased job satisfaction, improved confidence, reduced strain (a significant predictor of burnout) and improved career outcomes including promotions.

If you are looking to stretch and challenge yourself with the help of a mentor and you can commit to the expectations of this program – sign up today.

Mentees should be looking to learn from a mentor and to take their professional growth to the next level.

Research shows mentors often report greater job satisfaction, improved coaching skills, increased job performance and a great sense of reward and satisfaction for ‘paying it forward’.

If you are looking to give back, to learn more about yourself, to improve your leadership, mentoring and coaching skills and you can commit to the expectations of this program – sign up today.

Mentors who are ready to commit to the 10-month program of meeting monthly with a mentee and attending our virtual workshops. On average, your commitment will be 2 hours per month. We’re looking for people who have sufficient leadership and professional experience and who consider themselves a strong role model of the NRM sector’s Leadership Capabilities.

If you are having self-doubt about whether you have something to offer, trust us – you do! So please apply!

We expect to notify all applicants in late January – early February 2026. The program is scheduled to run for the 10 months from February – November 2026. 

Yes you can – provided you meet the eligibility criteria as outlined above. Simply fill out the form as both a mentee and mentor.

Review our Mentoring Guide. To speak to a human, contact hello@brancher.com.au or contact your jurisdictional CEO.