Australia’s natural resource management sector has launched the National NRM Mentoring Program, with 71 mentor-mentee pairings from 35 of the country’s 54 regional NRM organisations participating.
The national rollout builds on the successful program delivered by Queensland’s NRM sector since 2024. In that program, all mentors reported stronger coaching and leadership skills, while 86% of mentees said their performance improved because of the experience.
Running through to November, the 2026 pilot includes online training, interactive workshops and monthly mentor-mentee catch-ups.
Mentees from regional NRM organisations attended a 90-minute orientation session as part of the launch activities for the National NRM Mentoring Program.
NRM Regions Queensland CEO Chris Norman said the initiative is designed to strengthen leadership and career development across all roles, locations and career stages.
“In just two years, more than 20% of Queensland’s NRM workforce took part in our mentoring program,” Chris said. “Designed around our NRM Leadership Capabilities, it has supported the sharing of expertise and experience across the sector and strengthened our collective capacity.”
“The launch of the National NRM Mentoring Program now sees more than 130 staff from across the country building new relationships, sharing knowledge and continuing to support the resilience and health of our unique Australian landscapes.”
Justine Graham, Principal Program Manager NRM for Local Land Services (NSW), is participating in the national pilot as both a mentor and mentee. She said the program is already proving to be a valuable opportunity.
“I’m really excited to be part of the National NRM Mentoring Program. It’s a fantastic chance to connect with NRM colleagues and support career development across our national sector. I have already met with both of my matches, and the mentoring resources provided have made those early conversations easy, structured and genuinely enlightening,” Justine said.
Mentors participating in the first-ever National NRM Mentoring Program attend an orientation session in March 2026.
The program is being delivered in partnership with national peak body NRM Regions Australia (NRM RA) and facilitated by mentoring partner Brancher, which has played a key role in developing the initiative.
NRM RA’s Nature-based Solutions Lead Sarah Hoyal said while mentoring initiatives typically focus on outcomes for mentees, mentors will also benefit.
“There is significant documented evidence that shows mentors get almost as much value out of mentoring programs as the mentees. This was certainly my experience last year when I was a mentor for two people through the NRMRQ program – it was so fantastic to connect with others in the sector, share experiences and grow together,” Sarah said.
For more information on the National NRM Mentoring Program, visit https://www.nrmrq.org.au/mentoring-program/