The Australian Government is investing in building drought resilient leaders through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund (FDF).
Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said two mentees and two mentors have been selected in Bendigo in round one of the FDF Drought Resilience Leaders mentoring program.
“We are partnering with the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation (ARLF) to create a new generation of drought resilient leaders,” Minister Littleproud said.
“The mentoring program joins farmers and those with a close connection to agriculture with experienced industry professionals for a chance to learn about drought preparedness from those who have lived and worked through the issue themselves.
Nationals Senate Leader and Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie said the program will bring participants together to share knowledge and experience.
“Farming skills, including drought resilience, are passed down from generation to generation. This program is about facilitating those connections to benefit farming communities here in Bendigo,” Senator McKenzie said.
“The mentoring program will continue with 300 mentees matched with 250 mentors nationally. I’d encourage any interested farmers and those employed in the agricultural sector to contact ARLF to find out how they can get involved.”
The Future Drought Fund is creating a new generation of young and emerging leaders and encouraging learning and knowledge sharing to benefit Australian agriculture and the communities and livelihoods that depend on it.
For more information on the FDF: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund
For more information on the ARLF: https://rural-leaders.org.au/our-programs/drought-resilience-leaders/