MEDIA RELEASE
Friday 6 December 2024

Forestry Australia mentoring program shapes the sector’s future leaders

By showing the leaders of tomorrow how it is done, Forestry Australia is doing its bit to support the future  of Australia’s forest management sector with a call for applications for the 2025 Mentoring Program.

CEO of Forestry Australia, Jacquie Martin, said participating in a mentoring program not only fosters personal and professional growth, enhances skills, builds confidence, expands networks, but it creates opportunities for meaningful connections and knowledge sharing in a supportive environment.

Now in its fourth year, the program has matched over 180 mentors and mentees

Ms Martin said the program supported the development of the next generation of leaders within the forest sector and encouraged diversity of ideas, people and skills.

“The program also supports Forestry Australia’s commitment to meeting the needs of its increasingly diverse membership and reinforces the principles of lifelong learning,” Ms Martin said.

“A mentoring relationship is a powerful development experience that can deliver personal and professional benefits for both mentors and mentees.”

Forestry Australia’s mentoring program runs for 9 months and is designed to establish connections within the forestry sector by pairing experienced forestry professionals with those who are seeking to evolve their career.

The program has been developed around a framework and tool kit of resources which will support participants to ensure effective and sustainable knowledge transfer, skill acquisition and maintaining momentum for all participants.

“We encourage anyone who is interested in growing their own career or giving back to the profession to help foster the next generation to get in touch and find out how they can become involved,” Ms Martin said.

Applications to participate in Forestry Australia’s 2024 Mentoring Program close Monday 3 February 2025.

For more information about becoming involved as either a mentor or a mentee, visit  https://www.forestry.org.au/mentoring/

Testimonials

Mentee – Monique Blason:

‘Mentoring is an amazing way develop yourself and others. I am grateful for mentors in my life and thankful that I can contribute to the development of others through the Forestry Australia Mentoring Program, which has provided me with a new network and sense of belonging in the forestry profession.’

Mentor – Dr Kevin Harding:

‘My mentoring journey this year has been both a rewarding and somewhat unique one with my very busy and talented mentee juggling a higher degree thesis project while transitioning out of a long-term position.

They are considering where their next career move will take them and this very challenging engagement for both of us will continue into 2025 as they explore options and find exciting new opportunities.’

Mentee – Emily Post:

‘Participating in the 2024 Mentoring Program has been an invaluable experience for me, both personally and professionally.

My mentor provided personalised guidance that has boosted my confidence in advocating for my skills and knowledge, as well as implementing techniques to improve my work-life balance.

The support and insights this program, and the participating mentors, have provided—both this year and in previous years—have been crucial in achieving professional growth.’ 

 Mentee – Ayumi Shimada:

‘I am truly grateful to be a part of the Forestry Australia‘s 2025 Mentoring Program. As a lawyer with a growing passion for forestry, being paired with my esteemed mentor has been an invaluable opportunity.

I decided to join this program because I have rarely had the opportunity to meet lawyers who are actively involved in forestry.

For a long time, I have been exploring ways to leverage my legal knowledge and experience as a lawyer to contribute to forest conservation and the forestry industry, but I struggled to find a clear path forward.

When I came across the program’s announcement, I didn’t expect to be matched with someone who is both a forester and a lawyer. I applied with little expectation, but to my surprise, the program paired me with a mentor who is a perfect fit for my goals and interests. 

This program bridges my dual interests in law and forestry, and my mentor’s expertise provides unique insights into the intersection of these fields. His guidance is helping me understand how legal frameworks can be applied to forestry issues including sustainable development in forestry and conservation of biodiversity.   

The program has already enriched my professional development and deepened my appreciation for the complex relationship between law and forestry. I look forward to learning more and contributing to these fields in meaningful ways in near future.  Thank you to the Forestry Australia for facilitating such a transformative experience.’ 

aa

ABOUT FORESTRY AUSTRALIA
Forestry Australia is an independent, not-for-profit professional association of more than 1,000 forest scientists, managers and growers who work in native forests, plantations and provision of environmental services. Its members are committed to the principles of sustainable forest management and applying these principles to generate environmental, social and economic outcomes in all types of forests and land tenures.

aa

ENDS

For further information: Becher Townshend 0418 370 661