2026-27 Women’s Mentoring Program kicks off with new partnerships in Marysville

The 2026-27 cohort at the initial program workshop in Marysville

 

The 2026-27 Women’s Mentoring Program has officially kicked off in Marysville, bringing together 20 new mentoring partnerships focused on building connections, developing leadership skills and supporting women in their leadership journeys.

 

The first workshop was an opportunity for mentors and mentees to meet, establish connections and begin their mentoring journeys together. The program welcomes women as mentees and mentors of all genders, creating a supportive environment for learning, sharing experiences and fostering professional and personal growth.

Participants also enjoyed a tour of Marysville Fire Brigade, gaining insight into the brigade’s operations and the important role its members play in supporting their community. A presentation from the brigade captain offered further perspectives on leadership, teamwork and the experiences of leading within the brigade.

A highlight of the workshop was a leadership panel featuring members of the group, who shared their experiences and insights. The discussion provided an opportunity for participants to learn from one another, explore different leadership pathways and reflect on the value of mentoring in building confidence and capability.

With 20 new partnerships now underway, the 2026-27 program is set to provide valuable opportunities for connection, shared learning and leadership development throughout the year.

Celebrating the 2025-26 program in Torquay

The launch of the new program follows the successful conclusion of the 2025-26 Women’s Mentoring Program, which wrapped up with its third and final workshop in Torquay.

The workshop brought participants together to celebrate their mentoring journeys, reflect on their experiences and recognise the successes achieved throughout the 12 months of the program.

Guest speakers shared their knowledge and perspectives, offering further inspiration and learning opportunities for participants. The group also toured Torquay Fire Brigade, providing another opportunity to connect with the local brigade and learn more about its operations.

An important component of the workshop was the program evaluation that allowed participants to reflect on what worked well, identify opportunities for improvement and share feedback to help shape future programs.

Success stories from mentees and mentors were another key feature, highlighting the impact of mentoring relationships and the value of creating opportunities for people to learn from one another. These stories demonstrated how mentoring can support confidence, encourage personal development and strengthen connections across the organisation.

Building connections and supporting future leaders

Together, the conclusion of the 2025-26 program and the launch of the 2026-27 program highlight the ongoing value of mentoring in supporting women’s development and strengthening leadership across CFA.

By bringing women mentees together with mentors of all genders, the program encourages the sharing of knowledge, experiences and perspectives while creating opportunities to build meaningful relationships.

As the new partnerships begin their journey, the Women’s Mentoring Program continues to provide a valuable platform for connection, learning and leadership development, helping participants grow in confidence and supporting stronger, more connected members.

The Women in Leadership Mentoring Program is funded by the Volunteer Leadership Development Program (VLD), which also supports Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, the Regional Leadership Scholarship Program, Women’s Challenge Camps, the Captain's Peer Mentoring Program (CPMP) and the Emerging Young Leaders Mentoring Program.

The Volunteer Leadership Development (VLD) Program aims to build and enhance volunteer leadership capability through a suite of development opportunities designed to support volunteers at every stage of their leadership journey.

 

Submitted by	Tracey Ruse