2025-2026 Mentoring Program for Women in Forestry | Pilot Program

Applications have now closed.

Forestry Australia, in partnership with ForestWorks, is proud to launch the Mentoring Program for Women in Forestry – a transformative nine-month initiative designed to empower women across the forest and forest products sectors.

Funded through the Australian Government’s Forestry Workforce Training Program (FWTP), this pilot program will connect 25 mentees with mentors to support personal growth, career progression, and sector leadership.

The program will run for 9 months, commencing in July 2025 and is designed to establish connections within the forest and forest products industries by pairing experienced professionals with those who are seeking professional development, opportunities for knowledge sharing and career growth. 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.

Why Join the Program?

For women in male-dominated industries like forestry, mentoring provides critical support to overcome systemic barriers, access career opportunities, and build a strong, inclusive community that champions growth and connection. Whether you’re starting out, stepping up, or sharing your knowledge, mentoring offers powerful benefits:

For mentees: Develop your career goals, build confidence, improve time management, and grow your professional network.

For mentors: Give back, share your experience, and help shape the future of the forestry profession.

Program Features

  • One-on-one mentoring – Monthly sessions, either online or in person
  • Quarterly webinars – Focused on leadership, growth, and navigating the workplace
  • Peer support groups – Build connections and share insights
  • Mentor training – Inclusive, practical tools for effective mentoring

Each month, the program explores key development themes, such as:

  • Defining your career path
  • Setting and achieving goals
  • Confidence, self-advocacy, and self-belief
  • Strategic influence and leadership
  • Work–life integration and wellbeing
  • Building networks and professional presence

What’s Involved?

Mentors commit to one hour per month

Mentees commit to one mentoring session plus approx. six hours/month for preparation, learning, and reflection

All participants receive a toolkit of resources each month to support structured and impactful engagement

Who Can Apply?

Mentees: The program is open to women working in the forest and forest product industries who are seeking support to grow their careers, develop leadership skills, and build strong professional networks.

Mentors: We welcome expressions of interest from women, men and non-binary individuals who are committed allies of women in the industry. Mentors will be selected based on their experience, values, and willingness to support and uplift the next generation of women leaders in forestry.

How to Apply

Applications have closed as of 4 July.

Following the pilot, Forestry Australia will provide ForestWorks with the program’s framework, resources, learnings, and webinars, ensuring long-term accessibility and impact for the broader industry.

For more information, contact:

Tracey Gale
Professional Development Manager
PD@forestry.org.au