Mentorship Program

Mentoring Program 

Who is this for?

I offer a lot of people who work across my sector, a lot of free and pro-bono support, and advice, as needed. In 2019, I created a 12-month formal, probono mentorship program.

This program is dedicated to a former mentor of mine, the late Gale Eckford. who had a big impact on me from a community and business perspective. Gale was a big champion of young women in business. To continue to honour her legacy, his program is open to people who identify as female. You can read more about Gale below.

The two programs are:

1. The Leader Program is for a woman who is in the not-for-profit or charity space and wants to grow her leadership capability to benefit her community. She will be motivated and have some great ideas for programs or services that will deliver impact to others. 

2. The Driver Program is for a woman who is passionate about growing and developing her social enterprise or small business with a social conscious. She is driven, an action-taker, and cares about her cause. 

What can you expect?

Examples of some of the topic knowledge areas you’ll benefit from include: governance; strategic and operational planning; budgeting; human resources; revenue diversification/growth; product and service ideation; product and market launches; business models, pricing development, and analysis; market research; social impact; social return on investment; grants; tenders; marketing; digital marketing; events management; not-for-profits; charities and social enterprise landscape and trends; legislation and negotiations to name a few…

Each program is customised to meet the needs of the mentee, the below outline provides an example.

  1. Personal reflection and strengths analysis
  2. Initial strategy session 
  3. Development of a personal and business roadmap
  4. 90 day and 30 day action plans
  5. Formal 1-hour monthly accountability meetings
  6. 2-hour quarterly development and review sessions
  7. Phone and video conference support/check-ins as needed/agreed

There is also potential for other opportunities such as a micro-internship in an organisation and/or participation in a Q&A session with other subject matter experts. This may include a sponsored visit, with some costs being met.

Note: there will be pre-work required for all meetings and you must be prepared to set aside an agreed amount of time to specifically work towards your goals.  

To apply

1. Email your application addressing the following:

  • Your details and organisation you’re focussing on
  • Background of business and/or community involvement
  • What interests you about this program? 
  • What would you like to achieve from this program?

2. Provide a video (max. 3 mins) introducing yourself, and sharing:

  1. Where you want to be in 3-5 years, and what you have done so far to work towards that (don’t forget to include the little things you are doing!)
  2. What you’re passionate about, and
  3. What are the things you value.

Paste the video link in the application form.

If you have any questions you can call Natalie direct on 0409 814 654. 

I found some coaching models I tried before were okay and the frameworks do assist, however mentoring has been a more beneficial way of moving forward. I feel the load is shared and not just on my shoulders. Natalie has helped me to think through the current issues and to plan. It is a solution focused approach. I recognised that the governance of our organisation needs to provide a strong backbone in order for potential growth, excellent operational management, solid risk management, the implementation of high standards which meet best practice (in terms of our policies, procedures and practices etc). Natalie has essentially assisted me to identify the gaps and implement an action plan. In a matter of months I have worked through several areas, including the development of good governance and operational policies and procedures, a strong financial management system, better engagement with the Board, stronger communication and marketing strategies; and a plan for funding sustainability. I have had some fairly complex issues to resolve and the expertise and approach has helped me and my organisation to grow. 
Sharon Grocott
Interrelate head of Operations & Statewide Services

About Gail

Gale Eckford

1943 – 2011

During her time in Dubbo, Gale contributed to, and led many community development projects from health, to tourism, education and culture.  She was a great advocate for the region and supported and mentored a few women in start-up businesses – including mine.  She was passionate, supporting, and motivating – always encouraging and a great sounding board.

Gale never accepted that something couldn’t be achieved, and was always strategising different approaches to get a positive impact for the things that helped her community. She was a doer, and got in did things that needed to be done, such as driving a bus for the PCYC breakfast program when they were short a bus driver. Gale was always championing community development projects, even if she wasn’t directly involved. With her husband Derek, they owned BP Service Stations in Dubbo and also partnered in Dubbo Auto Glass.

Gale contributed to a large number of community organisations including:

  • Taronga Western Plains Zoo Friends
  • NSW Zoological Parks Board
  • Meals on Wheels
  • Dubbo PCYC
  • The Rotary Club of Dubbo Macquarie,
  • Dubbo City Tourism Association,
  • Dubbo City Tourism Advisory Council,
  • Macquarie Valley Food and Wine,
  • Dubbo Sister City Committee,
  • Friends of Shoyoen Garden,
  • Dubbo City Development Corporation,
  • Regional Health Advisory Board, and
  • the Regional Advisory Council of Charles Sturt University

She was recognised for her contributions to the community receiving the 2007 Dubbo Citizen of the Year award and the 2008 Jean Emile Serisier Roll of Honour from the Dubbo Chamber of Commerce.

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