Mentoring
The NABS Mentoring Program, a partnership between Anima Co. and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, is all about supporting people’s growth — both personally and professionally — through meaningful mentoring relationships. By pairing experienced mentors with enthusiastic mentees, the program gives you the chance to learn from others, gain new insights, build confidence, and strengthen Australia’s biosecurity workforce along the way.
Past participants have told us that this program helps them approach opportunities with confidence and fresh ideas, while mentors say it’s highly rewarding to share their knowledge, support others’ success, and learn more about themselves. And, of those who have participated in the past, 95% have indicated that they would be willing to participate in the program again in the future!
The program is open to anyone — no matter your age, gender, cultural background, job level, location, or ability. While we give preference to those based in northern locations, people from other regions are very welcome to apply.
Expressions of interest for the July-December 2026 program have now closed.
What mentoring is
Mentoring is sharing knowledge, skills and life experience to guide another towards reaching their full potential; it’s a journey of shared discovery. Quality mentoring relationships have powerful positive effects on people in a variety of personal, academic and professional situations. Ultimately, mentoring connects a mentee to personal growth and development and may result in improved social and economic opportunity.
Mentors can prepare their mentees for professional careers and assist with their workplace skills. They can raise the bar regarding a mentee’s potential by identifying opportunities, and they provide guidance, support, encouragement and constructive feedback.
What mentoring is not
Mentoring is not simply about giving orders or instructions like a manager might. It differs from formal training or teaching, which typically focus on specific skills, whereas mentoring centres on continuous guidance and personal growth. It’s not a one-sided interaction; both mentor and mentee engage in a collaborative, supportive relationship where learning is mutual.
Mentors provide advice and encouragement but don’t handle the mentee’s tasks or make decisions for them. Additionally, mentoring isn’t a quick solution—it requires ongoing effort and dedication, rather than a single meeting. In essence, mentoring is a partnership built on support, rather than just supervision or directive teaching.