Mentoring
The Dairy Mentoring Alliance
The Dairy Mentoring Alliance brings Gardiner alumni together to strengthen mentoring, connection and leadership across the Victorian dairy industry.
It creates a space for alumni to share their experience, build mentoring capability and connect with others, helping to strengthen the people and communities that make dairy thrive.
What is it?
The alliance aims to build skills and knowledge in mentoring, provide people with networking opportunities and collectively engage on topics of interest for our industry and communities.
It will involve:
- 60-minute virtual sessions every two to three months
- Learning and practicing new mentoring tools
- Facilitated, peer-based discussions to share knowledge and ideas
How it Works
We spent months talking to people across the industry about what mentoring actually needs to look like to work. This is what we’ve heard and how it has shaped our approach.
Ready to join the next mentoring gathering?
Join us on Wednesday 2 September, 1pm to 2pm, online via Microsoft Teams. New and returning participants are welcome.
1pm to 2pm, virtual via Microsoft Teams. Register below and we’ll send the link and SMS reminders closer to the date.
The gathering will cover:
- A fresh approach to mentoring conversations
- A practical guide to help mentees think for themselves and identify where they need support
- Practising the approach with other Gardiner alumni
Facilitated by Cassandra Goodman
Sessions are facilitated by Cassandra Goodman (Bendelta), who worked with Gardiner Foundation to design and establish the Dairy Mentoring Alliance. Cassandra brings deep experience in leadership, mentoring and community capability building, with a focus on practical, peer-led models that strengthen connection and long-term impact.
Who it's For
“If not us, then who? If not now, then when?” Former politician Cathy McGowan AO, 2026 Gardiner Foundation Dairy Leaders Lunch.
Any Gardiner alumnus who wants to mentor, be mentored, or simply be part of a community of people who take leadership in dairy seriously.
If you’ve been part of a Gardiner funded opportunity and have experience to share or are looking for someone who does, this is where to start. Over time, our aim is for the alliance to grow and welcome people from right across the industry.
There’s no all-or-nothing commitment. New members are always welcome, whenever the time is right.
Here's Where it Starts
First Mentoring gathering.
The next session will be held Wednesday 2 September. Open to all Gardiner alumni, no experience required.
Join us from 1pm to 2pm, virtual via Microsoft Teams. Register and we’ll send the link and SMS reminders.
Join the Alumni network.
Been part of Gardiner? Register your details or pass this on to someone you know has been too.
It helps us stay in touch, connect you with opportunities, and make sure you’re part of the network as it grows.