What is mentoring?

Mentoring is leadership in practice. It’s the steady exchange of experience, insight, and reflection between two people. One offering guidance, the other bringing curiosity and drive.

At Hyphae Network, we see mentoring as more than advice-giving. It’s a partnership rooted in reciprocity: mentors share their wisdom, and mentees bring fresh questions and perspective. Together, they create a space where growth is mutual and leadership is strengthened.

In aged care and community health, mentoring plays a critical role. Our sectors are complex, fast-moving, and deeply human. Formal study and training can teach skills, but mentoring helps leaders navigate the grey areas. The conversations, the choices, the quiet moments are what shapes culture and care.

Just like the hyphae beneath a forest floor, mentoring connections are often unseen, but they carry the nutrients of leadership: confidence, clarity, resilience, and courage. These threads help leaders (new and experienced) stand tall and thrive in challenging environments.

Next Intake Starts

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Oct 21

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Next Intake Starts 〰️ Oct 21 〰️

Next Intake Starts

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Oct 21

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Next Intake Starts 〰️ Oct 21 〰️

Why our mentoring works

Hyphae Network’s mentoring program connects leaders across aged care and community health so wisdom can flow freely and no leader is left navigating alone.

Over 20 weeks, you’ll work one-on-one with a sector-experienced mentor who understands the realities of reform, the human side of leadership, and the demands of your role. Together, you’ll build clarity, capability, and a leadership network that will support you well beyond the program.

Who is this for?

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    Frontline, mid-level and senior leaders seeking confidence and direction

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    Emerging leaders stepping into new responsibilities

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    Experienced leaders looking for perspective, reflection, and renewal

Next Intake Starts

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Oct 21

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Next Intake Starts 〰️ Oct 21 〰️

Next Intake Starts

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Oct 21

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Next Intake Starts 〰️ Oct 21 〰️

What to expect

Every participant is matched through our in-house process. No self-matching, no guesswork. We look at career stage, leadership goals, style, and sector focus to create the best possible fit.

Once matched, you’ll work together through:

  • Regular mentoring conversations (monthly or fortnightly)

  • Guided mini-modules with leadership and wellbeing prompts

  • Reflection tools to track your growth

  • Optional webinars or events to deepen the experience

Hyphae coordinates the match, sets the structure, and keeps both of you accountable through check-ins and progress tracking but the relationship is yours to grow.

What You’ll Gain

The program is grounded in sector realities. From workforce pressures to reform timelines and focuses on the skills that make leaders effective now.

Past participants have reported:

  • 95% increased clarity in leadership goals

  • 92% greater confidence managing stress and complexity

  • 100% would recommend the experience to their peers

You can expect to:

  • Develop practical strategies for navigating workplace challenges

  • Strengthen your leadership style and decision-making

  • Build relationships that last beyond the program

Proven Outcomes

Across three years of delivery under the Acorn Network and other organisational licenses, the model has achieved:

  • 95% of mentees reporting greater clarity in their leadership goals

  • 92% feeling more confident navigating stress and complexity

  • 100% of participants recommending the experience to peers

  • 90%+ mentor return rates year on year

Ready to join the next Hyphae Mentoring Program?

Register here to receive program updates, dates, and application details straight to your inbox.

This is for program updates only (not the regular Groundwork newsletter).

✺ Frequently asked questions ✺

  • Hyphae is a virtual-first program, accessible to leaders anywhere in Australia. Mentoring sessions are usually held via video call, with optional in-person events where possible.

  • We provide accountability through regular check-ins, troubleshooting.

    If any issues arise we are at hand to support with phone calls, coaching sessions, access to our resource library including leadership conversation guides, wellbeing prompts, and guided reflection tools.

  • Matching is coordinated in-house by the Hyphae team, based on your goals, experience, leadership style, and preferences. This ensures a fit that supports productive, values-aligned conversations.

  • You’ll join the growing Hyphae alumni network, with opportunities to connect through events and online spaces.

    We always encourage mentors and Mentees to continue meeting after the program ends and continue supporting one another.

  • Emerging, mid-career and senior leaders in aged care or community health, generally with 2–10 years’ experience.

    You don’t need to be in a leadership role right now. You might be in an advanced clinical or practice role and preparing to take that next step in your journey.

  • Yes. There is a program fee for Mentees. This covers matching, induction, resources, and ongoing support. Your mentor volunteers their time, making this a high-value leadership investment.

✺ Mentee FAQs ✺

  • Most mentoring pairs meet monthly or fortnightly for 60–90 minutes over a 20-week program. You’ll also have access to guided modules and resources to use between sessions.

  • We encourage open communication, and if something isn’t right, we’ll work with you to resolve it (including a rematch if needed).

✺ Mentor FAQs ✺

  • You’ll meet your mentee monthly or fortnightly, respond to their emails, and support the relationship by reaching out when needed.

    The total time is usually 1–2 hours per month.

  • We provide a short mentor induction, plus ongoing resources and updates, so you can focus on the relationship rather than the admin.

  • Leaders with 10+ years’ experience in community or health services who want to give back by supporting the next generation.

  • Yes. Mentors give their time as a professional contribution to the sector. We provide resources, conversation prompts, and fortnightly emails to support your role.

  • Organisations report measurable gains in leadership confidence, goal clarity, and retention, along with stronger cross-sector networks for their people.

  • Yes. We can adapt the Hyphae model for your organisation or training program, with our team handling matching, onboarding, and program oversight.

  • Yes. We encourage organisations to sponsor mentee places, provide mentors from your senior team, or partner with us for a larger cohort.

  • We offer tiered packages to suit your scale and priorities. Each package includes matching, resources, ongoing support, and measurable outcomes reporting. Contact us for a tailored proposal.

✺ Organisation FAQs ✺

Still have questions?

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Still have questions? |

Contact us or request a proposal. We will be in touch within two business days.