Mentor Walks' Dubbo launch supported by NSW Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor

Mentor Walks matches women looking to grow with a line-up of business owners, entrepreneurs, and senior officials from the public sector and government for mentoring sessions.

More than 3000 participants in metropolitan cities have benefited from the program since it was started in 2016 by the forward-thinking Adina Jacobs and Bobbi Mahlab.

Dubbo will be the eighth location of Mentor Walks when it launches online on Thursday. Usually a physical walk and talk for an hour in the fresh air, Mentor Walks is adapting its program to be virtual during restrictions due to coronavirus.

Its launch at Dubbo is supported by NSW Minister for Women and Mental Health Bronnie Taylor who will also be attending the online launch alongside senior female leaders from the public and private sectors who are participating in the event as mentors.

Dubbo MP Dugald Saunders said he was delighted Mentor Walks was expanding.

"My region has some incredibly talented and innovative women who are forging their careers in a range of businesses and sectors, and the ability to connect in a non-threatening way with other women is incredibly valuable and important," he said.

Eleven professional women based at Dubbo are taking up the role of mentor.

"Mentor Walks is a fantastic, national initiative that provides women with the opportunity to workshop ideas, gain insight and discuss challenges with some of Australia's most successful female leaders," co-founder Bobbi Mahlab said.

"These conversations are an important part of helping women take the next step in their career and ultimately developing the next generation of female leaders.

"It is particularly important during this time of global change that women feel connected to other women in their community.

"Mentor Walks gives them a safe space to share their experiences, receive advice and ensure their careers aren't buried under the rapidly changing home environment, which is now an office and often a school as well as a home."

Mentees are matched with a mentor and a fellow mentee to keep it casual, purposeful and personal. Each mentee is asked to come with a challenge or career question to be discussed on the day.

"Our mentors provide these aspiring female leaders with advice on challenges they're facing now, such as getting a promotion, asking for a pay rise, influencing executive teams, managing up or getting buy-in from investors," Ms Mahlab said.

Applications for mentees to attend are now open at the Mentor Walks website.