The Andrews Labor Government is ensuring women in regional Victoria have access to the networks that will help them succeed.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today announced an additional $80,000 in funding to expand Mentor Walks to regional Victoria.

Mentor Walks give women the opportunity to partner up and receive professional advice from mentors in their chosen fields while walking.

Mentors and mentees meet once a month to take a one hour walk together, where they talk through personal and professional successes, challenges and aspirations.

The program is based on the Mentor Walk Asia program which was started in Beijing by Victorian restauranteur Michelle Garnaut.

Adina Jacobs and Bobbi Mahlab then brought the program to Sydney in 2016. Mentor Walks now exist in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne.

This is on top of the $80,000 for Mentor Walks that Ms Hutchins announced in Hong Kong as part of the first all women trade delegation to China in April.

To learn more visit mentorwalks.com.au

Quotes attributable to Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins

 “We can’t be what we can’t see. Mentoring is an important part of encouraging more women to take up leadership positions.”

“When women are empowered as leaders professionally and personally, both the economy and our communities benefit.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“We have so many talented women in the Gippsland region and Mentor Walks will help them to network and succeed together.”