IPAA Victoria Mentor Program Pilot
IPAA Victoria has launched a refreshed Mentor Program pilot designed to strengthen professional development across the Victorian public purpose sector.
IPAA Victoria Mentor Program pilot is designed to strengthen professional development across the Victorian Public Purpose Sector.
Over 12 weeks, 20 senior IPAA Victoria members (Executive Director level and above) will mentor selected IPAA Victoria members at VPS5–6 level or equivalent.
Running from March to June 2026, participants will meet fortnightly, concluding with an online graduation. The mentee‑led program is supported by a curated IPAA Victoria framework, with each session guided by a theme and complemented by optional reflective questions, pre‑reading and worksheets in an online workbook.
By leveraging IPAA Victoria’s extensive member network, the pilot connects emerging professionals and those new to the VPPS with experienced leaders, reinforcing IPAA Victoria’s role as a key enabler of capability and connection across the public sector.
What are the key objectives of the Mentor Program Pilot?
Connect
Foster relationships between mentors and mentees.
Learn
Build capability through guided development.
Grow
Support career progression and confidence.
Key information for mentors and mentees
Meet the 2026 mentors
Kate Barnes
Executive Director Customer, Programs and Digital, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Solar Victoria
Fiona Blair
Chief Executive Officer, Brimbank City Council
Anna Burgess
Chief Strategy & Planning Officer, Barwon Health
Ian Burgwin
General Manager Regulatory Operations, Energy Safe Victoria
Justine Cook
Chief Information Officer, Wyndham City Council
Amee Cooper
Executive Strategic Advisor, Yarra Ranges Council
Shelley Dolan
Chief Executive Officer, Royal Melbourne Hospital
Kate Gillan
Interim Chief Operation Officer, Psychealth
Michael Hopkins
Chief Executive Office and Commissioner, National Transport Commission
Louise Macleod
Chief Integrity Inspector, Integrity Oversight Victoria
Michelle McCorkell
General Counsel & General Manager – Legal, Governance and Regulatory Policy, Energy Safe Victoria
Katrina McKenzie
Commissioner, Economic Growth and Better Regulation
Fiona McLeay
Legal Services Board CEO + Legal Services Commissioner, Victorian Legal Services Board and Commissioner
Shamiso Mtenje
Executive Director – Assurance, Knowledge and Executive Services, Department of Education
Kate Roffey
Chief Executive Officer, Victorian State Sport Centres
Peter Saffin
Chief Operating Officer, Victorian Academy of Teaching and Leadership
Helen Vaughan
Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability
Annie Volkering
Chair, Healthy Waterways Strategy Region-wide Leadership Group
Ruth Ward
Chief of Public Engagement, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing
Linda Weatherson
Non Executive Director, Retired
Contact
If you would like more information on the program pilot, contact us via email mentorprogram@vic.ipaa.org.au.