Townsville boasts a thriving culture of mentorship, built on a shared commitment to nurturing local talent and creating a brighter future. Contrary to common belief, mentorship isn’t a one-way street—it’s a dynamic exchange where both mentors and mentees learn, grow, and inspire each other in profound ways.
BDmag sat down with three local mentor-mentee pairs to delve into their journeys, uncovering the invaluable lessons they’ve shared and the transformative impact these relationships have had on their careers—and their lives.
Georgina Whelan & Jenny Lye – TBWC Mercedes Mentoring Circle
For more than a decade, the Townsville Business Women’s Circle (TBWC) Mercedes Mentor Circles program has been empowering local women by providing a dynamic platform for growth, connection, and leadership development. The program, free for TBWC members, spans six months, featuring monthly meetings that foster meaningful relationships and practical learning opportunities.
TBWC mentor Georgina Whelan, Site Manager at ICON Cancer Centre, and her mentee, Jenny Lye, Administration Team Leader and Finance Manager at Apricus Health, reflect on the unique value of mentorship in regional areas.
What motivated you to become a mentor/mentee with TBWC?
Georgina: I was motivated to be a mentor as an opportunity to give back to our community and support the amazing organisation that is TBWC. I have mentored people informally over the years and this opportunity seemed like a great way to support an organisation that supports women in business and share my management and leadership experiences that I have developed across the years.
Jenny: As a team leader of a young team, I joined TBWC’s mentoring program with the goal of enhancing both my leadership skills and my ability to support and guide my team more effectively. I wanted to learn from the experiences and insights of seasoned professionals, particularly in areas such as strategic decision-making, fostering team collaboration, and managing challenges with confidence.
What’s been the most impactful part of the experience? What have you learnt?
Georgina: I’ve learned how impactful mentorship can be, not just for mentees but for mentors as well. I have met the most amazing, talented and dedicated group of women, who have shared personal experiences and insights as we have worked through the many challenges of running a business. Working through these issues and sharing experiences gives me another way to look at situations and better understand my own leadership style.
Jenny: The most impactful part of my mentoring experience has been the guidance I received on managing and uniting a young administrative team that initially lacked cohesion. Georgie helped me understand the importance of active listening and empathy in leadership. By applying her advice, I was able to foster a sense of belonging within the team, which improved both morale and collaboration. This experience strengthened my leadership skills and gave me the confidence to believe in my potential and to aim higher in my career.
What role does mentorship play in supporting women in regional areas like Townsville?
Georgina: Regional areas can sometimes feel isolating, but mentoring fosters a sense of community where we share experiences, advice, and different perspectives. Long after the mentorship program has completed each year, we all remain connected as an ongoing source of support and encouragement. Being a group of women allows for that shared experience of what it is like working in different industries as a woman, juggling the competing priorities of being a wife and mother, the constant self-doubt we hold and just feeling safe and supported in our mentorship environment too.
Jenny: For women, mentorship can be a powerful tool to overcome unique barriers, such as gender bias or limited access to networks. It allows them to gain knowledge, skills, and advice that might otherwise be inaccessible. This creates a ripple effect, with mentees empowered to mentor others, thus fostering a cycle of growth and opportunity for future generations of professionals in regional areas.
What is the most rewarding part of the mentoring experience?
Georgina: Meeting incredible women from diverse industries is a highlight, but seeing their growth by the program’s end is the most rewarding part. Watching them gain self-belief and fearlessly pursue their goals inspires me as much as it benefits them.
Jenny: The shared insights from Georgie and the group have been invaluable. Learning from others’ experiences and celebrating successes together has been both personally and professionally enriching. It’s created a sense of community and inspired me to be a better leader.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering joining the TBWC mentoring program?
Georgina: Being a mentor is so incredibly rewarding; I think I get equally as much out of the experience as the mentees! It really is a way to give back to our community but also support our up-and-coming leaders of tomorrow. I love that I can use the highs and lows of my leadership journey as a learning platform as well as a motivational driver. If anyone is considering being a mentor, they should absolutely consider it, they won’t regret it.
Jenny: Be open and proactive—engage actively with your mentor and the group, ask questions, and be receptive to new ideas. This is an opportunity to learn from others, build meaningful connections, and challenge yourself to grow in ways that will positively impact your career journey. Georgie’s insights have been invaluable, providing me with skills and perspectives that will continue to guide me well beyond this mentoring program.
To find out more about the TBWC Mentoring Circles, visit www.tbwc.com.au for more information.
Peter Wheeler & Kyle Morris – North Queensland Future Leaders Program
The Townsville Enterprise (TEL) Future Leaders Program is a transformative initiative helping emerging leaders in North Queensland develop skills and networks to tackle regional challenges.
In the 2024 cohort, mentor Peter Wheeler, Managing Director at Colliers Townsville, and his mentee Kyle Morris, Head of Aviation at Townsville Airport, identified the long-term benefits of mentoring the next generation.
What made you want to get involved in the Future Leaders Program?
Peter: I have had the privilege of being a mentor through the former Townsville Enterprise Emerging Leaders Program and I’ve maintained long-term relationships with those mentees to this day. After 27 years in business, I’ve met a lot of people, learnt countless lessons, and made a lot of mistakes. I’m happy to share my business experiences and I enjoy helping people, particularly young people, reach their potential and develop the skills they need for success.
Kyle: I was inspired to join the Future Leaders Program after hearing glowing feedback from colleagues who had participated in previous cohorts, and who highlighted the program’s strong alignment with personal and professional growth. While I am always seeking opportunities to enhance my leadership skills, the main appeal was the chance to connect with professionals across a diverse range of industries, developing my relationship building skills and broadening my perspective.
What role has mentoring played in shaping your career trajectory?
Peter: While my father (a longtime Townsville businessman) was an indirect influence, formal mentorship wasn’t promoted when I was starting out. Programs like Future Leaders didn’t exist, making it harder for emerging businesspeople to connect with industry leaders. That’s why I’m such a huge advocate of this initiative.
Kyle: I’ve participated in several mentorship programs that were primarily focused on the aviation and airport industries; however, this was the first program to focus on leadership while also tackling North Queensland’s unique challenges and opportunities. This broader perspective was invaluable, allowing me to grow as a leader while gaining insights into regional priorities and forging meaningful connections beyond my industry’s usual scope.
What have you gained from the program?
Peter: Mentoring has been an incredibly enriching experience, both professionally and personally, and makes me reflect on my own journey and reconnect with core values. The mentorship process is truly reciprocal—while Kyle benefits from my experiences, I, in turn, have gained valuable insights from his innovative thinking and knowledge base.
Kyle: Peter is an exceptional mentor, offering unparalleled knowledge of our region, its industries, and the broader business landscape. His insights have enhanced my understanding of North Queensland’s professional environment while providing me with a deeper appreciation of key business principles and strategies. One profound insight he shared is that while technical business skills can be learned, it’s the development and appreciation of soft skills that foster strong relationships and drives true success.
Based on your own experience, in what ways do programs like Future Leaders help foster the next generation of local leaders?
Peter: The program offers a succession plan for the region by ensuring that the skills, knowledge and talent within North Queensland are identified, retained, and developed locally which is critical to the continued success of our region.
Kyle:
Programs like the TEL Future Leaders initiative are essential to connect local talent with mentors across a range of industries. These programs not only build skills and relationships but also empower regional professionals to contribute meaningfully to their communities and drive long-term regional growth.
What was your favourite part of being involved in the program?
Peter: Seeing the growth and confidence that Kyle displayed throughout the program. A memorable moment was taking Kyle to a small dinner function with political and business leaders. It was inspiring to watch him hold his own at the table when most would be daunted by the prospect. In turn, the people in the room were keen to hear Kyle’s view on the world, recognising him as part of a new generation. I knew at that point that we had a future leader in the wings, which is very exciting because that is the whole purpose of the program.
Kyle: For me, it was the incredible diversity within the cohort and their mentors, representing industries such as private enterprise, government, tourism, and more, which created a unique platform for exchanging insights and ideas across sectors. The greatest benefit was the opportunity to forge strong, lasting relationships with these individuals, broadening my perspective while also enriching my personal and professional networks.
What your advice for someone looking to follow your lead in the space?
Peter: Mentorship is a two-way learning experience-I gain just as much as I give. If you’re considering becoming a mentor, I’d say go for it. It’s a deeply rewarding experience that offers the chance to influence someone’s career positively, while also broadening your own perspectives and ensuring that our city and region is in good hands for years to come.
Kyle: While the formal mentorship program has concluded, I’ve built a strong and ongoing relationship with Peter that extends beyond the program’s structure. His guidance has been invaluable, and I consider our mentorship a long-term connection, and I’m confident that his continued support will help me navigate future challenges and opportunities.
North Queensland Future Leaders Program is held biennially, with expressions of interest for 2026 opening soon. Visit www.townsvilleenterprise.com.au for more information.
Jennilee Dudgeon & Ava Foley – Townsville Chamber of Commerce & JCU College of Business, Law and Governance Career Mentoring Program
Each year Townsville Chamber of Commerce and James Cook University’s (JCU) Career Mentoring Program connects local professionals with students preparing to enter the workforce.
In 2024, JCU Bachelor of Business student Ava Foley was paired with Australian Defence Force (ADF) Careers Marketing Operations Manager Jennilee Dudgeon. Now that Ava’s graduated, the pair reflect on how mentoring shaped career readiness and expectations.
What motivated you to get involved with the Chamber+JCU Mentoring Program?
Jennilee: The joy of contributing to the region’s next generation of business professionals was a key motivator in supporting the program. I’ve been fortunate to have a few inspiring individuals put time aside to the development of my career, and I firmly believe investing in others is a responsibility all leaders must undertake to give back.
Ava: What really drew me to the program was the amazing professionals involved. I knew it would be a great opportunity to learn from their experiences, grow my confidence, and build connections in Townsville’s business community. It felt like a chance to be surrounded by people who had achieved so much and were willing to share their knowledge, which is something I really wanted to be part of.
How did mentoring help shape your career goals?
Jennilee: I’ve had great mentors who have not only given me sage advice but also served some hard truths or called out blind spots. Most people know the answers to the questions they ask a mentor but sometimes being told that it ‘isn’t about you’ or to ‘stop over-explaining yourself’ is advice you hear clearer from someone else.
Ava: As my mentor, Jennilee’s advice has helped me stop overthinking, trust my instincts, and present myself better in professional settings. She even became a referee for me, which boosted by confidence knowing that I had her support when applying for jobs. Now that I’ve graduated and started working, my next steps are to keep building on my career experience, grow my network and explore opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone.
Why is women-to-women mentorship valuable in regional areas?
Jennilee: I believe to cultivate diversity of thought, having a mix of mentors is needed, and to seek guidance from all types of professionals ensures a healthy cross-section of knowledge sharing. In saying that, women do face unique workplace challenges, so I believe that’s where having an established female mentor can be important. This is especially beneficial for regional towns where women in leadership may not be as accessible or visible.
Ava: To me it’s important because it fosters a strong support system. Having a mentor who understands the unique challenges women face in the workplace and can help guide you through these challenges builds confidence. In regional areas, these networks are even more valuable for community building, collaboration, and inspiring future female leaders.
How has this program contributed to your personal and professional growth?
Jennilee: As a leader within my own workplace there are frameworks to follow to help guide my team but mentoring someone outside of that space and at the start of their career, I had to really consider how to tackle those different topics, all while connecting with and growing the relationship with my mentee. Meeting Ava and getting to experience her excitement about the next stage of her career has been a nice reminder that we can always be curious and optimistic about the unknown.
Ava: Jennilee has been amazing. She’s shown me that I don’t have to have everything figured out yet, and that it’s okay to trust my instincts. I’ve learned how to present myself better, speak up in meetings, and not be afraid to share my ideas, and how to quiet that voice in my head that makes me second-guess myself.
How will your relationship continue post-mentorship?
Jennilee: I hope Ava feels comfortable reaching out, just as I do with my own trusted contacts. I also hope what I’ve shared has been valuable to apply to future scenarios, especially that it’s perfectly acceptable to not feel confident and that all of us are learning. Growth never stops, regardless of how long you’ve been working.
Ava: Jennilee has been incredibly supportive, and I truly value her advice. I know I’ll continue to reach out for guidance as I move forward in my career, it feels like the start of an ongoing professional relationship rather than something that ended with the program.
What advice do you have for potential mentors/mentees?
Jennilee: If you’re able to pay forward the help you’ve received, I encourage you to do so. The more business leaders help those wanting to grow in their careers, the more likely they are to do the same and the effect multiples. As a mentor, don’t feel like you need to have all the “right” answers. Experience and authenticity are invaluable tools.
Ava: I’d 100% recommend the Chamber of Commerce Mentoring Program to any young professional who wants to build their confidence and grow their career skills. If you’re thinking of applying, my advice would be to go in with an open mind, ask questions, and put yourself out there. You get out of it what you put in!
To find out more about becoming a mentor or mentee with Townsville Young Chamber, visit www.townsvillechamber.com.au/young-chamber-mentoring.
