Peter Duffy – Mentor Making a Positive Difference

Mentoring is an experience that proves incredibly rewarding for North Queensland commercial lawyer Peter Duffy as he completes his tenth mentoring program as part of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation’s Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Program.

“The opportunity to listen, learn from, and share with adolescents as they move toward adulthood and make their mark on the world is something I value,” Peter Duffy said. 

“I hope those we mentor feel empowered to believe in themselves and strive to achieve their goals knowing that failure and challenges are all part of the experience.”

Duffy’s mentoring involves weekly sessions with a young person where he helps them assess their values and set positive goals as part of a structured program.

“This is a vital program that encourages young people to look inwards at themselves, identify what’s important to them, what their values are and how they then want to translate that into their day-to-day living, pursue their goals and ultimately try to make a difference,” he said.

“As a mentor, it’s very important to be supportive and provide some perspective and guidance in a non-judgemental way, listen to them and share your own experiences, and show them understanding that we’re all ultimately walking this path together.”

Duffy says that one of the rewarding outcomes is to see a student start the program who may be shy and withdrawn and by the end of it have developed trust with you and become open and forthcoming and have more of a spring in their step.

“To mentor, the best thing that you can come with is an open mindset and a preparedness to listen and share some of your life experiences and be willing to help guide others. The opportunity to possibly make a difference in the life of a young person is really important and one to embrace.”

The Foundation’s eight-week self-development and mentoring program is being run in the Townsville region in schools including Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School, Northern Beaches State High School and Townsville State High School.

Over eight weeks, participants in the Onwards & Upwards Wellbeing Program delivered to students and emerging leaders in public, flexi, and private schools, undertake a personal development and mentoring program that uncovers and embraces their values as individuals. 

Attributes mentors work with students in developing include – their outlook on life, motivation to succeed, engagement with school, developing trusting relationships with adults, setting and achieving goals, and building positive relationships with peers and teachers.

The Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation plans to hold over 80 programs in 2025 in Queensland, focusing on its core groups of young people facing challenges, emerging student leaders, and job seekers.  

The Foundation welcomes new mentors. To register your interest and to find out more please visit inspiringbrighterfutures.com 

You can make a general donation to Inspiring Brighter Futures and know that you’re directly improving the wellbeing and future of people in our community who need it the most.

ENDS media enquiries to Brenton Gibbs 0419 828440 [email protected]