The select group of 10 year 11 students met at Kate Jones @ One Nineteen on July 23, where they spent over an hour talking with all the mentors and tuned into a Q&A session with guest speaker Hon. Fiona Nash.

RDA Central West Director Sam Harma said it was a "cracker of a night" and the enthusiasm and engagement was top shelf.

"I saw plenty of notes being taken and heard some thoughtful questions being asked, he said.

"Students left the night empowered and confident about their future and that was a great result."

Mr Harma also said Fiona Nash provided some valuable insights into her journey as a regional leader.

Former Nationals senator and Charles Sturt University strategic advisor, Ms Nash talked about her experiences working in parliament and shared some words of wisdom for the students.

"My biggest challenge along the way was believing in myself enough that I could do the job right, I never really had an oversupply of confidence," she said.

The nine mentors pictured in the back row of photo Fiona Nash, Phocas chief executive officer Philip Dodds, Jumbled and Iglou owner Pip Brett, Federal member for Calare Andrew Gee, Charles Sturt University director for external engagement Julia Andrews, Member for Orange Phil Donato, MSM Milling brand and marketing manager Genya Miller, RDA Central West chair Christine Weston, Department of Primary Industries deputy director general Kate Lorimer-Ward. Pictured in the middle, Canowindra High School student Claire Wright, James Sheahan High School students Savannah Denning and Bridget May, Canobolas Rural Technology High School student Isaiah King, James Sheahan High School student Ethan Mackay, Canobolas Rural Technology High School student Blair Bella, Kinross Wolaroi School student Jess Morsley, Molong Central School student Joe Spencer, Orange High School student Abigail Thew and Kinross Wolaroi School student Mackenzie Jones. Forefront, Orange City Council mayor Reg Kidd.