The select group of 10 year 11 students across Orange 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 from both mentors and students 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.

"The lessons of perseverance and believing in yourself when faced with challenges, resonated with all in attendance," he said.

"Leadership comes in all different forms, and by focusing on outcomes and listening to opposing views and approaches, together better results are achieved."

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.

"But I always used to say to people there is no failure in not succeeding, the only failure is not trying in the first place."

Later in the year, students will also take part in visits to both federal and state houses of parliament and will have the chance to attend a Business Leaders Breakfast hosted by RDA Central West.

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 row, 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.

On the floor, Orange City Council mayor Reg Kidd.