Connect and Grow

La Trobe University and Mallee Family Violence Executive are partnering again in 2024 on this event, as an opportunity for students and local industry to network.

Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from La Trobe University's Dr Corina Modderman. Dr Modderman will share insights into her project team's work here in Mildura that is helping to bridge the knowledge and service gap for children and young people in out of home care. The 10-year project, which is a first for rural Australia, is integrating child protection and health services to better support these vulnerable children.

Mallee Family Care's Chris Forbes will then facilitate a panel discussion with local staff who will share their career journeys. Following lunch two concurrent sessions will be on offer for attendees to choose from - on TAFE pathways to University and Research Opportunities and Careers. There will also be an industry expo session present at the event for attendees to explore.

This event allows an opportunity for the local workforce to learn, network and inspire the next generation workforce, whilst also gaining insight into how to enhance their careers and celebrate the diversity of their profession.

TAFE and University students will have the opportunity to network with future local employers, whilst learning from the panel about the range of careers in this sector.

This event is a not to be missed for anybody working or studying in the Social Work, Psychological Science, Mental Health, Counselling or Community and Human Services space!

Morning tea, coffee and lunch provided. REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL!

Format of the event:

9.00am
Arrival and networking, coffee and morning tea on offer

9.30am
Keynote speech from Dr Corina Modderman

10.30am
Break for morning tea

11.00am
Panel discussion

12.00pm
Lunch and networking

12.30pm

• Pathways to study Social Work session (suited for TAFE students looking to upskill)
• Research career pathways session (suited for industry professionals looking to learn more about research opportunities)

1.00pm
Event close

Keynote speakers:

Dr Corina Modderman
Dr Modderman is senior lecturer and researcher within the La Trobe Rural Health School. Her research interests span child protection, transnational social work, out-of-home care, health systems and family violence. She is driven by social justice and determined to see better outcomes for children and young people in care and disadvantaged regional and rural communities.

MC for panel discussion:

Chris Forbes
Chris Forbes holds a Bachelor and Masters in Social Work and has been working within the social work sector for over 30 years including direct practice, community development, management, clinical supervision, research and training. Chris is currently the General Manager at the Education Training and Research Unit of Mallee Family Care - advocacy and justice is at the heart of the work undertaken in the Research Directorate at Mallee Family Care. Chris has also previously has been a lecturer at La Trobe University's Mildura campus.

Panel members:

Garth Boyd, Social Worker, Complex Psychology
Garth holds a Diploma of Community Services from SuniTAFE and Bachelor of Visual Arts and Master of Social Work from La Trobe University.

Jemma Johnson, Social Worker / Wellbeing, Irymple South Primary School and Irymple Secondary College
Jemma holds a Bachelor of Social Work from La Trobe University.

Paul Hogarth, Team Leader, Mallee Sexual Assault Unit / Mallee Domestic Violence Services
Paul holds a Bachelor of Human Services / Master of Social Work.

Georgia Marciano, Clinican, Take Two, Berry Street
Georgia holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Deakin University and a Master of Social Work from La Trobe University.