Connect and Grow: Addressing Challenges, Strengthening Communities

La Trobe University and the Mallee Family Violence Executive present Connect and Grow—an event designed to connect students and professionals in the social work, psychology, and community services sector. This event aims to inspire, educate and build connections, empowering the next generation and strengthening the local workforce.

Attendees will have the chance to hear from Dr. Meaghan Katrak Harris, a social worker, academic, consultant, and writer. Dr. Harris will discuss her work with the Name, Narrate, Navigate (NNN) program at University of Newcastle, which is aimed at addressing interpersonal violence among young people aged 10 to 17. NNN, an innovative, cross-sector initiative, emphasises the importance of trauma-informed and culturally responsive, relationship-based approaches. The program seeks to enhance knowledge, behaviour, confidence, connection, and coping skills - not only for young people but also for the surrounding service and support sectors.

MC Ali Cupper will then facilitate a panel discussion with local practitioners who will delve further into the practical applications of their skills, the challenges faced in the field, and strategies for fostering resilience and support within the community.

Following lunch there will be a session on offer for senior secondary school students.  This hands-on activity will provide students with a chance to delve more into the life of a career in the care and support sector.

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

During morning tea and lunch, attendees can explore the industry expo and discover more about care and support work opportunities in Mildura. 

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

Morning tea, coffee and lunch provided. REGISTRATIONS ESSENTIAL!

Keynote speaker 

Dr Meaghan Katrak Harris, Program Convenor, Master of Social Work, The University of Newcastle

Dr. Meaghan Katrak Harris is a social worker, academic, consultant, and writer. Originally from Robinvale, she studied her Bachelor of Social Work at La Trobe University in Mildura and has also served as a lecturer in the program. Meaghan went on to complete a  Masters and PhD in social work with Monash University.  With a rich and varied professional background, Meaghan works across both the private and public sectors, as well as in the arts. Her research interests encompass all facets of community life, particularly focusing on place-based responses to the challenges faced by rural and regional communities. She has a keen interest in the arts as a tool for social justice. Meaghan's first work of creative nonfiction, Memories and Elephants: The Art of Casual Racism, was released in December 2021 and updated in February 2024, receiving excellent reviews.

MC 

Cr Ali Cupper, Deputy Mayor, Mildura Rural City Council and Principal Solicitor/Founder, Fambam Law

Ali holds a Bachelor of Laws and Legal Practice, and Bachelor of International Studies majoring in politics at Flinders University. She later completed a Bachelor of Social Work at La Trobe University Mildura. Ali has worked with families and children for most of her career in various capacities as a lawyer, mediator and social worker, and across various sectors including family law, child protection and youth justice.  Cr Cupper is the Principal and Director of her own boutique family law practice, focussed on helping families avoid court.

Panel

Rachel Fuller, Manager, Family and Child Hub, Sunraysia Community Health Services 

Rachel Fuller leads initiatives at the Family and Child Hub to support families and enhance child well-being. With over 20 years of experience in health and not-for-profit sectors, she holds a Bachelor of Human Services, a Master of Social Work, and has served as board chair of the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Rachel's extensive knowledge of services, programs, and policies in Victoria helps her navigate complex systems effectively. She is committed to person-centred care and exploring innovative ways to connect families with services for better outcomes. Rachel has also presented at conferences and contributed to publications on family support services.

Kate French, Director of Psychology, Mildura Base Public Hospital 

Kate is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of Psychology at Mildura Base Public Hospital. She also runs her own practice, Side by Side Psychology, focusing on family, child, and adolescent mental health. With a career spanning since 2006, Kate has extensive experience in various mental health services and has a special interest in autism and neurodivergence, influenced by her personal and professional experiences. She provides clinical supervision, coaching, and training on mental health and neurodivergence, and is passionate about trauma-informed services and polyvagal theory. A Sunraysia local, Kate understands the unique challenges of rural living and is dedicated to supporting her community.

Todd McCarthy, Senior Case Manager, FLO Connect 

Todd is a social worker with almost 12 years of experience in the local community mental health and youth support sectors.  He completed a Bachelor of Social Work at La Trobe University in Mildura 2012.  Todd is currently working at FLO Connect providing case management for young people disengaged from mainstream education or employment pathways. He is interested in creative practice through effective advocacy and multidisciplinary collaboration, with a specific focus on how to build strong partnerships with professionals from diverse fields to drive positive meaningful social change in line with social work values.

Eilish Zappia, Child Protection Practitioner, Department of Families, Fairness and Housing 

Eilish Zappia has always been passionate about helping others and this year commenced her career as a qualified social worker. Eilish completed her secondary education at Red Cliffs High School and Mildura Senior College before enrolling at La Trobe University to undertake a Bachelor of Social Work. During university Eilish undertook placement at Mallee Family Care within the Family Relationship Centre, where she focused on mediation, before moving onto Child Protection, which deepened her understanding of policy implementation and risk management. Eilish believes that open-mindedness and self-reflection are key traits for anyone in the social work profession and advises others to explore various career paths without fear of uncertainty.