Connect and Grow 2026

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.

We’re pleased to welcome Associate Professor Bernadette Ward as our keynote speaker for Connect & Grow in 2026.

Bernadette is leading the rural component of the Methamphetamine and Injecting Drug Use Cohort Study (MIXMAX) - an NHMRC‑funded project delivered in partnership with the Burnet Institute. Building on two long‑standing studies of illicit drug use (SuperMIX and VMAX), Mildura was included as a site for the project as the study expanded into regional Victoria.

Our MC, Cr Ali Cupper, will lead a panel discussion with local practitioners, giving attendees an insight into different careers, real‑world work experiences, common challenges in the job, and how to build confidence, resilience and support networks along the way.

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!

Event format:

9.00am - Event opens, tea, coffee on offer for arrival

9.30am - Event starts and keynote presentation

10.30am - Morning tea and expo

11.00am - Panel discussion

12.00pm - Event close, lunch available and expo open for browsing

Keynote speaker 

Associate Professor, Bernadette Ward

Bernadette is a renowned alcohol and other drugs researcher with a focus on rural populations. She has provided expert advice to several government committees and her research outputs have informed the development of policy in a range of education and health settings. Her work on rural health service models of care realigns the ‘rural/remote’ discourse to one of access and equity and that health status is not just a product of geographical location. 

Bernadette leads the rural arm of the MIXMAX project and has an extensive research track record with >$4 million in grants and > 100 publications. She is an experienced rural clinician and health service Board member and holds positions at The Burnet Institute and Monash University School of Rural Health where she teaches into the medical program. 

MC 

Cr Ali Cupper, 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

Jayne Manna, Research Assistant/Outreach Field Worker, Burnet Institute

Jayne Manna has completed a Bachelor of Psychological Science and is currently undertaking her Honours year at La Trobe University Mildura. Passionate about the connection between mental and physical health, Jayne is working toward becoming a registered psychologist as part of the six‑year pathway to registration. She has balanced online study with active engagement on campus, valuing both flexibility and access to local facilities. Jayne has been deeply involved in student life, serving as a Peer Learning Advisor and now as President of the La Trobe Student Association. Having lived in the Mildura region her whole life, she hopes to build her career locally and contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

Georgia Marciano, Counsellor - Therapeutic Services, Mallee Sexual Assault Unit/Mallee Domestic Violences Services

Georgia Marciano is a Master of Social Work alum from La Trobe University and currently works in the Therapeutic Services Team at Mallee Sexual Assault Unit/Mallee Domestic Violence Services. Georgia holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science from Deakin University. Georgia's career began in Investigation and Response for Child Protection in Frankston before re-locating back to her hometown of Mildura. Since then, her career has included roles supporting individuals and families within Family Violence Refuge, providing consultation and practice advice as a Specialist Family Violence practitioner as part of a statewide partnership with Child Protection, and as a Clinician for Berry Street's Take Two program, whereby she was awarded for her work at the Berry Street Awards in 2023 for her commitment to working with families and children impacted by trauma, abuse and adversity. Georgia is passionate about trauma-informed practice and providing a high-quality, accessible service to individuals and families in our community. 

Nathan Bland, Family Violence Practitioner, Sunraysia Community Health Services

Nathan Bland is a Family Violence Practitioner at Sunraysia Community Health Services and a recent graduate of Social Work (Honours) from La Trobe University. Having grown up in Mildura, Nathan is passionate about supporting and strengthening his local community.

Nathan entered social work as a mature-age student at 36, following a period of reflection where he chose to focus on his wellbeing and family. Drawn to the profession through its alignment with his personal values, he was motivated by a desire to work alongside people and contribute to meaningful change.

With over three years’ experience in the family violence sector, Nathan works with men through Men’s Behaviour Change Programs (MBCP) to build awareness of family violence and coercive control, supporting them to develop safer behaviours and healthier relationships. His role spans group facilitation and case management, including co-facilitating programs such as Caring Dads. Nathan is particularly passionate about strengths-based and holistic practice, and challenging the idea that people need “fixing,” instead recognising the capacity and resilience individuals already hold.

As a recent graduate, Nathan brings a relatable and practical perspective for students transitioning into the workforce, including the challenges and rewards of entering frontline practice.

John Ayling, Senior Clinician, Berry Street

Born in England, John completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology in the UK, influenced by an early interest in people and social systems and his mother’s work as a social worker. He later undertook a Master’s degree in Developmental Psychology, beginning his studies in the United States on a football (soccer) scholarship before returning to the UK to complete the degree.

His career spans a range of mental health and disability settings across the UK and Australia, including adult residential care, psychosocial recovery programs, assertive outreach services, and children’s charities such as Barnardo’s. He has worked with both adults and children across diverse clinical contexts.

After meeting his wife in Australia, he relocated to Mildura, where her family is from. He has since worked in private practice, CYMHS, and Take Two, where he has been based for the past four years. He also undertakes cognitive and ASD/ADHD assessments. His clinical interests focus on trauma, attachment, and neurodiversity.