SOAR! Celebrating Student Impact & Exploring Placement Innovation - Online (October 2025)

Celebrate student success and discover impactful short-term placements shaping the specialist sector & community.

In this final episode of the SOAR! series, we celebrate the achievements of student learning across the sector. We'll spotlight success stories and explore how shorter-term, high-impact placements are creating meaningful contributions to both the sector and the wider community.  

Join us for Episode 4 of our Student Placements Showcase Series, a four-part online lunch & learn event designed for professionals working in Queensland’s Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), sexual violence, and women’s health and wellbeing sector. 

This series highlights innovative, best practice approaches to student placements that strengthen the sector and support future workforce development. 

Whether you're looking to host students, enhance your placement program, or build stronger partnerships with education providers, this session will offer practical insights and inspiration. 

Stay tuned for more details, and reach out to workforce@healingfoundation.org.au to learn about upcoming sessions or get involved. 

Who should attend?

This webinar is primarily for DFV sector organisations and professionals interested in hosting students, improving placement models, and learning from peers. 
Students and university professionals are also warmly welcomed to attend and gain insights into sector expectations, placement opportunities, and collaboration pathways. 

In Episode 4, we’ll explore innovative placement models and initiatives that support equity, access, and regional engagement. Special guests include: 

• Alison Casey – returning to share reflections on student learning and sector impact 

• Christine Morley (Queensland University of Technology) – outlining the Commonwealth Student Placement Payment (CSPP) initiative, including eligibility and how it supports equity and access 

• Lisa Fanning & Mat Pigram (James Cook University) – discussing how to secure clinical placements in rural and remote North Queensland, and the support provided to health students through the UDRH 

• Amelie Vidgen & Jasmine Elliott (QUT) – showcasing 10-day placement models for justice students and their outcomes 

Learning outcomes

• Increased awareness and understanding about student placements in QLD and how these could be adapted / replicated across communities  

• Identified resources and tools that may contribute positively to a student placement  

• Shared learning and knowledge including direct student experiences   

• Promotes sector and academia collaboration in work integrated learning for students  

Event details

Date: Wednesday, 29th October 2025
Time: 12:30pm - 2:00pm AEST 
Location: Online

About the facilitator

Alison Casey
Human Service Manager | DFV Specialist | Advocate for Growth & Success

As a dedicated Human Service Manager, I oversee 12 government-funded programs, providing essential therapy and support to families and individuals experiencing domestic and family violence. With a deep commitment to social justice, I specialise in risk assessment, intervention, and multi-agency collaboration to enhance safety and well-being. I am passionate about ensuring justice and accountability for individuals using violence, advocating for systemic change to break the cycle of abuse.

Beyond my professional role, I take great pride in being a Mum and ‘Granny,’ bringing a compassionate, family-centered perspective to my work. I am also deeply committed to teaching and mentoring both students and staff, helping them grow to their full capacity so they can make a meaningful impact in their communities. By empowering future professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the sector. My expertise lies in strategic leadership, program development, and fostering community partnerships to drive impactful, client-centered outcomes.