SOAR! Student Opportunities Amplifying Readiness: Placement Journeys & Emerging Practitioners in St George & Roma (June 2025)

Episode 2 – Placement Journeys & Emerging Practitioners in St George & Roma 

Welcome to Episode 2 of our Student Placements Showcase Series —a four-part online "lunch & learn" series elevating the breadth of student placements, internships and life-changing work integrated learning opportunities available in Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence (DFV), sexual violence, and women’s health and wellbeing sector. 

In this episode, Alison Casey, Manager at Lifeline Darling Downs, alongside the WorkUP team will take you through unique placement opportunities in remote Queensland areas like Roma & St George. Sharing stories and learnings of student placements with hands-on experience and meaningful contributions to QLD communities. 

We will explore: 

• Student Experience Overview- Learn about the placement opportunities in regional and remote Queensland.
• Career Growth- See how placements open doors to long-term career opportunities in the sector and life in rural / remote communities 
• Personal Stories- Hear from two students about their placements in the sector, a counselling student with lived experience, and a mature age student working in SV space with CALD communities.  
• Q&A Session- Get your questions answered by industry leaders and students. 

Whether you're a sector organisation or leader, a student exploring placement options, or an education provider, this series will connect you with the resources and information to navigate the placement process while inspiring newcomers to the sector. 

Join us to learn, engage, and become part of a growing, impactful workforce!  

Save the Date for further planned episodes through 2025:  

• 27 August, 12pm-1pm: Men’s Behaviour Change internships and placements within Women’s Health and Wellbeing Services 
• 15 October, 12pm-1pm: Celebration, reflections, short-term industry placements and connecting with universities

Stay tuned for further details as they are released and please email at workforce@healingfoundation.org.au if you would like to hear more about what’s coming up.  

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: Thursday, 12th June 2025
Time: 12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST 
Location: Online

Who should attend

• Students undertaking courses / programs (VET/Tertiary) requiring completion of a placement  
• Relevant academic providers  
• Specialist DFV, sexual violence and women’s health and wellbeing services interested in / supporting students on placement within their service 

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.