LRHS - 30 Years of Social Work by Libby Semmens

2026-06-29 04:30:13 UTC

This photo shows the end result of a fabulous strengths-based exercise designed by 2 students. The exercise built everyone's confidence and helped them feel part of a growing community of practice.

slangley_ — 2026-06-30 00:30:07 UTC

This anniversary reminded me of the promotional photo taken for the 20th year celebrations, back when I was a third year student at the Bendigo campus. My younger self would not have predicted that I would be a staff member and postgraduate research student by the next anniversary event, but I think that journey speaks to the enduring culture of mentoring, support and empowerment within the Social Work program in Bendigo.

2026-07-01 01:35:15 UTC

I could never have imagined the impact that studying social work in Bendigo would have on my life. This picture of me on my final placement in Nepal represents just one of the many extraordinary experiences I had while studying or the opportunities that have followed because I chose social work.

It has led to me having the opportunity to do work in a variety of contexts that I find incredibly meaningful and rewarding. However, the most important part of my La Trobe social work journey has been the relationships I made along the way. Their passion, wisdom and generosity fostered a deep sense of belonging to the profession and continues to inspire me to be the best social worker I can be!

2026-07-04 06:36:39 UTC

Something incredible about my connection with La Trobe has been witnessing the quiet transformation that happens when students take their learning into the world. In international field education, I have seen students move from uncertainty to confidence, not because everything becomes easy, but because they begin to trust their capacity to sit with complexity, listen with humility and practise with courage. Those moments of growth have stayed with me and continue to shape why this work feels so meaningful.

Launching our Field Education textbook in 2018 with Centre for Non-Violence

jtheobald8 — 2026-07-06 04:21:13 UTC

sharte3 — 2026-07-07 00:03:56 UTC

^{I am really grateful for the opportunities that social work has and continues to provide me. Since graduating, I have moved to the Northern Territory and had the privilege to learn, share, grow and work in over nine First Nations Communities spanning over 162,000 square kilometres. Since then, I have worked in the international humanitarian space in the Pacific and later in the year I will be supporting social work students as a supervisor and field educator for their social work placement in Nepal. Over the last two years I have co-authored a journal article and a book chapter which has been another wonderful learning opportunity!}

2026-07-15 01:19:45 UTC

My passion for Social Work has grown in the years I have worked alongside young people who have faced challenges far greater than anyone their age should have to endure. Throughout my career in education, I have met students who have experienced trauma, family breakdown, mental health challenges, disadvantage, and social isolation. While every story is different, one thing has remained constant—the incredible difference that one trusted adult can make in a young person's life.

I have always believed that education is about far more than academic achievement. Before a young person can learn, they need to feel safe, valued, connected, and understood. Some of the most meaningful moments in my career have not been measured by grades or attendance data, but by seeing a student smile for the first time in weeks, watching their confidence slowly return, or hearing them say they finally feel like someone believes in them.

Working in student engagement has shown me that behind every attendance issue, behavioural concern, or disengaged student is a story that deserves compassion rather than judgement. I have learned that meaningful change happens through building genuine relationships, listening without assumptions, advocating fiercely, and helping young people recognise strengths they often cannot yet see in themselves. These experiences have shaped not only the way I work but also the person I strive to be. Supporting young people to discover their strengths, build resilience, and become the best versions of themselves is not simply the career I have chosen—it is the purpose that continues to inspire me every day.

2026-07-15 03:07:40 UTC

How wonderful to be celebrating Social Work at LaTrobe, Bendigo. I am so grateful for the day I walked into a social work elective (from my behavioural neuroscience degree) and left it ready to jump ship because I'd found my fit.

2026-07-21 13:38:43 UTC

Social work has taught me that knowledge is never finished. Every person we meet, every conversation we have and every community we walk alongside has something to teach us. The greatest gift of this profession is that it asks us to remain lifelong learners, balancing evidence with curiosity, compassion with courage, and hope with action. It is a privilege to be part of a profession that believes people are never defined by where they begin, but by the possibilities that emerge when they are truly seen, supported and empowered.

How fortunate we are

sophics — 2026-07-23 04:33:48 UTC

How lovely to be able to mark 30 years of social work teaching at la Trobe Bendigo! I remember my years of being on the teaching team with great fondness, but more importantly, is the contribution of the team to professional expertise in the region and beyond. I have had the pleasure of serendipitous meetings with graduates who are now making their own special contributions and some have contributed my health and wellbeing in recent times. What a pleasure to recognise someone I taught and renew our acquaintance.

Best wishes to the social work team, all our students and graduates, and may the strengths of having a course in Bendigo continue.

Jennifer Lehmann

2026-07-27 03:34:21 UTC

Bendigo Graduation, April 2026

jtheobald8 — 2026-07-27 03:48:42 UTC

Left to Right: Kerryn B, Rachel L, Natasha L, Jacqui T

Congratulations Bendigo

2026-07-27 03:55:04 UTC

A huge congratulations to our 'big sister' social work team. How wonderful to be celebrating 30 years of social work at La Trobe Bendigo. Your staff and students have always been passionate and dedicated - 2 important qualities of any social worker - and a huge inspiration and support to us here at the Albury/Wodonga campus. Enjoy the celebrations this week and be proud of the many wonderful social workers you have 'grown and nurtured' and sent out into the world.

Celebrating 30 Years of Social Work in Bendigo

2026-07-27 04:38:46 UTC

Where it all began...

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 00:41:36 UTC

A needs analysis was undertaken by Fiona Gardner in 1995 - the first recommendation was "La Trobe Bendigo in cooperation with La Trobe Bundoora establish social work training based in Bendigo as a matter of priority. There is clearly a demand for and interest in this being provided locally".

The rest is history!

A very early (1995) collaboration agreement between Schools at La Trobe University to deliver the social work program in Bendigo.

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 01:01:29 UTC

The delivery of social work education at La Trobe was possible because of collaboration between Schools in the University. Collaboration between Schools continues today.

The first cohort of students - 1997

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 01:05:02 UTC

The Bachelor of Social Work commenced as a two-year degree (plus prior field experience). This is a picture from 1997 of the first cohort of students to graduate plus staff including Fiona Gardner, Di Cox, Garth Phillips, and Jim Young.

Class of 1998

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:13:36 UTC

Hard copy Undergraduate Social Work Handbook 2003 - old school (pre internet)

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:15:31 UTC

This is how we did things before the internet!

Graduating class of 2008

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:17:26 UTC

Students and staff (Natasha Long, Grace Bronw, Robyn Trainor, Fiona Gardner) at graduation in 2008.

Picture from graduation in 2007

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:18:37 UTC

Students and staff member Jan Pascal (red gown) at graduation in 2007

Class of 2004

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:22:40 UTC

Class of 2005

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:28:21 UTC

Wearing your social work hat!

nlong38 — 2026-07-28 02:43:32 UTC

Graduating class of 2018

slangley_ — 2026-07-28 06:32:37 UTC

2026-07-28 08:24:40 UTC

Thank you to the social work team at La Trobe University, for your passion, commitment, and ethical approach to regional and rural education. It has been a privilege to be an alumni and staff member over the years. I have learnt so much from colleagues and students. Grateful!