Strengthening local services with commUnity+

Leaders from both organisations, current VU students and alum came together recently to talk about achievements so far, and goals for the future. 

With eight locations across Melbourne’s north and west regions, commUnity+ delivers a wide range of community services: education courses, legal services, neighbourhood programs like Neighbourhood Houses and school holiday programs, and children’s contact services. 

The team has 120 employees, including 16 VU alumni, many of whom who completed a placement with commUnity+ during their studies. 

commUnity+ CEO Tracey Gaudry said that the formal partnership emerged through “a shared understanding, focused always on our shared communities and respective strengths and where those strengths combined could create even greater impact.” 

“Together, VU and commUnity+ are creating a pathway from education and practical experience into meaningful local employment, helping to build a skilled workforce that understands and is committed to the communities of Melbourne’s west.” 

Key achievements so far: 

• commUnity+ team members contributing to course content, with real-world applications, preparing students with awareness, and practical skills to be able to hit the ground running 
• 57 placement employment and volunteering opportunities with commUnity+ 
• connecting commUnity+ English language students to further study opportunities at VU 
• collaboration on VU’s Pathways in Place research program, finding ways to address and overcome barriers to employment. 

VU Chief Employment and Engagement Officer Patrice O’Brien chaired a panel discussion with VU students Amit Bhardwaj and Linh Tran, and Farriz Roslan a VU alum who is now a family lawyer at commUnity+, reflecting on what they’ve learned and exploring ways to strengthen the “place-based community impact partnership.” 

Trauma-informed approach in children’s services 

Linh Tran is in her final year of the Bachelor of Social Work. As part of her course, Ms Tran completed placements in a range of community settings, including the children’s contact service and the neighbourhood house at the Deer Park.  

“I work as an educator in after school care. In that role, we engage with kids a lot in terms of play. And it's sort of the same in children's contact service.  

“The difference that I learned was that in this environment you have to engage with them in a more trauma-informed way. Expressing your interest in play is not enough. You have to make sure that they feel safe with your presence in the room, regardless of whether you have been in their life or not. 

“As social work students, we learn about this in class. And placement helps you see that it starts from the very simple things,” Ms Tran said. 

Placement at Sunshine Magistrates Court, with commUnity+ lawyers 

Amit Bhardwaj is a first-year law student and an experienced migration agent. He returned to study last year and balances family responsibilities, marathon training and work. 

He has been on placement at Sunshine Magistrates court, learning directly from duty lawyers. 

Mr Bhardwaj spoke with admiration of the duty lawyers he has been learning from, including Farriz Roslan, who he explained provides legal services for around 10 cases a day. 

“The work they do is amazing. commUnity+ is very, very lucky to have those professionals in the team.” 

Family lawyer Farriz Roslan reflects on community connection 

Family lawyer Farriz Roslan reflected on his experience as a student:  

“The placements brought me to applying the legal theory to people’s lives. There’s a difference between understanding the legislation and what is on paper, to actually assisting your clients and navigate situations.” 

He sees a link between student placements and "creating a sustainable pipeline of lawyers that are committed to Melbourne’s west.” 

“The thing about placements is that it's not just exposure to the work environment, and the university requirements – it’s also about that commitment to the community. And I think creating a pipeline where workers are committed to Melbourne’s west, is important so students leave their placement feeling more connected and inspired to create a stronger community.” 

Learn more about the partnership.