9:30am - 2:30pm
Footscray Park Campus
29 November 2023
We are excited to invite you to a seminar for Victoria University staff and external partners on the topic of Communities that Care: Understanding the impacts of Trauma on Mental Health.
Mental health has a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and well being. During 2020-2021, just under 40% of young people aged 16-24 years had a diagnosed mental health condition of 12 months (ABS, 2022). However, an individual does not need a formal diagnosis to experience the negative impacts of mental ill health. The community can play a significant role in providing safe environments for living and learning for all young people and connecting them to the right supports in order for individuals to lead purposeful and meaningful lives.
This seminar will provide participants with:
an understanding of trauma,
challenge some of the stigma associated with mental ill health,
the different impacts and intersections of mental health on the individual, family, study, work and community,
practical strategies to support individuals effectively.
9:30 - 9:50
Arrival and Registration
Welcome and Acknowledgment of Country
Dr Jane Hickey (she/her) - Senior Lecturer, Youth & Community at Victoria University
Keynote Speaker - Dr. Breda Friel (she/her)
Course Director, Ulster University Northern Ireland
Keynote Speaker - Taylor Davies (she/her)
Project Coordinator, Mental Health Victoria
Break
Workshop Round 1
1. Tom Mason - CorEffect: Informal mental health support in grassroots sports
2. Katie Bishop - Headspace: Headspace Intro to the University Support Program
3. Grace Langton - Berry Street: Supporting students experiencing trauma in the classroom
4. Ali Baker - Victoria University: Creative arts approaches to mental health and crisis
5. Jaxson Benjamin - Victoria University: Introduction to gender and sexuality
6. Rowena Price - Moondani Balluk: Wayapa workshop. Brings ancient wellness wisdom from our First Nations people to benefit all people and the planet
Lunch and Networking
Workshop Round 2
1. Tom Mason - CorEffect: Informal mental health support in grassroots sports
2. Katie Bishop - Headspace: Headspace Intro to the University Support Program
3. Grace Langton - Berry Street: Supporting students experiencing trauma in the classroom
4. Ali Baker - Victoria University: Creative arts approaches to mental health and crisis
5. Jaxson Benjamin - Victoria University: Introduction to gender and sexuality
6. Rowena Price - Moondani Balluk: Wayapa workshop. Brings ancient wellness wisdom from our First Nations people to benefit all people and the planet
Co Health Panel Interview
Summary and Closing | Door Prizes
9:50 - 10
10 - 10:40
10:40 - 11:20
11:20 - 11:30
11:30 - 12:15
12:15 - 1:15
1:15 - 2
2 - 2:15
2:15
Get in touch
Connect with VU Melbourne
We acknowledge the Ancestors, Elders and families of the Kulin Nation (Melbourne Campuses), the Eora Nation (Sydney Campus) and the Yulara/YUgarapul and Turrbal Nation (Brisbane Campus) who are the traditional owners of University land.
To learn more, please contact the Moondani Balluk Academic Unit on +61 3 9919 2836 or [email protected]
Copyright © 2024. Victoria University, CRICOS No. 00124K (Melbourne), 02475D (Sydney and Brisbane), RTO 3113, TEQSA No. PRV12152
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Dr. Breda Friel (she/her)
Course Director
Ulster University Northern Ireland
Dr. Breda Friel is Course Director for the Postgraduate, Master’s programme, and Continuous Professional Development Short Courses (Level M) in Community Youth Work at Ulster University Magee. She is the director of The Centre for Youth Research and Dialogue (CYRD) and her research areas include suicidology, suicide prevention, Autism, and the importance of strength-based, trauma-informed relationships in practice. Research also includes Trauma, Covid-19, and Crisis. Specialising in trauma debriefing and critical incident responses, Breda is an accredited therapist and clinical supervisor with both the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She works with statutory and voluntary agencies in managing resources and support following critical events and current research is focusing on the unfolding narrative and practice themes emerging from Covid-19 and its impact on individuals and communities. Breda is a founding member of several mental health initiatives, including Insight Inishowen, Jigsaw Donegal, the Social Prescribing Programme, and the award-winning Feel-Good Fortnight in Inishowen. She is the author of The Irish Association of Suicidology: A History (2020).
Taylor Davies (she/her)
Project Coordinator
Mental Health Victoria
As a Project Coordinator for the MH&WA (Community and Non-Acute Sector Implementation), Taylor strives to ensure that non-acute providers within the Mental Health and Wellbeing sector are informed, educated and supported in the continuing legislative requirements under the new Act. Due to her expert knowledge in mental health service delivery as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse across various settings, she has provided ongoing consultation relevant to recommendation 10 and 42 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health Service recommendations. Through consultation Taylor has been able to actively advocate for those living with mental illness on what legislatively will most uphold their human rights and dignity and bring forward a health lead response. As someone that lives with mental illness, she is proud to have been able to have this contribution.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Katie Bishop (she/her)
University Support Program Consultant
Headspace
With almost a decade of experience in the tertiary education sector, Katie Bishop is a dedicated consultant at Headspace's University Support Program. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
Katie is not only deeply engaged in academia but is also an accredited crisis support worker. Her i experience includes working at Lifeline and various community initiatives, where she honed her skills in providing compassionate and effective crisis support.
Combining her passion for mental health advocacy and her academic pursuits, Katie is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her multifaceted background equips her with a unique perspective, allowing her to navigate the complexities of mental health support in the academic setting.
Grace Langton (she/her)
Senior Manager Training & Quality,
Berry Street Education Model
Berry Street
Grace has a wealth of teaching and youth work experience and an abiding passion for improving learning and wellbeing outcomes for all young people. Grace has extensive leadership experience in managing teams to design and implement education and training programs in schools, the TAFE and university sector and in welfare and juvenile justice settings. Her work has a focus on the educational experience of students with disabilities and students whose lives have been impacted by trauma or disadvantage. Grace currently works with schools to support their capacity to reach and teach all students, including those who present with challenging or adverse behaviours. Grace began her career as a performing arts teacher and her work continues to be informed by an appreciation of play, laughter and joy in the classroom.
Associate Professor Alison Baker (she/her)
Researcher in the Institute of Sustainable
Industries and Liveable Cities,
Victoria University
Alison’s current research projects are focused on identity, belonging and community building across a range of contexts. She mobilises creative and participatory research methodologies, specifically visual and sound storytelling to explore and develop young people’s sense of social justice and activism. One of Alison’s projects examines the use of creative arts as a participation strategy to engage young people in practices that support mental health and wellbeing. In wake of COVID-19 and concurrent crises the Resonant Voices research project, an arts-based participatory action research project, demonstrated the important role that creativity and artistic media play in individual and collective recovery for young people.
Jaxson Benjamin (they/she)
Learning Hub Coordinator
Victoria University
In this engaging and interactive session, we'll delve into the nuances of gender and sexuality. Fill your toolbox with comprehensive insights and the latest models to equip yourself to champion inclusivity. Collaboratively, we'll explore practical ways to apply this knowledge, nurturing respect and inclusiveness within our university spaces. Join this session to expand your understanding and actively contribute to the growth of VU’s community!
Your workshop facilitator, Jaxson Benjamin (they/she), is a VU alum with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development. They are passionate about advocating for space accessibility, particularly focusing on the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. In pursuit of this work, Jaxson pursued a Master of Education in Human Sexuality on Lenni Lenape land in the United States.
Before returning to VU as the Learning Hub Coordinator for the Ellimatta Hub in St. Albans and the City Tower Campuses, Jaxson worked as an Independent Sexuality Educator. Their work extended to collaborating with community groups, James Madison University, and conferences like the 2021 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity.
Jax is proud to serve in the Learning Hub, where they aim to improve the accessibility of academic support services for all students, contributing to an environment of greater inclusivity in education.
Dr. Breda Friel (she/her)
Course Director
Ulster University Northern Ireland
Dr. Breda Friel is Course Director for the Postgraduate, Master’s programme, and Continuous Professional Development Short Courses (Level M) in Community Youth Work at Ulster University Magee. She is the director of The Centre for Youth Research and Dialogue (CYRD) and her research areas include suicidology, suicide prevention, Autism, and the importance of strength-based, trauma-informed relationships in practice. Research also includes Trauma, Covid-19, and Crisis. Specialising in trauma debriefing and critical incident responses, Breda is an accredited therapist and clinical supervisor with both the Irish Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (IACP) and the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). She works with statutory and voluntary agencies in managing resources and support following critical events and current research is focusing on the unfolding narrative and practice themes emerging from Covid-19 and its impact on individuals and communities. Breda is a founding member of several mental health initiatives, including Insight Inishowen, Jigsaw Donegal, the Social Prescribing Programme, and the award-winning Feel-Good Fortnight in Inishowen. She is the author of The Irish Association of Suicidology: A History (2020).
Taylor Davies (she/her)
Project Coordinator
Mental Health Victoria
As a Project Coordinator for the MH&WA (Community and Non-Acute Sector Implementation), Taylor strives to ensure that non-acute providers within the Mental Health and Wellbeing sector are informed, educated and supported in the continuing legislative requirements under the new Act. Due to her expert knowledge in mental health service delivery as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse across various settings, she has provided ongoing consultation relevant to recommendation 10 and 42 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health Service recommendations. Through consultation Taylor has been able to actively advocate for those living with mental illness on what legislatively will most uphold their human rights and dignity and bring forward a health lead response. As someone that lives with mental illness, she is proud to have been able to have this contribution.
Tom Mason (he/him)
Director
Cor Effect
Tom is a social worker who is committed to strengthening communities, so its members grow to live life on their terms. He has worked in direct practice and senior leadership positions in alternative education and community services across Victoria and Tasmania. In recent years Tom has specialised in child safety, focussed supporting organisations and schools to build and maintain a child safe culture. Tom has been responsible for the development and implementation of education programs for high-risk offenders, and has a particular passion for men’s mental health. This passion for mental health has also led him to volunteering on the phones at Lifeline, and become an accredited Mental Health First Aid instructor.
Tom is an experienced professional supervisor, has taught at universities, and loves working with students and workplaces around Australia and internationally. Tom is determined to influence systemic change, and to create equal access to education, employment, and health care for all who call Australia home. Currently, Tom is the Director at Cor Effect, President of his local football club, but has most fun as husband and father.
Katie Bishop (she/her)
University Support Program Consultant
Headspace
With almost a decade of experience in the tertiary education sector, Katie Bishop is a dedicated consultant at Headspace's University Support Program. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Psychology, Katie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her role.
Katie is not only deeply engaged in academia but is also an accredited crisis support worker. Her i experience includes working at Lifeline and various community initiatives, where she honed her skills in providing compassionate and effective crisis support.
Combining her passion for mental health advocacy and her academic pursuits, Katie is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of others. Her multifaceted background equips her with a unique perspective, allowing her to navigate the complexities of mental health support in the academic setting.
Grace Langton (she/her)
Senior Manager Training & Quality,
Berry Street Education Model
Berry Street
Grace has a wealth of teaching and youth work experience and an abiding passion for improving learning and wellbeing outcomes for all young people. Grace has extensive leadership experience in managing teams to design and implement education and training programs in schools, the TAFE and university sector and in welfare and juvenile justice settings. Her work has a focus on the educational experience of students with disabilities and students whose lives have been impacted by trauma or disadvantage. Grace currently works with schools to support their capacity to reach and teach all students, including those who present with challenging or adverse behaviours. Grace began her career as a performing arts teacher and her work continues to be informed by an appreciation of play, laughter and joy in the classroom.
Associate Professor Alison Baker (she/her)
Researcher in the Institute of Sustainable
Industries and Liveable Cities,
Victoria University
Alison’s current research projects are focused on identity, belonging and community building across a range of contexts. She mobilises creative and participatory research methodologies, specifically visual and sound storytelling to explore and develop young people’s sense of social justice and activism. One of Alison’s projects examines the use of creative arts as a participation strategy to engage young people in practices that support mental health and wellbeing. In wake of COVID-19 and concurrent crises the Resonant Voices research project, an arts-based participatory action research project, demonstrated the important role that creativity and artistic media play in individual and collective recovery for young people.
Jaxson Benjamin (they/she)
Learning Hub Coordinator
Victoria University
In this engaging and interactive session, we'll delve into the nuances of gender and sexuality. Fill your toolbox with comprehensive insights and the latest models to equip yourself to champion inclusivity. Collaboratively, we'll explore practical ways to apply this knowledge, nurturing respect and inclusiveness within our university spaces. Join this session to expand your understanding and actively contribute to the growth of VU’s community!
Your workshop facilitator, Jaxson Benjamin (they/she), is a VU alum with a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development. They are passionate about advocating for space accessibility, particularly focusing on the LGBTQIA+ and disabled communities. In pursuit of this work, Jaxson pursued a Master of Education in Human Sexuality on Lenni Lenape land in the United States.
Before returning to VU as the Learning Hub Coordinator for the Ellimatta Hub in St. Albans and the City Tower Campuses, Jaxson worked as an Independent Sexuality Educator. Their work extended to collaborating with community groups, James Madison University, and conferences like the 2021 National Conference on Race and Ethnicity.
Jax is proud to serve in the Learning Hub, where they aim to improve the accessibility of academic support services for all students, contributing to an environment of greater inclusivity in education.