Making a difference in mental health
VU has some really special partnerships with organisations who are doing great things in our local communities. I was able to play a role with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation.
Colby Bryce
Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology)
Psychologist Colby Bryce, winner of the 2023 Victoria University (VU) Rising Star Alumni Award, shares how he’s building a rewarding mental health career.
“Growing up, I went to a few of my mum’s graduation ceremonies, and the one that’s most vivid in my memory was her master’s degree at VU. Seeing her career success in the allied health field motivated me to follow that dream as well.
“After completing my undergraduate studies in health science, nutrition and psychology, I studied my Master of Applied Psychology (Community Psychology) at VU.
“I chose psychology, and specifically community psychology, because I think psychologists can play a role in so many of the problems that we see in society today. I wanted to be part of the team that addresses some of these issues.”
Work placements with community impact
“My time at VU was great. I really liked the practical model of learning that VU provided me with. VU also has some really special partnerships with some big organisations who are doing great things in our local communities.
“One of those partnerships is the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation. During my studies I was able to play a role in a program with the Foundation, working with people in and around Footscray who were socially isolated or who might have been experiencing mental health challenges.”
Becoming a leader in mental health
“My current role is quality assurance manager and psychologist at National Positive Behaviour Support (NPBS). I’m also an advanced behaviour support practitioner.
“I've also started an Instagram platform (@the.psychologist.nutritionist) to help people understand the best mental health research that's out there, and from that, hopefully take some steps to improve their mental health.
“Winning the 2023 VU Rising Star Alumni Award was certainly very humbling and a huge honour. There are so many VU alumni doing pretty special things in their communities and respective fields.
“I think it’s a good recognition of the support that friends and family have given me, and opportunities that organisations have provided me along my career journey today.
“The advice I would give any students or alumni coming out of VU would be to take every opportunity that's put in front of you, especially those that can look to develop your career or develop you as a person.”