Giving back to the community

I chose VU as it offered great pathways for learning. As a mature-age student, I wanted to ensure I was able to manage the study load as well as life balance.

Renee Page
Diploma of Community Services Work CHC50612, Certificate II in Community Services CHC20112

Returning to study as a mature-age student and sole parent, Renee Page has forged a successful career in community services.

"I chose VU as it offered great pathways for learning. As a mature-age student, I wanted to ensure I was able to manage the study load as well as life balance. I needed a career path that was sustainable as a sole parent to ensure I was able to support my children. The teachers were always building our confidence and challenging us as students. This allowed me to push myself further.

"Practical placements showed me the structures within a community organisation and the important relationships, both internally and externally, that have to be developed. My placements also allowed me to put my learning into practice and reflect on the theories that underpin the work I do. I became employed on a casual basis through the organisation I completed my student placement with. Soon after, I became a case manager at a different organisation and was promoted to team leader just eight months later.

"I am currently the Recovery and Wellbeing team leader at McAuley House, supporting women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. My goals within this position are to learn as much as I can about internal relationships, leadership and team dynamics. I’m also interested in developing external partnerships to ensure that the work we do is progressive and sustainable for the women we work with."

Courses studied