Christine Forbes

In her own words

I have been involved with La Trobe University for nearly 22 years. First, as a La Trobe graduate (and I was the first in my family to go to university), and later as a Lecturer.

In 2008 I started lecturing in the School of Social Work at La Trobe’s Mildura campus. Although I have formally left the University, I continue to teach within the School each semester as a sessional teacher. I continue to teach as I love the mutual exchange from students and myself; sharing knowledge and understanding about our profession. Teaching within the University inspires me to maintain life-long learning.

During my employment at La Trobe, the social work staff were able to initiate a number of community events including the first Human Rights Festival in Mildura. We were a contributing partner in the Oxfam 'Walk in their Shoes' event with a number of our social work students volunteering, and we organised a Vox Popoli about human rights, which was utilised during the week.

My journey with Social Work first started out with the connection to La Trobe University in my Bachelor of Social Work giving me the love of learning. The Bachelor of Social Work enabled me to work in a range of contexts including government, non-government, community development, direct practice, management and research. This has led me to my current role of General Manager for a not–for-profit organisation that would not have happened if I hadn’t completed my degree.