The milestone brought together alumni, current students, staff and industry partners to reflect on the evolution of the program and its ongoing contribution to strengthening rural and regional communities.
A highlight of the celebration was the alumni panel discussion, Reflections on Regional Social Work Education: From Learning to Practice, Creating Change, featuring graduates from across the decades.
Panellists shared where their careers have taken them, how their education at La Trobe shaped their professional practice and the lessons they have carried into their communities and workplaces.
Among those reflecting on their journey was 2019 graduate Emily McDonnell, whose career has taken her from the Northern Territory to the international humanitarian sector.
"I am really grateful for the opportunities that social work has, and continues to, provide me," Emily said.
"Since graduating, I have moved to the Northern Territory and had the privilege to learn, share, grow and work in more than nine First Nations communities spanning over 162,000 square kilometres.
"I have also worked in the international humanitarian sector across the Pacific and, later this year, I will support students as a supervisor and field educator during their placement in Nepal.
"Over the last two years I have co-authored a journal article and a book chapter, which has been another wonderful learning opportunity."
Emily's experience reflects the diverse pathways pursued by graduates and the wide-ranging impact they continue to have across communities, sectors and countries.
Professor Jane Mills, Dean of the La Trobe Rural Health School, said the anniversary was an opportunity to celebrate both the program's legacy and its continuing importance to rural, regional and remote Australia.
"Social workers make an extraordinary contribution to the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote communities, working alongside individuals, families and communities to create meaningful and lasting change," Professor Mills said.
"For 30 years, the Bendigo program has equipped graduates with the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to respond to the unique needs of the communities they serve.
"This milestone celebrates our graduates, students and educators, as well as the strong community and industry partnerships that help us prepare the next generation of professionals."
The anniversary events were developed in partnership with Bendigo Health, the Centre for Non-Violence and Annie North, reflecting a shared commitment to education, practice and professional collaboration.
These partnerships play an important role in connecting learning with practice, helping students build the skills and experience needed for their future careers while strengthening the profession across the region.
