Could a rural placement change the way you see your future? For Bachelor of Social Work student Di, a 14-week placement in Kalgoorlie has been more than just hands-on experience. It’s been a transformative journey of growth, independence, and connection.
Di always knew she wanted to support people, but it wasn’t until she moved to Australia from Vietnam and started working in community service that she truly found her calling. After arriving in Australia, Di’s work in health care and the community encouraged her to pursue a Bachelor of Social Work. Now in her third year, Di is undertaking her rural placement through the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH), and it’s an experience she says has transformed her both professionally and personally.
The GUDRH is a new academic centre based in Kalgoorlie, focused on health education and research, as well as helping students study and work in the Goldfields. As a partnership between Curtin and organisations like the WA Country Health Service and the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the GUDRH supports clinical placements, research opportunities and local career pathways to grow and retain a skilled health workforce in the region.
Based at a Kalgoorlie school for her 14-week social work placement, Di got to observe students, identify those who may need support, and work proactively with her teammate to develop action plans in consultation with supervisors and school staff.
“I don’t have someone sitting next to me telling me what to do all the time. I have to be very proactive, make decisions, seek feedback by myself, but I still have a lot of support. A lot of my skills are being built in a short time.”
This sense of independence and hands-on experience is exactly what drew Di to a rural placement. She knew she wanted to do her placement outside of the city, and believed that working in Kalgoorlie would provide her with valuable personal and professional development opportunities.
For Di, the support she’s received from GUDRH has been a standout part of her placement. She says the staff take time to understand each student’s goals, creating an environment where she feels truly listened to.
“They really listen to what I expect, what I want, what I need. That’s what I’ll apply in my future work, learning to listen to people, to understand what they really need.”
She’s also had the chance to participate in community events and agency visits and even attend a social psychologist meeting as an observer, an opportunity she said would be unlikely in a big city where everyone is “too busy”.
Di’s experience in Kalgoorlie has deepened her interest in working with both Indigenous communities and veterans as a reservist in the army. “I want to work in mental health, with soldiers and Indigenous people. Maybe part-time in each area. There are so many options in social work. It’s opened my eyes.”
Even the cultural immersion sessions, such as the On-Country experience with a local Aboriginal family left a deep impression.
“They didn’t just give us information, they let us ask questions, they showed us their land and culture, they explained why some things can’t be photographed or shared. It was gentle, respectful, and very powerful.”
When asked if she had advice for students considering a regional placement, Di didn’t hesitate. She believes you learn faster with more responsibility, there is more opportunity to connect with the community, and you could gain better feedback and face more growth.
“A highlight is the networking for me. The connection with people in, and related to, the field. Everyone is just so supportive.”
Looking to the future, Di is hoping to work with the defence industry. As a soldier herself, Di recognises the need for social work in this industry and is open to a variety of opportunities, such as social work organising support for defence families with children who have disabilities, or working as a counsellor. Di also wants to continue to raise the profile of the social work degree, believing it is far more diverse than the common assumption that social working just deals with children.
To learn more about doing a rural placement at the Goldfields University Department of Rural Health (GUDRH), visit the website.
