Charles Sturt University Speech Pathology student, Alice, with children from Lulla’s Children & Family Centre, Shepparton

Providing both long day care and kindergarten programs, Lulla’s is dedicated to giving Aboriginal children access to high-quality education and care. Lulla’s aim to reinforce cultural identify while building confidence and self-esteem, the perfect foundation for a life of learning.

The Going Rural Health team, in partnership with the University of Melbourne Department of Rural Health Aboriginal Health Team, worked with Lulla’s to develop a student placement for 2 speech pathology students, due to the speech and language needs of a number of children in the 3 year old and 4 year old kinder programs.

In August 2019, two students from Charles Sturt University worked at Lulla’s for four weeks, doing screening assessments, and different kinds of therapy such as whole group shared reading, small group activities and individual therapy. They also worked with staff to build on what they are already doing to support children’s communication development, as well as developing some resources about speech and language development and when to refer to speech pathology.

Lulla’s staff reported that having the students was very helpful and that they felt the children and their families had benefited from the experience, as well as themselves.

For more information on service learning placements click here

Rumbalara Elders Facility is a 30-bed residential care home in North Shepparton. Residents receive culturally appropriate care and are encouraged to take part in regular activities and outings in the Goulburn Valley region. Family and friends are always welcome for visits and to enjoy a meal in the cafe and dining area.

Rumbalara Elders Facility residents have access to an onsite medical centre with specialist services from visiting podiatrists, dieticians and physiotherapists.

In 2018 and 2019, Dietetics students from La Trobe University have completed their Food Service placements at Rumbalara Elders Facility. During their placement they worked with the Chef and kitchen staff to complete a project around reviewing the meals which are provided to residents.