Sue Meade is a Project Officer with the VHA, bringing a social work lens to areas of project work for the organisation, a strong history of diverse community health and human service sector project work, as well as clinical social work experience across health and human services. Sue enjoys developing and implementing projects that positively impact consumer and service outcomes.

Tell members a bit about your background – where has your career taken you and what brought you to the VHA?
I completed a Bachelor of Social Work and then later a Master of Social Work at Monash University. I have always enjoyed working directly with people in my social work roles, to support the needs of people in vulnerable circumstances in the community, and working in the health sector, being part of an integrated allied health team to support wholistic planning and safe outcomes for people. Over time, I have undertaken a range of projects, primarily with a service evaluation scope. More recently, this has included a more strategic project focus in disability service delivery development and work associated with the aged care reform processes. Partnering with consumers to support their wellbeing continues to be an ongoing driver for me, as well as seeking to recognise and resolve challenges services face to deliver quality outcomes.

What are some things you’re working on, and what most excites you about these projects?
My primary project focus within the VHA now includes working with community health to consider training needs in their service provision with younger people, as part of HACC-PYP, as well as broader engagement around assessment for this program area. I am also supporting projects related to the aged care reform process, and impacts for health and care services. I am valuing the opportunity to hear directly from members about their practice issues, to understand their service achievements and challenges, and enjoying being part of a collaborative and flexible team at the VHA.
 
What do you enjoy about working in the public health space?
I was drawn to this role to support positive outcomes for health consumers and services. I have found the VHA team to be values and action-driven to support the needs and voices of its members to deliver quality health outcomes. I believe in working within a sector that focuses on supporting and improving people’s lives, particularly for vulnerable members of our community.