Ms Liz Skehan says she is interested in the ''bigger picture''. It's tough, but I enjoy the stimulation of studying. Originally a primary school teacher, Ms Skehan had social work in the back of her mind in the early 1980s, but didn't feel ready to tackle it at the time. After undertaking camp work for five years in secondary schools in New South Wales, Ms Skehan completed a masters in pastoral studies in Chicago, which centred around families, young people, human development, sociology and spirituality. University studies in student welfare followed on her return to Melbourne, but she decided that counselling was not enough.
Prevention is much more efficient in terms of human and financial resources.
On completion of her studies, Ms Skehan sees herself working with families and young people. Mr Rob Rennie sees the irony in his return to study. Now, oddly enough, I'm pursuing that very course - I should have taken his advice in the first place. After 23 years in insurance broking, and approaching 40, Mr Rennie was looking for a change. Insurance was a high-pressure job and the industry was being downsized.