La Trobe University's Shepparton campus has celebrated a major milestone at its graduation ceremony with the conferral of its first industry-based PhD.
Yvonne Burns has graduated with a doctorate developed in partnership with FamilyCare, highlighting the growing role of regional research partnerships in driving local impact.
Dr Burns' research revealed how fragmented information systems can create significant and often unseen manual work for community service staff, taking time away from direct client care.
Working closely with FamilyCare staff, Dr Burns identified these barriers and helped develop a more streamlined reporting framework, alongside practical tools to support future system improvements across the sector.
"There is no doubt I made it to the end because of the wonderful support and encouragement I received along the way, from both agency and academic staff. We crossed the finish line together," Dr Burns said.
The project demonstrates the value of locally embedded research, where partnerships between universities and community organisations deliver practical solutions to regional challenges. It was supported by local philanthropist Vaughan Bradshaw through the Bradshaw Family Initiative.
Dr Burns also received the prestigious Nancy Millis Award at the 28 May ceremony, recognising her innovation and impact.
La Trobe Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Sue Bennett said the milestone underscored the University's commitment to expanding research opportunities in regional Australia.
"Dr Burns' achievement is a significant moment for our Shepparton campus and shows how research delivered in regional communities can create real, lasting impact," Professor Bennett said.
"Industry-based doctorates are central to building strong partnerships and ensuring our research directly benefits the communities and sectors we serve."
FamilyCare CEO Andie West said the partnership had strengthened how the organisation supports local families and communities.
"With a clearer understanding of how our staff spend their time interacting with reporting systems and collecting data, we can make informed improvements that reduce administrative burden and enable staff to focus more on delivering direct services and supporting families - where the real magic happens," Andie said.
"This collaboration brings together local knowledge and research expertise to build systems that will help us support families and communities more effectively."
Shepparton Head of Campus Laura Baker said the project highlighted new opportunities for postgraduate study in regional areas.
"Regional campuses like Shepparton play a vital role in helping local students build careers close to home, but Yvonne's success shows there are also strong pathways at the postgraduate level," Laura said.
"This is exactly the kind of partnership we want to grow; connecting local professionals with research that strengthens industries and communities across the region."
The ceremony also recognised students who have balanced study with significant life commitments, including valedictorian Amanda McDonald.
Amanda completed her Master of Business Administration online through La Trobe while working full-time, supporting a family member through cancer treatment and caring for four nieces and nephews during the COVID pandemic.
"I am proud of all my hard work, dedication and perseverance over the years, and valedictorian is a testament to that," Amanda said.
Amanda now works as Senior Project Lead in the early years department at Greater Shepparton City Council. She pointed to the flexibility of online study, combined with access to campus support as key to her success.
"Being able to go onto campus for additional assistance and attend campus events was hugely beneficial. I was able to study at my own pace but still feel like a valued member of the La Trobe cohort," Amanda said.
"A change in careers was the first big opportunity straight off the cusp of completing my MBA."
Like Amanda, Bachelor of Nursing graduate Sarah Minotti balanced course requirements with full-time work and family responsibilities - at one point juggling three jobs while completing her degree.
"I have worked in the medical admin sector since I finished high school and always wanted to do nursing but never felt it was the right time, especially when my kids were little," Sarah said.
"I decided to take a chance and go back to studying. Having La Trobe in Shepparton made that easier to achieve."
With five children aged between 12 and 20, including a son with additional needs, Sarah said careful planning and family support were essential to maintaining study and placements.
"La Trobe was great. I felt confident and comfortable to seek the assistance I needed," Sarah said.
"It feels surreal to be graduating."
Now completing her graduate year at GV Health, Sarah hopes to further her education to become a critical care nurse.
PHOTO: Vaughan Bradshaw (Bradshaw Family Initiative), Sue Caines (FamilyCare), PhD graduate Dr Yvonne Burns, David Tennant (former FamilyCare CEO instrumental in industry PhD) and Shepparton Head of Campus Laura Baker.
