With 30 years of experience in the welfare area, Fiona Mertz has extensive knowledge in working with children and families. Fiona has undertaken work in program coordination, project reviews, event management, research, case management, staff supervision and mentoring of students.
More recently Fi has been working on two place-based initiatives trying to improve wellbeing outcomes for children and families by identifying issues earlier and ensuring adequate supports are in place before situations escalate. Several evidence-based programs have been embedded into this work to build the resilience and resources of young people and their families.
Fi has worked in senior roles including managing a Child Protection team. An important aspect of her work during this period was her involvement with the Muthi Miah Aboriginal Family Preservation team. Together with her team, Fi won a “Highly Commended” award at the National Child Abuse Prevention Awards in 2001 for the development of a culturally sensitive tool relating to Family Preservation work.
Fi holds a Bachelor of Arts, with a major in Psychology. Having lived and worked in the Moulamein and Swan Hill area for all of her life, Fi has established excellent networks across the area.
