Alumni Profile – Abbey Justin

Title HereAlumni Profile

Abbey Justin

Time spent at St Aloysius College shapes the future pathways for many. Alumni Abbey Justin, had aspired to join the Police Force since she was in Year 10. Since completing her studies she has fulfilled that desire and is currently a Detective Senior Constable at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team (SOCIT).

Abbey shares with us some insight to her studies and career since graduating from the College in 2004.

What year did you finish at St Aloysius College? I completed VCE in 2004

What study did you undertake after Year 12? After I finished Secondary school I completed a double degree - Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Human Services at LaTrobe University in Bundoora. It was a 4 year degree.

Briefly outline your work history; Once I finished my degree I secured a job as a Child Protection Practitioner at The Department of Human Services in Footscray. I worked there for 3 years in a reunification team. I worked directly with families to implement support programs to enable them to have their children returned to their care or to support families to keep their children with them.

In September 2011 I joined Victoria Police. I was in the Police Academy in Glen Waverley for 33 weeks. I lived onsite at the Police Academy throughout my training. Upon graduation from the Police Academy I went to the Altona North Police Station as a uniform Police member. Throughout my time at Altona North I was given the opportunity to work at the Vehicle Crime unit. I investigated theft of motor vehicles and theft from motor vehicles. I did this for 3 months before moving to the Divisional Response Unit. This unit investigated drug matters. I was at this unit for 12 months which also included some time at the Embona Armed Robbery taskforce. In December 2015 I was given the opportunity to do some temporary duties at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team and in early 2016 I started training to become a Detective. In June 2016 I secured my first Detective position at the Footscray Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team where I am still stationed at the moment.

What influenced your choice of career? I wanted to join the Police force in high school although I decided to study and gain some more experience. I’ve always wanted to work in an area that makes a difference and helps people. I like that you can do so many different things within Victoria Police. I actually did my Year 10 work experience at Williamstown Police Station.

Outline any voluntary work you have done over the years; I’ve always had a desire to help people, which lead me to engage in various voluntarily work. I was a volunteer for St Johns Ambulance for several years. I was also a volunteer on the Street Surfer Bus which ran every Friday night in the western suburbs. It was a program aimed to engage youth in the area. As part of this program I also got to visit rural Aboriginal communities at Christmas

Title HereAlumni Profile

Abbey Justin

time delivering Christmas presents. As part of my university degree I did a placement at a primary school supporting children transitioning into high school. I also had the opportunity to do a 3 month placement in India working in rural Indian communities to bring about change and an empower people and communities.

What have been your career highlights? Kokoda in November 2017: I was selected to take part in a Kokoda program working with at risk youth from the western suburbs. We trained every Sunday for 14 weeks then trekked the 100 km Kokoda trail. This experience was both mentally and physically challenging but an amazing experience. In my work I have the opportunity to work with many families.I enjoy working with children and helping families.

What skills have you learnt in your current career? My work is varied. I have developed a range of skills to assist me with my work. I have learnt how to effectively talk to people; to show compassion and understanding. I have developed an understanding and appreciation of other people’s stories.

What do you recall of your time at St Aloysius College? I came to St Aloysius at the beginning of Year 11 knowing only one other student. I remember feeling so comfortable and accepted straight away. I loved my 2 years at the College. I felt supported and encouraged in all that I did. I met an amazing group of friends who I still see today. I have fond memories of my Deb, Year 12 retreat and the College production “Grease” which I was part of.

If you could give your high school self some words of advice, what would they be? It’s not a race. Stop and smell the roses and do what makes you happy.

Who has inspired you? My family inspire me. I have been so unbelievably lucky to grow up in a family where we are all supported and encouraged to be who we want to be. I have two very strong women in my corner, my mum and my sister who inspire me every single day. They have strong voices and big hearts and that’s what I aspire to be like.

What are your career aspirations/goals in the coming years? I like working with people and helping people so for me it’s important to remain in a role in Victoria Police that allows me to do this. I’ll continue on the Detective path and look at eventually working at Missing Persons Squad or Sex Crimes Squad in the city.