My name is Rob Trevallion, and I’ve been a social worker for more than 40 years. I first started out studying psychology as a mature-age student, but after meeting some social workers at university, I discovered that was where I belonged. Social work gave me the chance to walk alongside people at the toughest times in their lives, to advocate for them in courts, communities, and homes, and to help carry some of that weight.
My very first job was with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service, going in and out of jails and listening to people’s stories. From then on, my focus has always been on working in the First Nations space. I suppose the modern word for it is “ally” – as a non-Indigenous Australian, I’ve always been committed to social justice and to standing alongside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Much of my work has been in the Torres Strait, and after almost 30 years here, I’ve come to see myself as part of this community. It takes time – decades, really – to earn trust and to be welcomed as family. These days, I walk down the street and people greet me, men I may have once stood beside in court stop by to share fish with me, and I know I’ve been accepted. That sense of belonging means everything.
My passions are working with men and families, addressing the impacts of alcohol and drugs, breaking cycles of trauma, and supporting community healing. I’ve always believed that if you give people the chance to yarn, to be heard, and to be treated with respect, 99% of them will open up and start building a better future.
Now, at Wakai Waian Healing, I see my role as both counsellor and mentor. I am committed to guiding the next generation of workers and making sure our services remain grounded in both cultural authority and strong clinical practice.
At 82, I still have goals – I’ve studied criminology and social sciences, and I’ve got half an eye on a PhD by the time I’m 90! But mostly, my goal is the same as it’s always been: to walk with people, to advocate when they need a voice, and to serve the community that has given me so much.