The Centre for Better Relationships

The Centre for Better Relationships vision is to become a research leader in the family and relationships field. Improving the lives of people and their families through meaningful research and knowledge translation.

Welcome to the Centre For Better Relationships

We are the research arm of Better Place AustraliaThrough our various projects, we create a strong data-driven foundation for each of the services that BPA provides. Our goal is to form stronger relationships in the communities we support by creating a better understanding of the problems they encounter as well as the solutions they need.

Our Latest Projects

Evaluation Framework for Children’s Contact Services

Evaluation Framework for Children’s Contact Services At the Centre for Better Relationships, we are currently developing a child focused research framework. Our goal is to explore children’s experiences after accessing Children’s Contact Services (CCS). We are looking to gather insights from our CCS staff, the children accessing the services, their parents and other important people

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From home life to institutional life

From home life to institutional life “Rates of depression found to be much higher for people living in residential aged care than those of the same age living at home…” Overview This opinion editorial explores how moving into residential aged care is often seen as a ‘normal’ phase of one’s life. Much is made of

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Elder abuse discussion paper

Elder Abuse Discussion Paper A summary of experience and practice observations in responding to elder abuse through the Respecting Elders service Overview This discussion paper reports on the experience and practice observations of Better Place Australia in responding to elder abuse through the Respecting Elders service in 2017-18. Elder abuse may take the form of neglect, psychological,

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Our Areas of Interest

In conjunction with our work at Better Place Australia, the research conducted at the Centre for Better Relationships covers the following areas of interest.

Mental Health

We aim to better understand the intricacies of mental health so that we can provide effective and compassionate counselling services.

Relationship Support

Relationships are complex, and our research helps us approach them with the nuance and respect they deserve for all parties involved.

Finance

With our studies, we are able to help communities achieve and maintain financial stability under various circumstances.

Elder Support

Our research helps us provide older Victorians with the necessary avenues to live a fulfilling and independent life free of abuse.

Youth Support and Childcare

A lot of the situations we encounter have a unique impact on children that we strive to study, understand and address.

LGBTQI+

Through our research, we advocate for all facets of this community, supporting their identities, relationships and expression.

Meet The Team

Our work is only possible due to our highly qualified professional researchers and the wealth of experience they share. 

Dr Sarah Marko

Researcher

Dr Sarah Marko has a bachelor’s degree in Public Health and Health Promotion and a PhD from Deakin University, as well as a background in qualitative public health research.

Dr Laila Hugrass

Researcher/Data Analyst

Dr Laila Hugrass has conducted research in the fields of psychology and cognitive neuroscience, and holds an adjunct research position where she is studying her Master of Art Therapy.

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