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Better Pride
Better Pride
An initiative of Better Place Australia

Welcome to the Centre For Better Relationships

The Centre for Better Relationships (CBR) is the research and policy arm of Better Place Australia (BPA). We work within complex social, economic, and political systems that shape the lives of BPA’s clients. Our aim is to generate knowledge that contributes to lasting and positive change for our clients and child and family services sector.

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Our Latest Projects

Building on strong foundations: Enhancing Victoria’s response to elder abuse

Building on strong foundations: Enhancing Victoria’s response to elder abuse Victoria has a strong foundation to address elder abuse. Specialist services, helplines, legal and advocacy support, mainstream family violence entry points, health and aged care providers, police, and community organisations already form a substantial response system. This multi-entry system approach can be difficult to navigate.

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14 August, 2026

Transitioning into Residential Aged Care

Transitioning Into Residential Aged Care Better Place Australia services over 120 residential aged care facilities, providing counselling support for low to medium mental health interventions. We understand that in many circumstances older people are at a vulnerable stage in their lives as they adjust to residential care. We work with residents to improve their mental

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21 April, 2026
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Our Areas of Interest

Aligning with our work at Better Place Australia, the Centre for Better Relationships has a particular interest in the following key areas. 

Mental Health

We are interested in the factors that shape mental health and wellbeing, particularly how they relate to person-centred support

Relationship Support

Relationships are complex. We are interested in how all types of relationships can be navigated with nuance and respect for all parties involved.

Personal Finances

Financial wellbeing is an essential part of everyday life. We are curious about the interaction between finances and wellbeing.

Older People Support

We are attentive to the experiences of older people, especially as they relate to autonomy, safety, and living a life free from abuse.

Child and Youth Mental Health

A lot of situations can have a unique impact on children and young people. We are interested in their experiences and perspectives.

LGBTQI+

We have a strong interest in the experiences of LGBTQI+ communities – particularly in relation to inclusion and access to affirming supporting.

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.

Tegan Linford

Policy and Advocacy Assistant

Tegan Linford holds a BSc (Psych) and a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. She has experience in data visualisation and contributed to research in investigative interviewing.

Dr Laila Hugrass

Ad Hoc Research Support

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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