Janine Hockley

My interest in behavioural science began with a very personal motivation. Over the years, my three children were joined by others from different backgrounds, and creating a supportive family environment strengthened my interest in how people think, behave, and respond to the world around them. As a parent raising multiple children, one with complex emotional and behavioural needs, I wanted to better understand human behaviour and the factors that help people flourish.

I completed my undergraduate degree in Behavioural Science at Swinburne University of Technology before discovering that CQUniversity was introducing a Master of Applied Positive Psychology. The program felt like a natural next step, and I enrolled as part of its inaugural cohort. After three years of study, I became the first graduate from the inaugural cohort. It has been wonderful to see others from that cohort complete their qualifications and the program continue to grow into a valued offering at CQUniversity.

Throughout my 40-year career, I have worked across public and private healthcare, community services, education and tertiary settings. My work has consistently focused on the human side of organisations, particularly how workplace culture, leadership and organisational structures influence people's wellbeing and ability to thrive.

Today, I work with Children's Health Queensland in staff wellbeing, project coordination and administration team leadership within Statewide Services. Drawing on behavioural science and applied positive psychology, I support approaches that help leaders and frontline teams create healthier, more supportive workplaces.

My work combines evidence-based practice with practical organisational change. I believe meaningful improvements in workplace culture happen when the people within an organisation have an active role in shaping it. The knowledge and skills developed through my CQUniversity studies continue to influence how I approach leadership, psychological safety, staff engagement and wellbeing, particularly in demanding healthcare environments.

I am also continuing my academic journey as a PhD candidate at CQUniversity, researching the combined influence of personal and workplace factors on compassion fatigue and burnout in Australian nurses. I hold an Associate Faculty appointment at CQUniversity (School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences) and an Adjunct Fellow appointment at the University of Queensland (Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Behavioural Sciences) and have contributed to peer-reviewed research. Bringing together academic research and practical experience in healthcare is an important part of my professional contribution.

Outside of work and study, I am a passionate Australian Rules football supporter, following the Brisbane Lions in both the AFL and AFLW, as well as cheering on my grandchildren at their local games. With 11 grandchildren, two cats and a dog, life is rarely quiet! I also enjoy reading, learning and people-watching in coffee shops, which might just be the behavioural scientist in me.

Looking back, my journey has reinforced my belief that understanding people is central to creating positive change. Whether supporting my family, strengthening workplace wellbeing or contributing to research, I remain passionate about helping people and communities flourish.