Farewell Annie Carruthers

After joining MITS in 2018, Annie is retiring and is looking forward to spending more time with her family both in Victoria and WA.

Annie has worked in many roles over her time at MITS and most recently as the Alumni Transition Manager. She has built strong and lasting relationships with students and families, supporting young people as they prepare for life beyond school. She works closely with Year 12 students, their families and Pathway Schools to help each young person navigate their next steps, whether that is university, TAFE, training or employment, alongside the many practicalities that come with this transition. Annie’s deep knowledge of our students, families and communities, and the trust she has built over many years, means her support often continues well beyond Year 12, helping MITS stay connected with our alumni as they take their next steps.

A huge thank you to Annie for all the work she has done with the MITS students, for always caring, having a smile on her face and being so dedicated to supporting the MITS students and their families. All the best for your retirement!

Anderson Rodriguez

For the past ten years, I have had the privilege of working as a Cleaning Manager at MITS, an organisation that has become much more than a workplace to me. It is a place where I feel inspired and proud to make a difference.

When I arrived in Australia, I received opportunities to build a better future. MITS gave me the chance to give back to the country that welcomed me and become more involved in the Australian community and culture.

What inspires me most about MITS is its commitment to inclusion and creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for everyone. I believe our work goes beyond cleaning; it is about creating spaces where people can learn, grow, and feel supported.

I am grateful for the wider MITS community and my incredible staff, whose dedication and teamwork inspire me every day. Together, we contribute to a positive environment for current and future generations.

MITS is also part of my family life. My wife, Jayne, is part of MITS too, and at home we enjoy life with our beloved dog, Tauro.

Looking back on these past ten years, I feel proud and thankful. For me, MITS is more than a job; it is an opportunity to belong, support others, and give something back.

MITS has inspired me to turn the opportunities I received in Australia into a chance to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Finally, a little message from me: When you see me around MITS, please don't be shy -come and say “¡Hola!” to me! I am always happy to share a smile and have a chat.

Peter Robson

I've been married to Carolyn for 40 years and we have three adult children- in their 30s- one is a singer/dancer/actor(music theatre), one an engineer and one an events manager.

I was the Deputy Principal at Carey and finished at the end of 2025 - I'd been there for 23 years with a role predominantly in wellbeing and co-curricular. I also taught English and Literature- in the end I had one class each year alternating between VCE and IB. Carolyn and I both retired at the end of last year but had previously been involved in voluntary counselling work- and continue doing that.

I've always had an interest in First Nations. Nathan Perrin introduced me to MITS and we developed a RAP as part of the Carey board. I also do some stuff with an artist based in Cairns and his mum (both are indigenous) who is living in Eltham. At Carey I set up a year 10 program(3 weeks away) which included a First Nations piece- we set up connections with Palm Island. About 50 Carey kids go there each year- and the Palm kids are now visiting Carey.

My role at MITS is on a Monday night with the boys - I work one on one with Malakai at present but have been with the year 9/10 boys this year. My background is English but I also did a major in maths so can teach that. I've been doing both at MITS. I recently responded to the request for help with year 7s on Thursday nights so did that for the first time with the boys and girls a few weeks back

I love writing- and spend a lot of time riding my bike and doing some of the longer events. Footy is also a big interest- particularly the talent league stuff with teenagers- I do a little bit of work in that area.

MITS Family Newsletter 2026

Community · 30 Oct 2026

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