Tuesday, 12 May 2009

The first awards in Australia to recognise the often unheralded and sometimes criticised work of social workers will be given out in June this year.

The awards will recognise the achievements and commitment of social workers and raise the profile and esteem of the profession.  They will focus on the practice of social work and acknowledge its diversity, scope and potential.

Nominations for the awards, launched in March this year, will close on May 18.

The awards are the initiative of the WA Branch of the Australian Association of Social Workers, in partnership with the University of Western Australia Social Work Alumni, UWA Discipline of Social Work and Social Policy and the Department of Social Work and Social Policy at Curtin University.

Awards will be given in five categories:

  • The CYFAA and The UWA Social Work Alumni - Rural and Remote Practitioner Award
  • The Department for Child Protection - Rising Star Award
  • The Anglicare WA - Head, Heart and Hand Award (a lifetime achievement)
  • The Richmond Fellowship WA - Agent of Change Award
  • The Social Worker of the Year (chosen from the above winners)

Louise Durack, chair of the organising committee, said:  "We hope the WA awards will put the spotlight on the difficult, but rewarding practice of social work.  This is an Australian first and I would like to see other States and territories follow suit in recognising their own social workers."

The awards will be given at a ceremony and cocktail reception at UWA's University Club on 23 June.

For further information about the awards visit https://www.aasw.asn.au/ or contact Project Manager Leanne Mirabella on 0419 200 222.

Media references

Louise Durack (AASW)  (+61 4) 10 627 396
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716

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