Community Work Australia

Out with the old, in with the new! The Australian Community Workers Association (ACWA) is delighted to share that it is changing its name to Community Work Australia. This exciting development reflects our organisation’s commitment to advancing the profession of community work, and aligns our identity with our expanding scope, growing influence and the evolving needs of the sector. Everything else will remain the same: we’ll still be led by the same board and staff, and as the peak body for the community work profession, we’ll continue to: ·     serve our members ·     accredit courses ·     endorse professional development programs ·     conduct migration skills assessments ·     advocate for sound public policy Ultimately, Community Work Australia will continue to serve the Australian public, offering confidence that practitioners across the broad range of community work occupations uphold superior standards of ethical and professional practice as they strive to achieve social and economic inclusion for all Australians. We’re excited about this change and thrilled to have you on this journey with us! Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gYvkfdaK

What was 2024 like for you? As we reflect on the year gone by, we’re proud of the growth and innovation that’s taken place at Community Work Australia as we deepened our commitment to the community services sector and prepared for exciting developments ahead. Here are few highlights: 🔍 Enhancing member support: We conducted a detailed review of our membership program to ensure it continues to meet the evolving needs of community work professionals. 🎓 Upholding educational excellence: There’s been a notable increase in course providers seeking accreditation with us, including those offering AQF9/Masters-level qualifications – an encouraging sign of trust in our leadership as a professional body. 🤝 Improving efficiencies: Our team has grown – and continues to grow – to meet increased demand across our service areas, from membership to skills assessments and course accreditation. 🌏 Strengthening skilled migration: We’re working towards implementing the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ proposed Best Practice Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities, ensuring our processes align with the latest requirements and support skilled professionals on their journey to Australia. 🔄 Increasing influence: We changed our name from ACWA to Community Work Australia, a reflection of our expanding scope, growing influence and the evolving needs of the sector. 💻 Building a better digital experience: We’re planning major developments on our website to make it your go-to resource for reports, training, industry updates and tools to support your professional journey. It will also streamline processes for accreditation, endorsement and skills assessments. We are energised by the opportunities ahead as we continue to shape a profession that supports inclusivity, equity and resilience – building a fairer and more just society for all. What were your professional highlights of 2024? What are you looking forward to in the new year?

Have your say.   HumanAbility Ltd are reviewing the CHCCSMO13 Facilitate and Review Case Management unit requirement for students to complete 100 hours of independent work placement.   Barriers to students completing these placement hours have been identified in a number of states. HumanAbility’s project to review this requirement focuses on whether the unit should be moved to the elective banks for CHC50321 Diploma of Child, Youth and Family Intervention, CHC52021 Diploma of Community Services and CHC50421 Diploma of Youth Work.   Your perspectives will contribute to shaping the outcomes of this project and ensure alignment with industry needs.     To have your say, register to attend one of HumanAbility’s five online workshops from this Thursday 28 November at 11am AEST.   Register to attend: https://lnkd.in/gt78RbxH #casemanagement #calltoaction #communitywork #youthwork #youthworkers #familyservices #communityservices

We’re pleased to kick off the Mental Health and Alcohol & Other Drugs: Qualification Review project. This important initiative will review and update outdated training units, integrating new concepts and practices to reflect the evolving needs of the sector. Our goal is to ensure qualifications reflect current best practices, consider key developments in service design and delivery, and highlight awareness of mental health issues, co-existing conditions, and the crucial role of the peer/lived experience workforce. Visit our website to learn more, register your interest, and stay informed about project updates and consultation opportunities: https://lnkd.in/gwGeyKK7 #HumanAbility #Training #Qualifications #WorkforceDevelopment #PeerSupport #LivedExperience

On 14 November 2024, ACWA will host its first Symposium focusing on child protection. This event will feature industry experts, roundtable discussions and professional development opportunities. Don't miss out—register today. https://lnkd.in/gbbYqcZi

On 14 November 2024, ACWA will host its first Symposium focusing on child protection. This event will feature industry experts, roundtable discussions and professional development opportunities. Don't miss out—register today. https://lnkd.in/gbbYqcZi

Still haven't registered? On November 14, 2024 ACWA will be hosting our first Symposium with a focus on Child Protection. Guest speakers will include: - Luke Twyford, Principal Commissioner of the QLD Family and Child Commission - Conrad Townson, Principal Advisor Child Sexual Exploitation at Integrated Family and Youth Service (IFYS) - Tom Allsop, CEO, PeakCare Queensland Register by September 20th to receive an early bird discount. https://lnkd.in/gbbYqcZi

Too often, the evidence we collect about families to use in policy and service development focuses on one or two types of family. We know that families in Australia are much more diverse than is considered in public debate and public policy. The Uniting Families Report is a new partnership between @unitingnsw.act and @UNSW Social Policy Research Centre, providing annual insights into the experiences of families raising children and young people in Australia. Better research and understanding of families will inform understanding and drive better policy reform. This report is a first step towards challenging the notion that all family experiences are the same and can be explored here: https://lnkd.in/gYq-_dHi 

You are cordially invited to ACWA Symposium 2024: Child Protection, 'Tackling the challenges of child safety'. ACWA is hosting our first ever Symposium on 14 November, 2024. This symposium is a fantastic opportunity to catch up with all the latest developments in child protection and safety and provide valuable insights to use in your work. Register today for an early bird discount https://lnkd.in/gbbYqcZi

The latest ACWA e-news has hit the press. Inside today’s edition you will find updates on Australia's mental health system, advice for managing uncertainty in practice and support for people making changes to their AOD use. Subscribe to receive future editions: https://lnkd.in/g4MC9Qs