AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers

Insurance Commission of WA increases fees paid to Social Workers.

The AASW (VIC) Rural Social Workers Action Practice Group is pleased to announce the 9th Biennial National Rural Remote Social Work Conference: Rural Communities Inspiring Social Care to be held Thursday 30th and Friday 31st July 2009 at the Mercure Hotel, Geelong.

Do you know an outstanding Fieldwork Educator?  Nominations are now open for the AASW (VIC) Madelene Crump Outstanding Fieldwork Educator Award 2009.  Please note the closing date for nominations has been extended to 31 August 2009.

Documents from the Annual General Meeting, held on Friday November 27 at the Moonee Valley Racecourse, Victoria, are now available to members.

The Victorian Department of Human Services recently announced this new initiative.  The program has been developed through a $3.5 million gift from the Victorian Bushfire Appeal fund.  It aims to assist people directly affected by the 2009 bushfires to access psychological counselling support.  Accredited mental health social workers, who provide service under the Better Access initiative in Victoria are eligible to be counselors under this program. 

Following the constitutional change last year the AASW is holding annual elections for Board and Branch positions in September each year. Nominations are now open for the 2009 elections.  Nominations must be received by 12 noon Friday 7th August 2009.

The Board had become mindful of the need to:

• improve ease of access to CPE, including better use of technology and the need for more effective partnerships with CPE providers and schools of social work,12 months ago the Board approved a review of AASW CPE policies and practices.
  
• minimise any barriers to access to CPE. (eg, procedural barriers or geographical remoteness)
• ensure that CPE policies are consistent with related ethics, education and membership policies
• diversify revenue streams and therefore make a reasonable return from engagement in CPE activities

The AASW Board recently approved changes to policy on English language requirements in response to concerns raised by international social work students over assessment changes for skilled migration. The policy changes identify:

• IELTS Requirements
• Transitional Arrangements (for international students in AASW accredited degree courses)

A unique and exciting opportunity exists now for a Project Officer with the Australian Association of Social Workers, based in Melbourne or Canberra.

Members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Australian Association of Social Workers, which will be held on Friday 27th November 2009 at Moonee Valley Racing Club, McPherson Street, Moonee Ponds, Vic 3039, at 5.45 for a 6pm start.

More details can be found on the events page.