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Recognising exceptional members

Thanks to the contributions of so many outstanding members over the past 78 years, the AASW has grown from 400 members to become the peak professional body for social workers in Australia, now representing over 17,000 members.  The AASW recognises these extraordinary efforts by awarding Life Membership. This honour is bestowed on members who have made significant, direct contributions to the AASW, whether through policy development, practice groups, officeholder roles, or other vital activities that have advanced the Association’s development, success, and advocacy.

During this time, 55 exceptional members have been honoured with Life Membership, exemplifying the best of the Association’s values through their demonstrated practice and accomplishments.

We are proud to continue this tradition of recognising our most exceptional members. If you know someone who has made a significant and sustained contribution to the AASW, we encourage you to consider nominating them for AASW Life Membership in 2024.

Celebrating the best of the Social Work profession 

Nominations are now open for the 2024 AASW National Excellence Awards! These Awards recognise outstanding social workers, researchers and students who exemplify the best of the profession’s values, achievements and accomplishments.

We are now seeking nominations from AASW Members in the following categories:

• AASW Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander of the Year
• AASW Social Worker of the Year
• AASW Social Work Researcher of the Year
• AASW Social Work Student of the Year

Professional Identity: Defining and Strengthening Our Social Work Community

In this edition, we delve into the powerful theme of Professional Identity. Discover how our collective story as social workers binds us and our practice together.

Credentials are crucial as they provide formal recognition of skills and experience, signaling a social worker’s expertise to employers, clients, and the community.  

Our new Credentials Guide offers all the details, tips, and tricks you need to apply for an AASW credential and understand its benefits. 

The 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) is making its long-awaited return to Melbourne after 27 years!   

The conference will take place in Melbourne from 19 – 22 November 2024.  

Joined by 550+ delegates from across the world, the conference will feature keynote presentations from Dr Cindy Blackstock (Canada), A/Professor Heather Boetto (Australia), and Dr Michael Ungar (Canada), as well as international panels on hospital social work and the intersection of health and mental health.