Branch - NSW

The NSW Branch is supported by a Branch Management Committee elected by the Branch membership.

The Branch’s key role is to provide local support for AASW members through a range of activities that enable members to network, develop practice skills and organise around social justice issues.

Future-Proofing Social Work: Tackling Workforce Challenges and Upskilling for Tomorrow Event

Our ‘Future-proofing social work: tackling workforce challenges and upskilling for tomorrow’ event took place in Sydney last week. Chaired by Carolyn Cousins and featuring a panel of experienced social work leaders, attendees gained insights into workforce challenges, policy and systemic change, and how to meet the demands of a changing professional landscape. Highlights from the conversation include:

“There is stiff competition for highly skilled social workers that all employers are competing for.”

– Panellist Rachel Wolfe on the challenges of recruitment and retention

“There’s a risk of engaging with [AI], there’s a risk of not engaging with it because it’s still emerging.”

– Panellist Michael Austin on the role of AI in social work settings

Thank you to our panellists – Cindy Smith, Michael Austin, Niko Milić and Rachel Wolfe – for their insightful contributions, to our host Ben Chapman, and to all attendees for their enthusiasm and engagement. A recording of the panel discussion is now available on MyAASW for member access.

Call for Abstract Submissions - NSW Social Workers in Brain Injury Forum

A call for abstract submission for the upcoming Social Work in Brain Injury practice group Seminar. This event is an opportunity for clinicians, researchers, and students to come together and share the latest research, innovative ideas and best practice in social work and brain injury. Our focus areas for presentations are:

Ageing and Brain Injury
Parenting after TBI and working with child relatives
NDIS and Brain Injury
Artificial Intelligence and its role in Social Work

This is an excellent opportunity to present your work to an engaged audience, build your professional network and contribute to the advancement of social work practice in brain injury settings across Australia.

The deadline for submission of abstracts is 11.59pm Friday 20 June 2025 to the SWIBI convenors.

Aged Care Practice Group

The NSW Aged Care Practice Group is seeking a new Convenor and 4 additional core members. If you are potentially interested in being involved on the Practice Group as a core member or being the Convenor (for these you must be an AASW member) please reach out to Branch Services for more information.

We would also like to thank the outgoing Convenor, Annabelle Bains for her hard work and commitment to the role.