Board of Directors
Meet our Board
National President
Liz Little
I have been actively contributing to the AASW for over a decade as a member of the National Accreditation Panel since 2015; as the President of the Tasmanian Branch Management Committee since 2023 (previously a Member); as a national Case Reviewer of alleged breaches by social workers of the AASW Code of Ethics from 2021-23; and, now as National President.
I am proud to be part of a profession that has as its core value the ‘betterment of the human condition’. Social Work has provided me with a Code of Ethics, knowledge base, skill set, and practice framework that has focused my energy, resourced my intellect, and given me the courage, confidence and resilience to publicly stand up for social justice and pursue social change. The very nature of social work with its capacity to engage individuals, families, communities, organisations, and governments means that it is like no other.
National Vice President
Chris Hannan
Chris Hannan is an experienced executive, clinician and governance leader with more than 25 years’ experience across the social work, mental health, disability and community sectors. She is the National Vice President of the Australian Association of Social Workers and has previously served as an AASW Director on the Board in 2021 and 2022, bringing strong continuity and institutional knowledge to her current leadership role.
Chris has extensive experience in board governance, strategic leadership and advocacy, and is committed to strengthening professional standards, ethical practice and organisational culture across the not-for-profit and community services sectors. She has held senior leadership and board roles across multiple organisations and is known for her collaborative, values-driven approach to governance and reform.
In addition to her governance work, Chris is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and the Managing Director and Principal Therapist of a private practice providing relationship therapy, counselling and clinical supervision, including mentoring early career social workers. She holds qualifications in social work and wellbeing science and brings a depth of clinical expertise, lived experience and strategic insight to her leadership. Chris is deeply committed to advancing safe, inclusive and person-centred systems that improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
Torres Strait Islander Director
Rachel Bruce
Rachel Bruce was born and raised on Waibene (Thursday Island). A proud descendant of Maluligal Nation (Western Island) – Wagadagam tribe of Mabuyag Island, Kemer Kemer Nation (Eastern Islands) – Mer and Erub. Rachel is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 25 years of experience and has worked in Government and Non-Government Organisation. Rachel is passionate about working in the field of Mental Health and Family & Domestic Violence, and is a strong advocate for social justice, equality, self-determination and human rights. Rachel has a strong stance around accountability, transparency, good governance and upholding the ethos and fundamentals of AASW.
Director
Professor Bindi Bennett
Professor Bindi Bennett is Gamilaroi woman from Northern NSW currently living, working and playing on Jinibara Country in Queensland. Bindi is a social justice scholar, a compassionate radical and activist. Bindi was supported and encouraged by a significant Elder to start social work. Bindi spent 17 years working in mental health and youth health advocating for young people who had experienced a disadvantaged life, like hers. Bindi is a past Member of AASW’s National Research Committee. She enjoys research having been in academia since commencing her PhD scholarship in 2013. Bindi is passionate about diversity, representation, and inclusion. She is a tutor for First Nations social work students and believes that lived experience offers a pathway to deconstruct current challenges and barriers in systems, to become more equitable.
Director
Charlie K Evans
Charlie is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker currently employed with a regional Area Mental Health Service in Victoria. Her role as a specialist family violence advisor has a focus on the social model of mental health and systemic change.
Charlie’s Social Work practice experience includes working with people experiencing complex trauma, survivors and users of family violence, families, international development, supervision, research and ethics. Charlie has lectured and facilitated education and training in University, TAFE and the Health and Community services sectors.
Charlie served as convenor of the AASW VIC Mental Health Social Work Practice Group and as AASW VIC Branch Management Committee Vice President.
Charlie is dedicated to social justice, equity and empowerment, acting with compassion, and an association that values its members, embraces diversity and inclusivity, and operates with transparency and accountability.
Director
Dr Andrew Richardson
Dr Andrew Richardson is a Senior Lecturer in Social Work with practice experience and research interests in mental health, social justice, social policy, social inclusion and community development. Andrew has been a proud member of the AASW Northern Territory Branch and served as Branch President for 2.5 years. Andrew is a passionate advocate for democratic participation, leadership accountability and transparency and member ownership of the AASW.
Director
Leonie Vela
Leonie Vela is a social worker and governance leader committed to advancing a strong, ethical, and member-centred AASW. Formerly President of the AASW Queensland Branch (2022–2024), Leonie has a proven record of collaborative leadership, strategic thinking, and practical advocacy for members.
As a Director on the AASW National Board, Leonie is focused on ensuring the Association remains accessible, affordable, and responsive to the needs of social workers across diverse practice settings. She is passionate about developing continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities that are relevant, affordable, and equitable for members in all regions.
Leonie’s leadership philosophy is grounded in the four C’s — Collaboration, Communication, Critical reflection, and Creativity — principles that shape her approach to governance, engagement, and decision-making. She is dedicated to ensuring the AASW remains a trusted, future-ready organisation that supports social workers to thrive and lead change in their communities.