Social Worker of the Year
Social Worker of the Year Award
This award acknowledges a social worker who exemplifies the best of the profession’s values, achievements and accomplishments through demonstrated practice. To be eligible, accomplishments must have taken place during the period 1 July 2024 to 30 June 2025.
Who can be nominated?
Social workers engaged directly with the delivery of services to clients, including social workers who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Nominees must be a current financial member of the AASW and be of good standing with the AASW.
Celebrating diverse voices and lived experience in social work
For Mishma Kumar-Jonson, winning Social Worker of the Year in 2024 was more than an individual achievement – it was a moment of visibility and connection with her social work community. Mishma’s win celebrated the idea that diverse voices and lived experiences are essential to the profession.
“So many neurodivergent social workers often think, oh, I can’t do that well because I’m neurodivergent, or who don’t feel like there’s space for them within the sector. This award is a beautiful reminder that there is definitely space for all of us.”
If you're thinking of nominating someone, please put it in because it can really support them to do their work and know that they're doing the best they can – and that the best they can is enough.
Whether it’s for yourself or a fellow social worker, nominating someone for an AASW National Excellence Award is a meaningful way to celebrate and recognise great work.
Terms and conditions
Nominations will be made through a “call for nominations” announced by the AASW in August 2025.
Nominations submitted to the AASW Award Committee for consideration must not exceed 2,000 words and be supported by appropriate evidence such as letters of commendation, acknowledgement of achievements through employers or other agencies, newspaper articles or such other relevant evidence.
The Award Committee will consider nominations that meet all eligibility and requirements.
The Award Committee reserves the right to reject nominations that do not meet the requirements outlined within this document or are not received by the submission deadline.
Each award will be assessed by an Award Committee.
Nominations must be submitted through the AASW’s designated submission process.
The Award Committee will consider all nominations based on the criteria.
The written submission in this category will contribute to 100% of the overall score for consideration of this Award and will determine shortlisted Nominees.
The Award Committee reserves the right to reject nominations that either:
- Do not meet one of the criteria or;
- Exceed the specified word limit or;
- Are not received by the submission deadline.
The AASW will keep confidential their discussions and deliberations on nominees and will not provide feedback regarding their decisions.
Criteria
Outline the ways in which the Nominee has made a demonstrable difference to:
- Social work practice (Maximum word limit: 200 / Worth: 20 percent)
- Advocacy for clients and social policy (Maximum word limit: 200 / Worth: 20 percent)
- Explain in what ways the Nominee demonstrates outstanding leadership (Maximum word limit: 400 / Worth: 20 percent)
How has the Nominee contributed to a positive image for the social work profession? (Maximum word limit: 400 / Worth: 20 percent)
Outline the outstanding results achieved by the Nominee in this qualifying period. (Maximum word limit: 400 / Worth: 20 percent)
Who can nominate a nominee?
Self-nomination and third-party nominations will be considered. In the case of third-party nominations, we recommend engaging the nominee directly in the process.
Please ensure you advise the nominee that they have been nominated for an award.
Nomination closing date
Nominations must be submitted by 4:00pm AEST on Friday 26 September 2025. Nominations received after the closing date will not be considered.
Award winners will be announced at a function on 20 November 2025 in Sydney as part of the Lyra Taylor Social Work Impact Summit. Nominees are encouraged to attend the event but will be responsible for the purchase of their own tickets and any associated costs