Events Calendar

This one-day interactive professional development training provides the trauma-informed information and skills needed by personnel working with people and families with experiences of domestic and family violence (DFV), past and current.

This one-day interactive professional development training for legal and justice personnel acknowledges the significant risk of vicarious trauma (VT) and burnout in daily practice and distinguishes between them. In so doing it supports you, professionally and personally, to stay safe, healthy and resilient.

This one-day interactive professional development training provides the trauma-informed information and skills needed by personnel working with people and families with experiences of domestic and family violence (DFV), past and current.

SOLD OUT! Please click here to join the waitlist for this event.

Diaphragmatic Breathing (DB) is evidence-based, non-pharmacological, non-invasive, cost-effective and simple. Social workers are ideally placed to integrate DB for anxiety, depression and mood disorders experienced by their clients.

This two-part interactive workshop will provide participants with the opportunity to experience, and learn and develop proficiency in slow, diaphragmatic breathing as a simple skill for mental health practice.

• facilitator-led workshops: 5 hours
• self-directed learning and practice: 1 hour

6 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Mental Health (FPS); Clinical

SOLD OUT! Please click here to join the waitlist for this event.

Becoming a supervisor can be a daunting next step in your social work career. This introductory course will prepare you to provide best practice supervision, create a safe and reflective space, and support the professional learning and growth of those you supervise.

This online virtual workshop series will equip you with contemporary knowledge, tools and skills and set you on a clear path to building your confidence and competence as a supervisor.

6.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Supervision (coming soon)

1.5 CPD hours

Please join the Social Workers in the Shoalhaven (SWITS) Northern Practice Group.

Facilitator/Speaker: Hayleigh Topping and Naomi Spencer

Date: Tuesday, 7 February 2023
Time: 7.30 am
Venue: The Hub, 69 Berry Street, Nowra

Alcohol and other drug-facilitated sexual violence refers to the perpetration of any act of non-consensual sexual behaviour against an intoxicated victim. It is often referred to as “drink spiking”. Drink spiking regularly garners media attention with harrowing accounts of victim-survivors experiences. These stories regularly use victim-blaming narratives and reinforce rape myths. The sporadic media attention has not translated to significant action on alcohol and other drug-facilitated sexual violence beyond gimmicky responses such as putting a “top” or cover over your drink in a public venue. Beyond such initiatives, there is limited response to nor knowledge on alcohol and other drug-facilitated sexual violence.

The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to discuss and share ideas and experiences with peers.

Presented by Dr Jessica Ison is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University.

The assumption is often made that grief is only associated with losses that occur after the death of a loved one. This view of grief is quite narrow. Of course, grief will normally follow the death of someone who we cared about deeply. But does a person have to die for grief to occur? - Darcy L. Harris PhD, Principles and Practice of Grief Counseling, 3rd Edition.

Grief is not always associated with death; this is an opportunity to gain insight into non-death related grief children face in ‘out of home care’ and what as a social workers what can we do to develop collaborative relationships with children during developmental stages of their life.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

1.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Child protection; Family violence; Mental Health

Social workers have long established their expertise working with children and teens in the context of their families and social networks.

Together, Accredited Mental Health Social Worker Toni Hanna and psychologist Sarah Mooy will explore how social work, psychology and contextual behaviour science can work together to support and empower young clients and their families.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

1.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Mental Health (FPS), Clinical

Be part of the AASW Parade Inclusion at this year's Sydney Mardi Gras!

A diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (diabetes) has the potential to turn a family’s world upside down, it is a destabilising event that challenges parenting confidence and invariably affects family functioning. Not only is diabetes a chronic, lifelong condition, but often its arrival is quite shocking and unannounced.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

1.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Mental Health; School (coming soon)

Becoming a supervisor can be a daunting next step in your social work career. This introductory course will prepare you to provide best practice supervision, create a safe and reflective space, and support the professional learning and growth of those you supervise.

This online virtual workshop series will equip you with contemporary knowledge, tools and skills and set you on a clear path to building your confidence and competence as a supervisor.

6.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Supervision (coming soon)

This presentation draws on two research projects designed to improve knowledge of pregnant women’s experiences of homelessness and the systemic challenges they face receiving appropriate housing and pregnancy care. The findings draw attention to: the harms of gender-blind policy and practice; the approaches to providing care that work; and a need within social work to address challenges unique to pregnant women experiencing homelessness. The presentation will also explore ways the findings can inform social work practice and policy responses to pregnant homeless women.

The presentation will be followed by an opportunity to discuss and share ideas and experiences with peers.

Presented by Dr Jacqui Theobald, La Trobe university and Dr Juliet Watson, RMIT University

Social workers and allied health professionals working across children’s services, welfare services, and school settings are likely to encounter children who are living with the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Early identification of affected children can significantly improve their ability to take part in normative developmental opportunities and protect their mental health.

This webinar will describe FASD and its impact on each area of child development. This will be followed by a discussion of indicators that can support the early identification of children at risk of developing mental health concerns. The principles of effective support will also be discussed alongside exploration of available supports and resources for children, families, and supporting professionals.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

1.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Mental Health; Disability

This 2 ½ hour online event will feature a series of employer representatives explaining what their company does and discussing an average day for a social worker employed by them.

This is a great opportunity for social work students, and recent graduates, to learn more about employment opportunities and specific fields of practice in their part of Australia. At this event you will:

• Meet local employers from a number of sectors
• Learn about job opportunities and career pathways
• Get tips on how to get your application shortlisted
• Hear stories from past recruitment processes, the good and the bad

AASWs Advanced Supervision Program was created in direct response to the recommendations from recent Coronial reports, Royal Commission reports and State Ombudsman reports, which highlighted the need for advanced supervision for frontline social workers and the lack of quality supervision training and support.

It is a 6-week evidence-based Advanced Supervision Learning Program designed with a blended learning approach utilising self-paced eLearning, online collaborative workshops, facilitator-led Masterclasses, and Coaching Circles.

It is tailored to the mental health sector and facilitated by an expert with 25+ years of mental health experience.

20 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Supervision (coming soon); Mental health

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 21 March 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

As social workers we may learn the basics about trauma, development, attachment and the effects of neglect in these experiences during our degrees. However, the practical application of this knowledge and the subsequent skills are difficult to maintain or obtain if workers are not adequately supported through supervision, ongoing training or experience and an unsupportive or risk averse team and organisational culture.

Trauma informed practice requires a high level understanding of your own practice framework, values and reactions to what can be difficult and stressful scenarios for clients. It requires ongoing training, supervision, support and a positive and trauma informed work environment/organisational framework.

This 3 hour interactive virtual workshop gives an opportunity for social workers to refresh and learn through experiential activities, case study reflections and delivery of knowledge.

3 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Mental Health; Focussed Psychological Strategies (FPS)

This webinar opens up the world of Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and its relevance to contemporary social work practice. PNI studies how thoughts, emotions and health are intimately linked. Join Dr Judy Lovas a passionate PNI educator, to explore evidence of mind body interactions and how PNI supports a holistic, scientific clinical approach for clients who have chronic conditions.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

2 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Mental Health (FPS), Clinical

In this hybrid world, how do we bring groups of people together to achieve sustainable success? High performing teams require leaders who know how to get the best from themselves, and their direct reports.

Learning this topic will help team leaders better support their social workers. This webinar will cover four different team zones and what you can do to reach the Achievement Zone.

Can't attend live? Your registration includes a copy of the presentation slides and 2 weeks' free access to the event recording.

1.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credential: Supervision (coming soon)

This workshop is not a presentation of an academic framework for understanding Family Violence but rather an opportunity to learn in a practical and engaging presentation some of the tools David Nugent has implemented for the last 20 years with hundreds of men.

3.5 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Mental health; Family violence

AASW's Advanced Supervision Program was created in direct response to the recommendations from recent Coronial reports, Royal Commission reports and State Ombudsman reports, which highlighted the need for advanced supervision for frontline social workers and the lack of quality supervision training and support.

It is a 6-week evidence-based Advanced Supervision Learning Program designed with a blended learning approach utilising self-paced eLearning, online collaborative workshops, facilitator-led Masterclasses, and Coaching Circles.

It is tailored to the mental health sector and facilitated by an expert with 25+ years of mental health experience.

20 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Supervision (coming soon); Mental health

1.5 CPD hours

Please join the Social Workers in the Shoalhaven (SWITS) Northern Practice Group.

Facilitator/Speaker: Ros Hughes and Glenn Krone discussing their respective NSW Health Programs

Date: Tuesday, 2 May 2023
Time: 7.30 am
Venue: The Hub, 69 Berry Street, Nowra

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 4 May 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

AASWs Advanced Supervision Learning Program was created in direct response to the recommendations from recent Coronial reports, Royal Commission reports and State Ombudsman reports, which highlighted the need for advanced supervision for frontline social workers and the lack of quality supervision training and support.

It is a 6-week evidence based Advanced Supervision Learning Program designed with a blended learning approach utilising self-paced eLearning, online collaborative workshops, facilitator led Masterclasses and Coaching Circles.

It is tailored to the family violence sector and facilitated by an expert with 16 years of family violence experience.

20 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials:Supervision (coming soon); Family violence

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 13 June 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

AASW's Advanced Supervision Program was created in direct response to the recommendations from recent Coronial reports, Royal Commission reports and State Ombudsman reports, which highlighted the need for advanced supervision for frontline social workers and the lack of quality supervision training and support.

It is a 6-week evidence-based Advanced Supervision Learning Program designed with a blended learning approach utilising self-paced eLearning, online collaborative workshops, facilitator-led Masterclasses, and Coaching Circles.

It is tailored to the mental health sector and facilitated by an expert with 25+ years of mental health experience.

20 hours of CPD activity: Category 2, skills and knowledge
AASW Credentials: Supervision (coming soon); Mental health

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 3 August 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

1.5 CPD hours

Please join the Social Workers in the Shoalhaven (SWITS) Northern Practice Group.

Facilitator/Speaker: Kristen Bradshaw
Southern Youth and Family Services (alternative accommodation and rehabilitation
from unhappy domestic circumstances)

Date: Tuesday, 5 September 2023
Time: 7.30 am
Venue: The Hub, 69 Berry Street, Nowra

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 19 September 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 10 November 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla

1CPD hours

Please join the SWITS Southern Practice Group for an informal meeting. Local and visiting social workers are invited to attend.

Facilitator: Suzanne Buzza

Date: 19 December 2023
Time: 12.00-1.00pm
Venue: Rotary Park, Ulladulla