Tasmania Branch Social Work Symposium

Tasmania Branch Social Work Symposium 2026

Shaping What Comes Next: The Future of Tasmanian Social Work

As the AASW celebrates 80 years of social work in Australia, the Tasmania Branch Social Work Symposium 2026 invites social workers from across the state to come together on Friday 11 September 2026 in Launceston for a day of connection, learning and conversation about the future of our profession.

Under the theme ‘Shaping What Comes Next: The Future of Tasmanian Social Work’, the symposium will explore the challenges and opportunities facing social work, showcase innovative practice, and consider how we can collectively strengthen our profession for the years ahead.

More than a professional development event, the symposium offers an opportunity to connect, reflect and help shape what comes next for our profession and the communities we serve.

Event details

  • The Symposium takes place Friday 11 September 2026 at the Launceston Conference Centre.
  • Doors open from 9:00am. Program runs 9:30am–3:45pm.
  • Claim up to 7 CPD hours under Category 2: Skills and Knowledge.
  • Registrations close Friday 4 September

Event program

Shaped by Tasmanian social workers, the event program features 13 workshops and three keynote addresses. Topics include practitioner wellbeing, leadership and supervision, practice skills, emerging issues, and more. 

View program and session information
TimeActivityPresenter
9:00amArrival, registration and light refreshments
9:30amWelcome, housekeeping and Welcome to CountryAlly Smith MC
Melissa Carter
9:45amKeynote address
To Be or Not to Be – The Future of Our Profession
 Elizabeth (Liz) Little, AASW National President
10:30amMorning tea and networking
11:00amKeynote Q&A conversation
Leadership, Learning and the Churchill Fellowship		 Jody Bell, in conversation with Kit Speakman
12:00pmConcurrent workshop session one (seven workshops)
1:00pmLunch, networking and information displays
1:45pmKeynote address
Disruptive Social Work Practice		Professor Shirley Ledger, University of Tasmania
2:30pmConcurrent workshop session two (six workshops)
3:30pmReflections, acknowledgements and feedbackBen McGregor MC

Meet our keynote speakers