NAIDOC
Under the theme - Because of Her, We Can! - NAIDOC Week 2018 will be held nationally from Sunday 8 July and continue through to Sunday 15 July.
As pillars of our society, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women have played – and continue to play - active and significant roles at the community, local, state and national levels.
Interview with Linda Ford
In this interview, Linda Ford (AASW Director - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative) talks about this year's NAIDOC theme and her experiences as an Indigenous social worker.
Linda Ford is an Aboriginal woman from North West Queensland with 22 years’ experience as a social worker in rural, remote and urban areas. Linda is particularly passionate about child protection after working for seventeen years in this area of social work. Following a stint as Director of Social Work for Queensland Health, Linda returned to Child Protection as Manager of the Mount Isa and Gulf Child Safety Service Centre, where she is currently employed. Linda is committed to the profession of social work and prior to becoming a National Board member, Linda was past President of the AASW North Queensland Branch. Linda has been full Director of the Board since 1 November 2017.
Linda was interviewed by Angela Yin (AASW Communications Lead) who began by asking: This year’s NAIDOC theme is “Because of Her, We Can”. As a female Indigenous leader in social work, how does your culture inform your social work practice?
Media Release
Because of Her, We Can! AASW supports NAIDOC Week 2018
Today marks the beginning of NAIDOC Week 2018, which celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in Australia. This year’s theme is “Because of Her, We Can”. AASW Director and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representative Linda Ford said Aboriginal women bring valuable knowledge and experience to social work practice, especially when working with Indigenous clients and communities.
Social Work Focus - The First Australians: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples
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The AASW’s Reconciliation Action Plan
The AASW’s vision for reconciliation is one of increased understanding and appreciation across the Australian social work profession about the histories and cultures of the First Australians. We seek to build upon the key learnings from history and work towards the development of meaningful relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as colleagues, community members and people who use our services, founded on recognition and respect.
Read the AASW's Reconciliation Action Plan 2017-19
AASW advocacy
The AASW has prepared statements, position papers and submissions to government inquiries investigating matters related to the wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Statements and position papers
- Statement of apology (2004): AASW apologised for past wrongs committed against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including the role of social work in these wrongs.
- Statement supporting the recognition of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander People in the Australian Constitution
- Indigenous education and employment position paper
- Indigenous health position paper
Submissions to inquiries
- The AASW has made a submission to Close the Gap Refresh https://closingthegaprefresh.pmc.gov.au/ calling on immediate action and to extend the targets to include rates of children in out of home care. We will make the submission public shortly.
- Submission to Royal Commission into the Protection and Detention of Children in the Northern Territory: The AASW has called for a significant increase in services that recognises the fundamental right that children and families have to respect, participation and culturally appropriate supports.
- Submission to the Inquiry into Youth Justice Centres in Victoria: In line with the AASW Code of Ethics, this submission is underpinned by a commitment to the principles and aspirations of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and all relevant human rights instruments.
More information
