The critical role that social workers provide in our communities is reinforced on World Social Work Day – today, Tuesday 16 March – as Flinders University celebrates the mighty contributions of our social work graduates, staff and students.
Social workers are bravely addressing the difficult issues of child protection, domestic and family violence, housing and homelessness and racial inequality – and Flinders University researcher, educator and change agent Dr Carmela Bastian (PhD (SS) ’17), responsible for the child protection portfolio within social work and within the University, is committed to challenging current thinking around child protection in Australia.
She and her colleagues at Flinders have taken their passion for making a difference to follow a career path that helps others in meaningful ways – from researching new ways to achieve social change, to working directly with people in the community to help change lives for the better, and to teach the next generation of social workers.
This includes Flinders University student Lucy Furst, who began to think seriously about a career in social work while she was in high school. Now in her third year of a Bachelor of Social Work, she says her desire pursue a career in this field “has only grown stronger”.
Lucy began her degree with an interest in working specifically with children, but has broadened her perspective since her first work placement. “I was placed in an alcohol and other drug service specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population,” she says.
“I was given opportunities to interact with clients and develop my understanding and cultural awareness while being supported by the case managers. I could never have imagined my placement would be as successful and rewarding as it was, and I’m now open to other areas of social work. My placement also taught me that social work is constantly evolving, so I have learnt there can be flexibility in practice.”
Last year, the impact of COVID-19 restrictions meant her planned 13-week placement was brought to a stop only four weeks after it had started – but, through persistence and tenacity, Lucy was able to complete her placement late in 2020.
“My time at Flinders University has benefited me both personally and professionally,” says Lucy. “The opportunities I have been given throughout my degree have helped develop my flexibility, knowledge and confidence throughout my work practice.”
Her dedication is mirrored in others who have come through the Flinders University Social Work program. Flinders Alumni Thien Nguyen (MSW ’18) has been pivotal in assembling a library of books that is now helping to improve English language skills for Vietnamese children.
Flinders staff member and alumni Luke Roberts (MSW ’09) says he has found his purpose in life as a social worker through giving young people a voice, and says his work continues to be a very rewarding, challenging and powerful experience.
To learn more about studying social work at Flinders, visit the website.