Tania Hall, a PhD Candidate in the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, has been awarded one of the two Australian Association of Social Workers 2020/21 Practitioner Research Grants.  Tania holds a Senior Social Work position at SA Health’s Watto Purrunna Aboriginal Primary Health Service, and will be the principle researcher on a project exploring the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking care at a metropolitan South Australian emergency department and leaving without treatment.  The research will be undertaken in partnership with Aboriginal researchers from the Wardliparingga Aboriginal Health Equity theme at SAHMRI, who have contributed to the design of the research protocol.  Tania recently submitted her thesis in completion of her Doctor of Philosophy exploring disability group home violence, abuse and neglect using social media.

‘Tania’s career in social work is punctuated by compassion, action and activism.  This commitment was continued through her PhD, which focused on how online communities enable the sharing of experiences in tough times.  Tania researched how YouTube allowed people with a disability to share their experiences of group housing.  Her rigour, clarity and desire to place citizens with disabilities at the centre of her research has created a research project of power and excellence.  Tania’s award only confirms her desire to improve the lives of all Australia.  While many researchers try to make a difference, Tania succeeds.’

Congratulations Tania.