For Claire Morrison, stepping out of her comfort zone and into the Northern Territory for her Master of Social Work placement was a transformative experience. Drawn by a passion for helping others and a curiosity about Indigenous culture, Claire’s 14-week placement in Katherine offered her a chance to grow professionally and personally.
Claire’s Path to Social Work
Claire’s love for connecting with people and hearing their stories of resilience led her to social work. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to see people get back on their feet after facing significant hardships,” she shares. This passion guided her to the NT, where the University Melbourne’s student sought to bridge the gap between academic knowledge of Indigenous issues and lived realities.
“I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture and history directly from Indigenous people,” Claire says. “The Katherine region, with its strong Indigenous population, was the perfect place for this.”
Life on Placement
Claire’s placement, organised by Flinders University, was split between two organisations: Territory Families, where she worked as a child protection practitioner, and Katherine West Health Board, where she supported clients as a domestic and family violence case worker.
A typical day often involved long travel—up to four hours—to remote Indigenous communities. “We stayed for multiple days, meeting clients and connecting them with the services they needed to overcome adversity,” she recalls.
Alongside practical skills, Claire gained invaluable cultural insights from Indigenous practitioners and clients. “I learned so much about culturally respectful practices and the importance of community and family, which often contrasts with the isolation in Western culture,” she notes.
Return to Katherine
The placement not only deepened Claire’s understanding of social work but also shaped her career path. Inspired by the women she supported and upon receiving a job offer, she decided to return to the NT after graduation.
At the Katherine Women’s Crisis Centre, Claire provided support to women escaping domestic violence. “The rate of domestic violence in the NT is three times the national average, disproportionately affecting Indigenous women,” she explains. “Working here has been both confronting and empowering. The strength of these women is incredible.”
Claire’s role at the shelter has been deeply rewarding. “Some nights I stayed overnight, sharing stories over dinner and playing with the children,” she says. “I’ll never forget the excitement of children running up to greet me when I arrive at work.”
Unique Opportunities in the NT
For interstate students considering a placement in the NT, Claire has one piece of advice: “Take the leap. It’s a unique and fulfilling experience. The support from organisers and the sense of community make it hard to leave.”
Claire’s experience highlights the rewarding aspect of rural and remote placements. For those seeking a meaningful career in social work, the Northern Territory offers a truly unique opportunity.