The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is honoured to welcome renowned Indigenous rights advocate Dr Cindy Blackstock to the 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health. Blackstock’s keynote, Standing in the Winds of Systemic Discrimination, comes at a crucial time following the Voice referendum and is expected to inspire Australian social workers in their ongoing commitment to Indigenous advocacy and social justice.
AASW CEO Cindy Smith highlighted the significance of Blackstock’s presentation, especially in the wake of the recent referendum. “The Voice referendum exposed deep-rooted divides in Australia and reminds us why we must continue the fight for equity and inclusion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples here. Cindy Blackstock’s experiences in Canada are a great lesson in the power of advocacy and social justice. Her work shows us that true change requires passionate commitment.”
Smith underscored Blackstock’s tireless dedication, having led a landmark case against the Canadian Government for discrimination in child welfare services for First Nations children. “Her work in Canada is a testament to what’s possible when you hold systems accountable. Cindy Blackstock’s courage and determination provide a model for social workers worldwide – to stand up against discrimination and to be agents of change, even in the face of stern resistance.”
“In Australia, as in Canada, social workers are at the forefront of social justice. Hearing how Dr Blackstock fought for more than thirty years through advocacy, working with the legal system and building consensus, against the Canadian Government’s discrimination will be informative and powerful,” She said “The Voice referendum may not have passed here, but that doesn’t stop the work we have to do – as individuals and as a profession, Cindy Blackstock’s work in child protection, has had many positive impacts and this knowledge is valuable.”
“As social workers, we’re often trained to support, help and heal, but we must also be ready to confront what is wrong head-on. Cindy Blackstock’s work is a call-to-action for us here in Australia, reminding us that true social work means empowering those who are most vulnerable.”
Blackstock’s keynote is anticipated to be a powerful moment within the AASW conference, 10th International Conference on Social Work in Health and Mental Health (ICSWHMH) Navigating a Changing World: Empowering Minds and Transforming Lives. Smith said, “Our profession has an obligation to stand for justice, and Cindy Blackstock reminds us of that obligation with clarity and conviction. Every social worker here will leave inspired, reminded that while the Voice referendum may have faltered, our duty to advocate for a fairer, more inclusive Australia remains unwavering.”
The 10th ICSWHMH aims to foster robust connections globally among social workers and professional associations. The AASW acknowledges the critical contributions of social workers and allied health professionals. With a shared commitment to social work practice, social justice, and human rights, this event presents a unique opportunity for practitioners, academics, researchers, and students to exchange knowledge and experiences.
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