AASW Recording | The Impact of Social Work in Rural, Regional and Remote Areas

The role and influence of social work in rural, regional and remote communities is not well known. This is particularly the case when social workers are both the helping professional and an active community member or the person next door. To raise awareness of the diversity and importance of rural, regional and remote social work at the individual through to community level, this webinar provided the opportunity to hear from two prominent South Australians.

The Hon Kyam Maher, MLC reflects on the life and work of his mother Viv Maher and the way this influences him today. Viv, a respected Aboriginal Elder, was a social worker who worked in regional areas. Viv was made a life member of the AASW and is on the 2019 SA Women’s Honour Roll.

Dr Jen Cleary speaks about social workers as key professionals in rural, regional and remote service provision, as well, the positive influence that programs and human service organisations can have on these communities.

Presenters

Dr Jen Cleary is a human geographer with a background spanning regional, rural and remote research, development, social services and social policy. Dr Cleary is the CEO of Centacare Catholic Country SA (CCCSA). Providing services in regional, rural and remote communities in SA, Centacare operates from 11 sites in six communities across a footprint of 980,000 km2. Dr Cleary holds an adjunct position as Associate Professor within the Centre for Global Food and Resources at the University of Adelaide. Her most recent work (with Dr Anthony Hogan) concerns the role of deep engagement in valuing regional, rural and remote communities.

Hon Kyam Maher, MLC grew up in Littlehampton in the Adelaide Hills prior to moving to Mt Gambier. He graduated with Law and Economics degrees from the University of Adelaide before practicing law for the Crown Solicitor’s Office in SA. In 2002, Kyam took on the role of Chief of Staff to the then Minister of Regional Affairs, Aboriginal Affairs and Correctional Services, Terry Roberts. Kyam went on to serve as State Secretary of the Labor Party in SA before entering the Legislative Council in 2012. In 2014, Kyam took the role of Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Fisheries. A proud South Australian, Kyam has spoken passionately on a wide range of issues including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs, equality, the importance of science and the challenges facing regional and country communities.