Staff, students and alumni will celebrate 25 years of social work education at Charles Sturt University (CSU) with a special two-day conference in November.

The 'Social Work Education and Practice: Insights and Innovations Colloquium' will be hosted by the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences at CSU in Wagga Wagga on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 November.

The event will draw representatives from government, education and the private sector, including current and past CSU academics, researchers, students, alumni and others interested in new directions and challenges for social work and social workers in Australia and overseas.

CSU lecturer and course coordinator for social work Dr Cate Thomas (pictured) said, "Twenty-five years is an impressive milestone for Charles Sturt University, and what better way to celebrate than to have a colloquium where we can share knowledge and research while listening to impressive keynote speakers. This event will highlight where we have come from and where we are going as a leading social work program.

"The Charles Sturt University social work education program is currently the largest in Australia and has been ranked as the number one social work course in Australia. This clearly demonstrates the University's commitment, particularly as a regional university, to continuing and developing social work programs that responds to society and industry needs.

"All of the staff involved in the delivery of the social work programs at Charles Sturt University are to be commended."

Approximately 100 people will attend the two-day colloquium which will be opened by Head of the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Wendy Bowles. There will be a Welcome to Country by Aunty Gail Clark, and, weather permitting, a smoking ceremony (conducted by Mr Peter Ingram).

Ground-breaking research from current and past students and academics will be presented, with reflective discussions from industry and community groups in the plenary sessions. There will be a networking dinner on the Wednesday evening where foundation members will be celebrated and a short memorial will be held for those now deceased.

Keynote and guest speakers at the colloquium include:

·         Professor Margaret Alston, OAM, Professor of Social Work and Head of Department at Monash University

·         Associate Professor Sue Green, University of New South Wales

·         Ms Christine Craik, National Vice-President, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) ·         Emeritus Professor Ross Chambers (CSU) will address the colloquium dinner.