* New book provides overview of the development of social work at CSU

* CSU a major force in social work education and the development of social work profession and practice

* CSU has the largest social work program in Australia by student enrolments

A new book co-edited by social work academics at Charles Sturt University (CSU) explores the developments in the field of social work and that discipline’s contribution to society.

Social Work: Innovations and Insights was co-edited by CSU’s Professor Manohar Pawar, Professor Wendy Bowles, and Associate Professor Karen Bell in the CSU School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

It was launched by CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann at the CSU Faculty of Arts and Education Research Forum (Wednesday 22 to Friday 24 August) at CSU in Wagga Wagga.

Speaking at the launch of the book on Wednesday 22 August, Professor Vann said, “The book - Social Work: Innovations and Insights - gives a great overview of the development of social work at Charles Sturt University, and in turn how that work has informed the development of the profession and of social work practice.

“Social work has been a critical discipline for the University, and in turn the University has been a major force in social work education.

“The spirit and ethos of Charles Sturt University have run very strongly in the academics in the social work discipline, and the book provides a wonderful opportunity to reflect with pride on what they have achieved on behalf of the profession, their students, and their communities.”

Professor Pawar (pictured second from left), who is also a member of the CSU Institute for Land, Water and Society, explained that as part of the silver jubilee celebration of the CSU social work program, a symposium in November 2016 brought together academics, field educators, practitioners, and research scholars, to reflect on some of the innovations and insights of the social work program.

“This research exercise has resulted in the book which consists of 21 chapters authored by 22 social work colleagues,” Professor Pawar said.

“Their writings have contributed to social work concepts and theories relating to virtues in social work, culturally responsive practice, and post-conventional and eco-social models.

“Social Work: Innovations and Insights also covers creative approaches to teaching method, several fields of practice and applied research relating to mental health, ageing, multi-cultural practice and health, and well-being at work, to bring change in people’s lives and communities.

“The book demonstrates Charles Sturt University social work colleagues’ team work and commitment to social work education and practice.”

The CSU social work program is the largest social work program in Australia in terms of student enrolments.

Social Work: Innovations and Insights is published by Australian Scholarly Publishing.