Social workers and other community and human service practitioners will focus on confidence building at a seminar to be held at Central Queensland University on Friday 18 October.

The seminar titled “Practice is Confidence Building” will be presented by two Mackay-based social workers, Irene Davison and Anne Butcher.

Irene works as a social worker with the Social Worker in Mackay Schools project (SWIMS). This pilot project is supported by Education Queensland, Department of Families and CQU and addresses the needs of young people potentially at risk.

Anne works with Department of Families and is currently undertaking research in collaboration with James Cook University in the area of foster carer education, training and support.

The “Practice is Confidence Building” seminar will be staged at the Rockhampton campus, in building 33 room G.14, and videoconferenced to Mackay, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Emerald.

The seminar will start at 9.30am and will conclude at noon at a cost of $22 and $5.50 for students.

Lecturer with the School of Social Work & Welfare Studies in Mackay, Denis Travers said the seminar was one of four presented by the School each year.

“The seminars provide opportunities for practitioners to meet in an academic environment to discuss research and others issues as they relate to the real work of professional practice,” Travers explained.

“This is a unique opportunity for professionals to interact and share ideas and information with colleagues over vast distances. Many practitioners work in relative isolation and have few opportunities to share and discuss aspects of their work with other practitioners.

“These seminars are just one way CQU is providing on-going support to our graduates and other practitioners in regional and rural areas. We look to provide a focus on continuing professional education.

For further information on the seminar phone Denis on 4940 7546 or email d.travers@cqu.edu.au.

Photo: Denis Travers