Excelsia University College was proud to have Lisa Hodge, Bonny Cotter, David Keegan, Karen Britto, Ibukun Aibinu and Andrea Louka present at the Australian and New Zealand Social Work and Welfare Education and Research (ANZSWWER) Symposium, held on 20–21 November 2025.
This year’s theme explored the critical role of social work and human services education and research in building solidarity and inclusion during an era of political, environmental, technological, and socio-economic turbulence and inequality.
Our speakers addressed the importance of leading these conversations in today’s unstable social work landscape.‘As our profession navigates turbulent times, these topics are critical as AI is transforming practice landscapes while raising profound questions about digital equity, especially for vulnerable populations. This symposium consistently champions the progressive, socially just approaches essential for meaningful transformation in social work education and practice,’ said David Keegan, Senior Lecturer and Field Educator.
Karen Britto, Lecturer, emphasised the need for collaboration among professionals in the field: ‘It is important for the social work profession to contribute its resources to reach out, research and advocate and thereby ensure that the supports that are key to recovery from the displacement and adverse past are available and that the opportunity to thrive is a reality.’
This year is the 14th annual ANZSWWER Symposium. The ANZSWWER is a thought leader in advancing high-quality social work and welfare education and research across Australia and New Zealand.
