As the year draws to a close, we are proud to reflect on the incredible strides Community Work Australia has made in advancing our services, strengthening our operations and positioning ourselves for a thriving future. This has been a year of growth, innovation and preparation as we deepen our commitment to the community services sector.
Expanding our capacity to serve
In response to growing demand, we’ve expanded our team to enhance our ability to deliver key services, including professional membership, course accreditation, migration skills assessments and training endorsement. This growth has enabled us to improve processing times, elevate customer service standards and provide more robust support to our members.
Supporting our members
This year, we conducted a comprehensive review of our membership program and services to ensure they provide the best value for our diverse and growing member base. As part of this process, we updated our eligibility requirements to reflect the qualifications and practical experience that define excellence in community work.
Excitingly, we’ve also laid the groundwork for a new website designed to become your go-to resource for reports, training, industry updates and tools to support your professional journey.
Championing educational standards
The number of community services course providers seeking accreditation with Community Work Australia continued to grow, including a rise in higher education courses including AQF9/Masters-level programs. This surge reflects the trust placed in us as the national professional body for community work, committed to upholding the highest standards of education and practice.
Supporting skilled migrants
In a significant milestone, we’ve taken vital steps towards aligning with new regulatory requirements, including working towards achieving the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations’ (DEWR) proposed Best Practice Principles and Standards for Skilled Migration Assessing Authorities. These measures ensure our migration assessments meet the highest standards, offering skilled professionals a reliable pathway to their goals in Australia.
Evolving for the future
A transformative step in our journey was our transition from an incorporated association to a public company limited by guarantee. This change strengthens our governance, accountability and sustainability, empowering us to serve our stakeholders more effectively.
Accompanying this evolution was a rebrand to Community Work Australia – a name that better reflects our expanding influence and commitment to the community work sector.
Looking ahead to 2025
Next year, we will build on this momentum with several key initiatives. These include a comprehensive review of each program area will ensure our services continue to meet the changing needs of our stakeholders.
We will work towards strengthening collaboration with and enhancing communication with our members, fostering deeper connections and a shared sense of purpose.
In addition, our new website will offer an intuitive and valuable online experience, providing tailored resources, streamlined processes and access to essential updates for all our stakeholders, including members, course and training providers, and migrants.
As we look back on a year of growth and progress, we are energised by the opportunities ahead. Community Work Australia is committed to innovation, excellence and creating a lasting impact in the community services sector. Together, we’ll continue to shape a profession that supports inclusivity, equity and resilience – building a fairer and more just society for all.