World Social Work Day is held each year on the third Tuesday of March to celebrate the profession of social work and the role of social workers in the community. This year’s theme is Promoting the Importance of Human Relationships.

The Australian Association of Social Workers, as the professional body representing more than 11,000 social workers, is marking World Social Work Day with celebrations throughout Australia.

AASW National President Christine Craik said human relationships are at the essence of what social workers do, in the diversity of settings in which they work.

“The vital work of social workers can be seen in a wide variety of settings. Whether we work in health, mental health, schools, child protection, aged care, disability, family violence, academia or management, we bring the values of our profession to wherever we work,” said Craik.

“This is at the heart of the work we do.  Promoting the importance of human relationships means recognising the rights and dignity of fellow human beings and treating them and their ways of knowing, with respect and compassion.

“Promoting the importance of human relationships for social workers means more than just that phrase.  As social workers, we work to identify, name and change the systems and attitudes in our society that impact, diminish and work against healthy relationships.”

The Association is hosting celebrations in every state and territory through its branches.