The School's history can be traced back to 1955 when the University of Queensland first established an undergraduate program of social work education. The School's core values and commitments reflect the centrality of social work in its history and development. During the past half-century, the School has diversified to the point that it now teaches a wide range of applied multi-disciplinary programs at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and undertakes research into many social issues and problems from a multi-disciplinary perspective.
The current School was created in 2003 by bringing together the diverse teaching and research programs of the School of Social Work and Social Policy located at the St Lucia campus and the Behavioural Studies Program located at the Ipswich campus of UQ. This merger created a "multi-disciplinary, multi-campus, multi-program" which continues today. The School aims to be at the cutting edge in applying the knowledge, skills and values of the human sciences to the complex issues faced by individuals, families, social groups, organisations, communities and societies.
The main office of the School is located in the Chamberlain Building on the main St Lucia campus.
Mission statement
The mission of the School of Social Work and Human Services is to apply knowledge in the social and behavioural sciences to the needs and aspirations of societies, communities and individuals, in order to achieve just, equitable, tolerant and inclusive social relations.
Vision statement
To be the Australian and international leader in critically engaged research, scholarship, and education in the applied social sciences and contemporary human services.
About the Artwork
About the Artist - Ramona 'Mun-Mun' Cavanagh - Ramona, or 'Mun-Mun' as Ramona is known among the Minjungbul people, is a highly respected artist whose work is sought after by Australian and international corporations and organisations. Some of her pieces have toured with the Queensland Arts Council and been exhibited in several galleries.
This painting conveys the story of the stolen generation. The turtle is symbolic in Indigenous artwork and represents the stolen generation. A woman can be seen taking a child and the snake (representing the father) trying to get the child back.
The painting is owned by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and was painted for the combined AASW/APASWE/IFSW conference in Brisbane in 1999.
It is currently on display at the School of Social Work and Human Services, St Lucia Campus.
