2024 Len Tierney Lecture: Innovations in Social Work Practice and Research
The 2024 Len Tierney Lecture took place on the evening of Tuesday, 22 October 2024, at the University of Melbourne. It was attended by over 50 people, a welcome change from the previous online events, as social work alumni, students, and staff gathered in person. Before the formal proceedings began, guests enjoyed refreshments and had the chance to connect and chat with each other, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The evening offered both intellectual engagement and an opportunity for connection, setting the stage for the insightful panel discussions that followed.
Organised by the Department of Social Work, the lecture explored the theme "Advancing Social and Health Equity: Sharing Innovations in Social Work Practice and Research." The event honoured the legacy of Dr Len Tierney and featured a distinguished panel of experts who reflected on the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the field of social work.
Professor Lou Harms, Chair and Head of the Department of Social Work, opened the event with an Acknowledgement of Country. Professor Harms emphasised the significance of the Len Tierney Lecture, celebrating the life and work of Dr Tierney, whose contributions to child and family welfare remain influential in the field today.
The 2024 event was delivered as a panel discussion, featuring a distinguished group of experts, each contributing unique insights into social work practice and research. Professor Emeritus Irwin Epstein, formerly of City University of New York and Mount Sinai Hospital, shared his extensive experience in practice-based research. Professor Celia Chan, newly appointed to the Department in 2024, discussed her work on evidence-based interventions to support families facing complex challenges. Professor Sarah Wendt, a key figure in the elimination of violence against women, highlighted her work in social work policy and practice. Additionally, Gayathiri Jambulingam and Grace Haslinghouse, the inaugural recipients of the Len Tierney Social Work Travelling Award, shared their experiences from their engagement with social work practitioners and researchers in New York.
The panel discussions touched on democratising social work research, addressing knowledge inequities, and the transformative potential of practice-based inquiry. The event highlighted the importance of collaboration between social work practitioners and researchers in advancing equity and fostering societal change.
The lecture concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms Janet Farrow OAM (University of Melbourne Social Work Alumni Association President), who expressed gratitude to the speakers, the organising committee, and the attendees. The evening ended on a note of inspiration, encouraging future generations to build on the legacy of Dr Len Tierney.
To see the recording of the event, click here.