An essential for a fair and just society
Community work plays a critical role in helping people overcome disadvantage and access the support they need to thrive. Community workers promote equity, inclusion, and resilience through services like family support, housing, youth programs, mental health care, and advocacy. At its heart, community work is about supporting people through life’s challenges and building stronger communities for all.
Grounded in purpose and community need
Community work addresses real-world social issues by supporting individuals and communities experiencing disadvantage or marginalisation. It’s a practice-based profession shaped by ethical principles, practical skill, and a commitment to positive change.
Whether you’re helping someone find stable housing, connecting young people with education and employment, or advocating for system-wide reform, community work is about meaningful action that creates lasting change.
The role of community work in Australia
Support for families
Help families navigate housing, financial stress or violence with practical support, referrals, and a focus on safety and stability.
Youth empowerment
Guide young people through education, employment and life changes to build skills, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging.
Social inclusion
Connect isolated or marginalised individuals with services, groups and opportunities to build participation, confidence, and community connection.
Systemic advocacy
Raise awareness, influence policy, and ensure diverse voices are heard to help shape fairer, more inclusive systems and services.
Community resilience
Bring people together to address local challenges, strengthen neighbourhood networks, and foster shared wellbeing through community-led action.
Mental wellbeing support
Provide accessible, non-clinical care and connections to mental health services that promote resilience and reduce stigma in communities.
Community work in practice
Community workers make a real difference by supporting people, strengthening systems, and fostering social inclusion. Their impact is felt every day, across a wide range of sectors and communities, including:
- Not-for-profit organisations
- Local government
- State government departments
- Schools
- Community health centres
- Refuges
- Universities and TAFEs
- Justice and correctional services
Access online resources
Explore practical tools, fact sheets, and professional resources to help you learn, grow, and thrive in your community work career.
Career pathways for community work professionals
Explore the many ways to start, grow, or shift your career in community work and make a lasting impact.
A guide to working as a community work professional in Australia
Discover what community work involves, how to get started, and the qualifications you might need.
Benefits of being a community work professional
Community work offers meaningful, flexible, and impactful career paths. People are drawn to the sector for many reasons, including:
Get involved. Create change.
Learn about membership
Community Work Australia supports you with CPD tools, sector insights, policy updates, and professional development resources to help you grow. Membership is open to students, graduates, and experienced professionals.
Get recognised
Are you an education or training provider? Apply to have your course accredited or your training endorsed by Australia’s peak body for community work professionals.
Supporting Australian community workers since 1969
Community Work Australia (formerly ACWA) is the national body that exists to support these professionals. We work to ensure that their training and skill level meets the expectations of the Australian community.