Heather Boetto
Associate Professor, Charles Sturt University 

Heather Boetto is a distinguished expert in the field of Environmental Social Work, also known as EcoSocial Work and Green Social Work. Her extensive knowledge of this area centres around helping people establish and maintain a balanced and diverse ecosystem. Heather understands the intrinsic connection between environmental well-being and human welfare and actively works to address and rectify injustices that arise from the unequal distribution of environmental risks. 

Heather's academic journey has been marked by significant accomplishments. She obtained her Doctoral degree, culminating in a PhD with the prestigious Higher Degree by Research Medal in 2017 from Charles Sturt University. Before this, she achieved a Master of Social Work with Distinction in 2010 and a dual Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Arts in 2001, all from the same esteemed institution. 

Heather's groundbreaking research in disaster practices and Environmental Social Work has earned her international and national acclaim, making her a key figure in numerous research endeavours. Her expertise extends to leading transformative community-based research initiatives, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in nurturing a sustainable and diverse ecosystem. Heather is passionate about qualitative research methodologies that promote inclusive, empowering, and co-created approaches and has spearheaded impactful research groups, such as the Environmental and Social Justice Research Group at Charles Sturt University. 

Heather's research interests span a wide spectrum, including Environmental Social Work, Disaster practices, Rural and regional communities, Gender equality, and Collaboration at local, national, and international levels. 

Heather is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of social work professionals, educators, and practitioners to actively engage in issues concerning social and ecological well-being. She is a strong advocate for global ecological justice and strives to foster a healthy and diverse ecosystem that is accessible to all. Heather's contributions have been recognized both locally and internationally, and she finds joy in participating in innovative groups and community-driven research projects that prioritize participatory, empowering, and co-created research methodologies.

Session Overview
A backdrop of global crises denotes current and future priorities for social work. This presentation will explore global systemic shifts shaping the future of social work, including geopolitical tensions, technological acceleration, demographic reorganisation, and climate change. Amid these contemporary global challenges, there exists unique opportunities for social work to enact dialogical, localised, collective, and decolonised solutions. The profession’s call to action embodies optimism and transformative change towards a more secure, safe, socially just, and sustainable future.