Community and social services

What we do and how we partner

Through collaborations that connect government, industry and community partners, we work across the spectrum of community and social services to design evidence-based solutions that strengthen social wellbeing, inclusion and resilience. We also position our students at the forefront of thinking and research in matters affecting society, preparing them to address the unique challenges of the 21st Century.

Our strengths and capabilities span diverse areas:

• Housing, policy and place: addressing homelessness, affordability and climate resilient housing through social, spatial and design research. By connecting architecture, policy, planning, construction and community insight, we help create more liveable and inclusive places across cities and regions.
• Community resilience and wellbeing: examining the impacts of climate change, migration and demographic shifts and fostering civic participation, equity and sustainability through community-led approaches.
• Social work, human services and care systems: driving innovation in practice and service delivery through co-designed programs that improve wellbeing, reduce inequality and strengthen families across ageing, disability, mental health and family wellbeing.
• Child protection: strengthening policy and service delivery through evidence-based practice and collaboration to create safer outcomes for children and families.
• Justice and corrections: exploring trauma-informed, culturally safe rehabilitative approaches within correctional, legal and community justice environments.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partnerships: collaborating with Aboriginal communities and organisations through culturally grounded, community-led research that supports self-determination, economic opportunity and wellbeing. 
• Equity, governance and systems reform: addressing inequality across gender, health, education and employment and developing impact measurement, sustainability and social responsibility.
• Regional development and resilient communities: supporting regional economies and wellbeing through research in workforce, housing, transport and social policy, partnering with councils, industry and communities to drive equitable and sustainable growth.
• Disaster resilience and community recovery: helping communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from natural hazards through integrated social, environmental and health research that strengthens coordination and long-term recovery.

By combining expertise in social work, design, health, architecture, policy and the humanities, we’re helping shape more inclusive and sustainable communities.