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Taking the step to apply for the student council can feel both exciting and a little daunting. But trust me, it’s a fantastic opportunity to grow, connect, and make a real difference in our university community. Whether you’re passionate about social justice, want to improve student life, or simply want to develop leadership skills, joining the student council is a great way to do it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about applying, preparing, and thriving in your role. Why Join the Student Council? A Student Council Guide Before diving into the application process, let’s chat about why joining the student council is worth your time. Being part of the council means you get to: Represent your peers : You become the voice for your fellow students, especially those in Social Work, ensuring their concerns and ideas are heard. Develop leadership skills : From organising events to managing projects, you’ll gain hands-on experience that looks great on your resume. Build a supportive network : You’ll meet like-minded students and staff who share your passion for social change and community building. Make a tangible impact : Whether it’s advocating for better resources or creating new initiatives, your work can improve the student experience for everyone. Joining the student council isn’t just about adding a line to your CV; it’s about growing personally and professionally while contributing to a vibrant, supportive community. How to Prepare Your Student Council Application Now, let’s get practical. Preparing your student council application is your first step. Here’s how to make it stand out: Understand the Role Take time to research what the student council does at Flinders University, especially within the Social Work Association. What are the current projects? What challenges do students face? This knowledge will help you tailor your application to show you’re ready to contribute meaningfully. Reflect on Your Strengths Think about what you bring to the table. Are you a great communicator? Do you have experience organising events or campaigns? Maybe you’re passionate about mental health or social justice issues. Highlight these strengths clearly. Write a Clear and Personal Statement Your application statement should be: Concise : Keep it focused and to the point. Personal : Share your motivation for applying and what you hope to achieve. Action-oriented : Mention specific ideas or initiatives you’d like to pursue. For example, you might say, “I want to improve peer support networks for Social Work students to help us all thrive academically and personally.” Gather Support If possible, get recommendations or endorsements from lecturers, peers, or previous council members. This adds credibility and shows you’re well-regarded in the community. Proofread and Review Before submitting, double-check your application for spelling and grammar. Ask a friend or mentor to review it too. A polished application reflects your professionalism and attention to detail. Tips for Acing the Interview and Campaign If your application is successful, you might be invited to an interview or asked to campaign for votes. Here’s how to prepare: Practice Your Interview Skills Prepare answers to common questions like “Why do you want to join the student council?” or “How would you handle a conflict between students?” Be authentic : Speak from the heart and share your genuine passion. Show your knowledge : Refer back to your research about the council and Social Work student needs. Plan Your Campaign If you need to campaign, keep it simple and focused: Create clear messages about what you want to achieve. Use social media to reach fellow students. Engage in conversations : Listen to what others want and show how you’ll represent them. Be approachable and positive : People vote for candidates they trust and feel connected to. Manage Your Time Balancing study and council duties can be tricky. Show that you have a plan to manage your time effectively. This reassures selectors that you’re ready for the commitment. What to Expect Once You’re on the Council Joining the student council is just the beginning. Here’s what life on the council might look like: Regular Meetings You’ll attend meetings to discuss ongoing projects, student concerns, and upcoming events. These are great opportunities to share your ideas and collaborate. Event Planning and Participation From workshops to social events, you’ll help organise activities that benefit Social Work students. This is where your creativity and organisational skills shine. Advocacy and Representation You’ll liaise with university staff and other student groups to advocate for improvements. This might involve writing proposals, attending forums, or running campaigns. Personal Growth Expect to develop skills like public speaking, teamwork, and problem-solving. You’ll also build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your fellow council members. We’re all in this together! Making the Most of Your Student Council Experience To truly benefit from your time on the council, consider these tips: Stay organised : Use planners or apps to keep track of meetings and deadlines. Communicate openly : Keep your peers informed and seek their feedback. Be inclusive : Make sure all voices are heard, especially those who might feel marginalised. Take initiative : Don’t wait for tasks to come to you – suggest new ideas and volunteer. Reflect regularly : Think about what you’re learning and how you’re growing. Your role on the council is a chance to shape your university experience and leave a lasting legacy for future Social Work students. Applying for the student council is a rewarding journey that combines leadership, community, and personal growth. If you’re ready to step up and make a difference, start by preparing your student council application with care and confidence. Remember, every great leader started with a single step - and this could be yours. Let’s make our university a better place together!

https://knowledgeproject.com.au/ - Jack Buckskin, Kuma Kaaru The Knowledge Project is an educational initiative that promotes understanding of Kaurna history, spirituality, and language. Led by Jack Buckskin, founder of Kuma Kaaru Cultural Services, the Knowledge Project aims to foster meaningful dialogue between Kaurna people and the broader Australian community. Here's what it offers: 🌿 Purpose and Mission Bridge cultural gaps  through education and storytelling. Encourage curiosity  by allowing anonymous questions about Kaurna culture. Create safe spaces  for open and honest engagement. 📚 Core Topics Modern History : Explores Kaurna experiences from pre-colonisation to the present day. Spirituality : Highlights Kaurna customs, ceremonies, and their deep connection to country. Language : Promotes awareness and revitalization of the Kaurna language. 🎥 Multimedia Learning Offers video content  shaped by community-submitted questions. New videos are added annually , based on public interest and inquiries. 🤝 Community Engagement Visitors can submit questions anonymously , helping guide future content. The project supports reconciliation efforts  by acknowledging Traditional Custodians and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. You can explore more or submit your own questions at The Knowledge Project . “Our conversations are made better when we have a common understanding of the facts.” - Jack Buckskin, Kuma Kaaru

Starting university is an exciting time, full of new opportunities and challenges. One of the best ways to make the most of this experience is by joining student memberships. These memberships open doors to resources, connections, and experiences that can truly enrich your time at university. As someone who’s been through it, I can say that getting involved with student memberships is a game-changer. Let’s explore why these memberships are so valuable, especially for Social Work students at Flinders University. Why Student Memberships Matter When you first arrive at university, it can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to learn, and sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Student memberships provide a supportive community that helps you navigate this new world. They offer access to exclusive events, workshops, and networking opportunities that you might not find elsewhere. For Social Work students, this is particularly important. The field is all about connecting with people and understanding communities. Being part of a student membership group helps you build those connections early on. You get to meet peers who share your passion, learn from experienced professionals, and gain insights that go beyond textbooks. Joining a student membership also shows initiative. It’s a way to demonstrate your commitment to your studies and your future career. Employers often look for candidates who are engaged and proactive, and being part of a student group is a great way to stand out. The Benefits of Student Memberships for Social Work Students There are so many benefits to joining a student membership, especially tailored for Social Work students. Here are some of the key advantages: Access to Resources : Memberships often provide exclusive access to study materials, journals, and online libraries. This can be a huge help when you’re working on assignments or preparing for exams. Professional Development : Workshops and seminars on topics like ethics, case management, and community engagement are often available. These sessions help you develop skills that are essential for your future career. Networking Opportunities : You get to meet professionals, alumni, and fellow students who can offer advice, mentorship, and even job leads. Social Events : University life isn’t just about studying. Student memberships organise social events that help you relax, make friends, and build a support network. Volunteering and Placement Support : Many memberships assist with finding volunteer roles or placements, which are crucial for gaining practical experience in Social Work. By joining the student membership benefits offered through the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA), you’re stepping into a community that’s designed to support your academic and professional journey. How to Make the Most of Your Membership Joining is just the first step. To really benefit, you need to get involved. Here are some tips on how to make the most of your student membership: Attend Events Regularly Whether it’s a guest lecture, a workshop, or a social gathering, try to participate as much as you can. These events are where you’ll learn the most and meet people who can support you. Volunteer for Committees or Projects Getting involved in organising events or leading projects can boost your leadership skills and make your CV shine. Use Online Platforms Many memberships have online forums or social media groups. Engage with these platforms to stay updated and connect with others. Seek Mentorship Don’t hesitate to reach out to senior students or professionals for guidance. Mentorship can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Share Your Ideas Student memberships thrive on active participation. If you have ideas for events or initiatives, share them! Your input can make the community even better. Real-Life Impact of Student Memberships I remember when I first joined a student membership group during my studies. It wasn’t just about the perks; it was about feeling part of something bigger. I attended workshops that helped me understand real-world Social Work challenges. I met people who became lifelong friends and professional contacts. One of the most valuable experiences was volunteering through the association, which gave me hands-on experience and boosted my confidence. Many Social Work students at Flinders University have shared similar stories. They talk about how these memberships helped them find placements, prepare for interviews, and even discover new areas of interest within Social Work. The support network created through these memberships often makes the difference between feeling lost and feeling empowered. Your Next Step: Join and Thrive If you’re ready to enhance your university experience, I encourage you to explore the student membership benefits available through FUSWA. It’s more than just a membership - it’s a community that supports your growth, learning, and future career. Remember, university is not just about studying hard; it’s about growing as a person and professional. Student memberships provide the tools, connections, and opportunities to help you do just that. So why wait? Dive in, get involved, and watch how your university journey transforms. By embracing student memberships, you’re investing in yourself and your future. The benefits go far beyond the classroom, shaping you into a confident, connected, and capable Social Work professional ready to make a difference.

FUSWA SOCIAL MEDIA - CLICK • VISIT • LIKE • FOLLOW • CONNECT • EXPLORE • SHARE • CHAT - At Flinders, BSW & MSW Social Work Students have a wide range of social platforms to connect on, opening up a world of possibilities for everyone! FUSWA SOCIAL MEDIA CLICK • VISIT • LIKE • FOLLOW • CONNECT • EXPLORE • SHARE • CHAT At Flinders, BSW & MSW Social Work Students have a wide range of social platforms to connect on, opening up a world of possibilities for everyone! LIKE & FOLLOW FUSWA FACEBOOK Our Official Facebook Page The official FUSWA Facebook page includes posts brought to you direct from the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) and its Team. Like and Follow to keep up to date on what's happening at FUSWA, including Events, Merchandise and more... FUSWA MESSENGER CHAT Official Facebook Community Chat FUSWA created a Facebook Messenger Community Chat for BSW and MSW Students at Flinders University. These chats, arranged by Degree (BSW / BSWH / MSW), Year and Semester, is our Official Chat platform, to supplement the FUSWA Discord Chat Server which provides individual BSW & MSW Topic Chats, and information. Help grow the Social Work Student Community by joining these Messenger Chats. START CHATTING LEARN MORE LEARN MORE FUSWA DISCORD SERVER Official Discord Chat Join the FUSWA Discord Chat Server and connect with other students based on your Semester Topics. This server provides students Chat, Voice and Video options - great for Study Groups! You will also find the server includes information, and downloads to help with your studies whether you are a BSW, BSWH or MSW student. START CHATTING FUSWA LINKEDIN PAGE Official Association's LinkedIn Page The Association's LinkedIn Page allows LinkedIn members to discover and connect with individual companies, and other social workers. It also provides students a chance to learn about the social work practice, the human services industry, its brands, products, services, career opportunities, and more. LINK UP FOLLOW US FUSWA LINKEDIN GROUP Our Official Groups Page The official FUSWA LinkedIn Groups page provides students and industry professional a powerful tool for sharing personal experiences and expertise. It provides the ability to connect with peers and potential mentors in the social work and human services industry, communicate with current practitioners, or prospect career opportunities. FUSWA INSTAGRAM Our Official Insta Posts Follow FUSWA on Intagram and be presented with a variety of inspirational memes, event photo's, updates, highlights, and funnies. FOLLOW US FOLLOW US FUSWA TWITTER Our Official Tweet's The official FUSWA Twitter provides students a platform to discover Tweets about news and events happening at FUSWA, Flinders University, and beyond. Follow us, and the people, providers, or companies we follow, and enjoy consuming content we endeavor to provide, or simply use it to communicate with other social work students, and friends. FUSWA YOUTUBE CHANNEL Our Official Video Channel Subscribe to the FUSWA YouTube Channel and discover video's produced by the Team, our activities, FUSWA social, career, and informational events. Missed out on the BSW and MSW Student Placement Sessions held on campus? We endeavour to record everything we do and pop it on our channel so you don't miss out! SUBSCRIBE FOLLOW US FUSWA TIKTOK Our Official TikTok The FUSWA TikTok is our outlet for students to express themselves through song, dance, music, comedy, lip-sync, or whatever they want to share across the Flinders Uni community. Watch us and social work students create and share the quirky, the notable, and other content that expresses them, and their lives, in some unique way. FUSWA QPAY Our Official Membership App Singup and become a Student Member of the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA). Enjoy the benefits of FREE Membership with access to some great FUSWA Merchandise, prizes, events, and giveaways throughout the year. JOIN UP JOIN THE GROUP STUDENT FACEBOOK GROUP Flinders Uni Social Work Students This is the Flinders University Social Work Students PRIVATE Facebook group. Our Team here at FUSWA, along with other students, moderate the page and you will often see FUSWA posts across it so that the wider student community never miss out on what's happening at FUSWA, Flinders and worldwide. This group provides access to the FUSWA Community Messenger Chats. MSW FACEBOOK GROUP Master's of Social Work Facebook This PRIVATE Facebook Group is dedicated to students studying their Master's Degree, providing a platform to connect, share and discuss this pathway within Flinders University. Students here will also be members of the Flinders University Social Work Students Group, and you will sometimes see FUSWA posts shared on this page. JOIN THE GROUP STUDENT CHAT CONNECT

MENTAL HEALTH & WELLBING RESOURCES - It's OK to Ask for Help! You're not alone @ Flinders! Our list of Flinders and external support services may provide the guidance and help you seek. Sometimes asking for help is one of the bravest move you can make. Mental Health & Well-being Services STUDENT SERVICES Flinders University Contact Need help? Contact Flinders Connect Level 0, Central Library, Bedford Park Campus Tel. 1300 354 633 Lost On Campus App College of Education, Psychology and Social Work Level 4, Room 469, Education Building, Bedford Park EPSWEnquiries@flinders.edu.au Tel. +61 8 8201 7800 > Studying outside Australia? > Support and Services Directory Flinders Support Compass Students' physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are supported by Oasis, a student community wellbeing centre on the Bedford Park Campus, in order to help them achieve both academically and socially. There are a wide range of support services available at Flinders to help you succeed. Health and wellbeing • Study and learning • Financial support and assistance • Enrolment and course • Admin and technology • Careers and employment • Security • International students • Indigenous students • Higher degree research students HEALTH, COUNSELLING, DISABILITY SERVICES SAFETY & RESPECT ON CAMPUS HOW TO DERIVE MEANING FROM YOUR STUDIES STUDENT HEALTH & WELLBEING THE BIG 5 FROM MINDSPOT TOWN HALL CONTACTS - CEPSW Dean Education - cepsw.deaneducation@flinders.edu.au CEPSW Vice President and Executive Dean - cepsw.vped@flinders.edu.au BSW Course Coordinator - Rebecca Starrs - rebecca.starrs@flinders.edu.au MSW Course Coordinator - Dr Lana Zannettino - lana.zannettino@flinders.edu.au Lisa Kennewell - kenn0479@flinders.edu.au Flinders University Social Work Association FUSWA - fuswa.team@gmail.com Updated December 2024 CEPSW CONTACTS FLINDERS COUNSELLING SERVICE A great resource for all students to use throughout during their academic journey. This service offers support for both academic and personal issues. Monday to Friday 8:45am - 5:00pm For Urgent Assistance 08 8201 2118 COUNSELLING HEADSPACE This is a service for individuals aged between 12 - 25. This service can be accessed online from 9am-1am online by visiting - Website: HEADSPACE CARER GATEWAY Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service providing great practical information and online resources to support carers. The interactive service finder connects your local support services. Support Offered 24/7. Website: GATEWAY QLIFE This service provides support for members of the LGBTIQ+ community. This service can be accessed from 3pm-12am through phone: 1800 184 527 or online chat. Website: QLIFE OPEN ARMS - VETERANS AND FAMILIES COUNSELLING This military services organisation provides free and confidential, counselling and support for mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and anger management. They are available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 Website: OPEN ARMS MENTAL HEALTH TRIAGE LINE This service provides information and advice in an emergency or crisis situation. Staffed by trained mental health professionals, they can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Teleph one: 13 14 65 Website: TRIAGE PANDA (PERINATAL ANXIETY & DEPRESSION AUSTRALIA) Perinatal is before and after giving birth, this service can be accessed if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. The service provides information, counselling, and referrals, and is staffed by trained volunteers, as well as professional counsellors. Monday - Friday 9:00am - 7:30pm AEST on 1300 726 306 Website: PANDA FLINDERS SUPPORT NETWORK Flinders understands that sometimes the pressures of university and personal life can become difficult to manage, but there are a wide variety of support services available to help you. Discover the range of academic, career, wellbeing, and financial support services available. NETWORK BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION This organisation provides support surrounding eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and related issues. You can access this foundation 8am-12am by calling 1800 33 4673 Website: FOUNDATION BLUE KNOT FOUNDATION HELPLINE This service provides help, information, support, or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. They are available 9:00am - 5:00pm AEST, every day of the week. 1300 657 380 Website: BLUE KNOT LIFELINE They provide 24-hour crisis counselling. Telephone: 13 11 14 Text service which runs from 12pm - midnight (AEST) on 0477 13 11 14 Online chat service from 7:00pm - midnight (AEST) online. Website: LIFELINE ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION SERVICE ADIS is a confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service for individuals, or anyone concerned about family and friends, students, and health professionals. 24/7 Support Offered by calling this number: 1300 13 1340 Website: ADIS REACH OUT PEER SUPPORT FORUM (14 - 25 YEARS) ReachOut provides young people with a place to share their experiences. Their forums aim to reduce isolation, create connections, and help individuals aged 14 - 25 find solutions with the support from a community who have similar lived experiences. Support Offered 24/7. Website: REACHOUT HEAD TO HEALTH Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. Website: HEALTH ASK FLINDERS SELF-SERVICE For the quickest answers, search Flinders frequently asked questions or browse by category. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can submit an enquiry via 'request support'. Central Library, Bedford Park Monday & Tuesday: 9am to 5pm Wednesday: 9.30 to 5pm Thursday & Friday: 9 to 5pm ASK FLINDERS MENSLINE AUSTRALIA This service provides support for males. You can access this service 24/7 on 1300 78 99 78 or online by visiting - Website: MENSLINE LIVED EXPERIENCE TELEPHONE SUPPORT SERVICE (LETSS) This service connects you with trained individuals who have lived experience. You can access them 5pm - 11.30pm by phone: 1800 013 755 or online. Website: LETSS SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE This service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. 1300 659 467 to get in touch. Website: CONNECT SANE AUSTRALIA SANE provides support and education for those with a mental illness so they can lead a better life. They are available Monday - Friday 10:00am - 10:00pm. Their phone number is 1800 187 263 Website: SANE MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE This service is staffed by mental health clinicians 24/7 provides a comprehensive range of advice and support including access to psychiatrists. Call Anytime. Telephone: 13 14 65 Website: HEALTH WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE WIS discuss options and choices relevant to individual situations. They offer support and services for a wide range of situations such as domestic/family violence, sexual assault and safety, financial security, health and wellbeing, relationship, and family advice. Monday-Friday: 8am - 9am. 08 8303 0590 or 1800 188 158 Website: WIS PLEASE NOTE: List of Health Providers is current at the time of website development (January 2023). Please inform FUSWA should any provider information change so our Team can update relevant details. Thank you. Need Help? Reach out to FUSWA or Flinders SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER & PRESIDENT These Committee Member positions incorporate all Student Welfare and Well-being activities required by FUSWA. They are the Association’s spokespeople regarding any issues relating to student welfare, whilst providing support and activities in conjunction with Flinders and CEPSW Student Assist. Click Here In Emergency Situations, Please Dial ' 000 ' for Ambulance, Fire or Police Assistance. Empower Your Potential AASW Student Membership Exclusive Benefits for Social Work Students "We know how challenging it can be to manage expenses while studying, and that’s why we provide a special membership discount for social work students, offering quality support and resources for just 15 cents a day." (AASW) Learn More About Student Membership Safety and Respect on Campus FUSA ‘BE A BETTER HUMAN’ CAMPAIGN Be A Better Human is a student-led campaign focused around consent, sexual harassment and sexual assault, bystander education, respectful relationships and reporting and support options for University students. Read More at FUSA Flinders Complaint Resolution Process Students can request that a specific issue is investigated by following the complaint resolution steps via the Flinders Uni website. Complaints and Appeals Security on Campus Security Officers are available 24-hours a day via the hotline telephones around campus or: Phone: (08) 8201 2880 this number is located on the back of your student / staff ID Email: security@flinders.edu.au Need Emergency Support? If you have an emergency, are concerned that your self or someone else is at risk of critical harm or have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault; call: 000 for immediate Police, Fire or Ambulance assistance Flinders Security on (08) 8201 2880, this is the central number for all Flinders Campuses in both South Australia and the Northern Territory. On the Bedford Park Campus you can also use one of the 12 security hotlines phones . Read More at Flinders Report an Incident of Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault Making a report does not initiate a complaint. It is the first step to offer you support and a chance to talk through your options. Read More at Flinders Reporting via Flinders Report Online Harm   eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content.  The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety Home SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS EXPLORE

Be Part of the FUSWA Student Council Become a Student Executive, Committee Member or Student Representative and provide students with helpful recommendations to improve their learning experiences on campus, online and during field education. FUSWA ROLES COMMITTEE MEMBERS Vice President The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Vice President is an important Committee Member position because they are the glue which Ensures FUSWA Activities, its Members, and the Association as a whole, is Kept Together. SUBMIT APPLICATION Social Welfare Officer The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Social Welfare Officer is an important Committee Member position because they are Responsible for Student Welfare and Wellbeing Activities, and FUSWA Health Initiatives. SUBMIT APPLICATION Social Activities Officer The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Social Activities Officer is an important Committee Member position because they Organise Student Social and Wellbeing Activities and Events. SUBMIT APPLICATION General Council Members The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) General Committee Member roles are an important Committee Member position providing Support to all FUSWA Council Members, as well as being a Voice on FUSWA Initiatives, and for Flinders Social Work Students. SUBMIT APPLICATION Multiple roles available for those who want to be part of the Team to help out when, where, and how they can. Social Media & Communications Officer The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Social Media and Communications Officer is an important Committee Member position because they Manage all Social Media and Digital Platform Activities, and Marketing Initiatives for the Academic Association. SUBMIT APPLICATION Blogger & Content Writer The Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Blogger & Content Writer role helps manage website and social media content. Reporting directly to the Social Media Officer, this position allows BSW & MSW students to add their own flare to the content FUSWA delivered across our various digital platforms. SUBMIT APPLICATION Multiple roles available for those who like to write, reflect and just be involved by leaving their digital mark. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE ROLES EXPLORE