Social Work Placements - Rural, Remote & Regional

Experience Social Work where your impact is felt everyday.

Rural and regional placements allow you to work closely with individuals, families and communities across diverse social contexts.

Hear from Michelle Ciola, Social Work Industry Facilitator

About how rural placements lay a solid foundation of skills that support students into future careers.

Hear from Amy, a first year Social Work student

About why she decided to take on a rural placement in the Northern Territory.

Why chose a Rural, Remote or Regional placement?

Gain hands on experience.

Gain independence, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the challenges and strengths of regional communities.

Make an impact.

Make a tangible difference to communities where your influence is greatest.

Grow your resume.

Develop the kind of adaptability and initiative that employers value highly.

Where you'll go

Students have previously undertaken placements in a range of regional and remote locations, including:

South Australia: Mt Gambier, Port Augusta, Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Riverland

Northern Territory: Darwin, Katherine, Tennant Creek, Alice Springs

Work in a wide rage of fields including:

Mental Health and Health Rehabilitation Services
Drug and Alcohol Services
Research and Program Evaluation
Corrections
NDIS Providers
Homelessness and Housing Support
Domestic Violence Support
Child Protection
Education

Funding and Scholarships

Commonwealth Prac Payment

Flinders students studying Bachelor's or Master's degree in Social Work have access to the Commonwealth Prac Payment which offers $331.65 per week (benchmarked to the single Austudy rate on 1 January each year) to eligible students while they are undertaking a mandatory placement.

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Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship

The Andrew Thyne Reid Scholarship supports high-achieving Psychology and Social Work students to undertake professional experience placements in rural and remote locations. Each year, 10 students receive $5,000 to help cover accommodation, travel, living costs and other placement-related expenses, as well as offset lost income or the cost of maintaining a home base in Adelaide.

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Mental Health Pathways to Practice Program

Flinders University has received funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care to expand mental health placement opportunities across primary and private settings. As part of this project, students on selected regional and remote, non-acute mental health placements can access reimbursements for accommodation, relocation and travel expenses.

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Support for Placement Students

Travel and Accommodation Assistance

Domestic Social Work students studying at Flinders have the option to explore Flinders Rural Remote Accommodation (RRA) while on placement. International students are encouraged to seek suitable private rural accommodation. It is strongly recommended that international students begin their search for accommodation as early as possible in the areas they are considering.

Rental listings can be found on websites such as domain.com.au, myhome.com.au, realestate.com.au, and view.com.au, as well as short-term stay platforms like booking.com and wotif.com. Shared accommodation can be arranged through flatmates.com.au, while student-specific housing options are available via Study Australia Accommodation or by contacting the university directly at rrhsa.accommodation@flinders.edu.au. Other options include contacting local real estate agents, arranging long-term stays at caravan parks (16–18 weeks), or finding private rentals through community or social networks.

Supervision

Students will have contact with a local placement supervisor. It's important that students exchange contact details with their networks and stay in contact during emergencies.

Wellbeing Support

Students are encouraged to make connections with other placement students by attending community events, sharing accommodation and by making an effort to build networks while on placement.

Be extra kind to yourself as you adjust, monitor your mood, and reach out for extra support if needed. If you are experiencing any of these challenges, you can contact the Student Success and Wellbeing Advisors for guidance on who to talk to, strategies to manage your overall wellbeing, and support with your university experience.

Student Contacts

If you are considering a regional, rural or remote placement please contact: mhpp@flinders.edu.au

NT Rural/Remote Placements
Sabrina Salter
Field Education Coordinator
sabrina.salter@flinders.edu.au

SA Rural/Remote Placements Support provided by
Tracey Davies
Social Work Industry Facilitator (Clinical Practitioner)
tracey.davies@flinders.edu.au

For general enquiries, please contact swplacements@flinders.edu.au

Browse our full FAQ list at Ask Flinders.

Ask Flinders

Enquire now

1300 354 633

askflinders@flinders.edu.au

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Acknowledgement

The University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located, these are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people. We honour their Elders past, present and emerging

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South Australia 5042

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