Wendy Bowles

Course Directors

Professor Wendy Bowles

Course Director / Professor of Social Work
Wagga Wagga
Building 26 Room 234

Graduating from the University of New South Wales with a Bachelor of Social Work Honours Class 1 and University Medal, Wendy Bowles began her professional life as a community-based social worker in the disability field in Sydney, learning firsthand about social justice and human rights. She moved to regional NSW and began working for Charles Sturt University in 1991 as an academic in social work and human services. Wendy completed her Phd with the University of New South Wales in 1994: her thesis investigated the quality of life of people with spina bifida as an issue of equality. In 2022 she completed the Graduate Certificate of Wiradjuri Language, Culture and Heritage with Charles Sturt University.

During more than 30 years Wendy has enjoyed a variety of academic positions at Charles Sturt. Currently she is a Professor in Social Work and Human Services and is a Course Director with responsibility for Post Graduate Social Work programs. She enjoys teaching and researching in areas that focus on social work education, ecological social work, rural practice, ethics and disability. She has co-written 2 books, many papers and book chapters and, together with colleagues, has supervised 12 Doctoral and 14 Masters students to graduation. Wendy loves learning, researching and teaching with colleagues and students.

  • Supervising doctoral students
    • Principal supervisor – 8 current students (past students – 2 – both successfully completed)
    • Associate supervisor – 3 current students (5 past students, all successfully completed)
  • Supervising masters students – have supervised 9 masters students, 8 of whom successfully completed (1 still in progress)
  • Honours students – many supervised. Most recent graduates have continued to PhD studies
  • Social work theory and practice subjects - undergraduate and postgraduate
  • Ethics
  • Field education (practicum, Workplace Learning)
  • Disability studies
  • Rural and regional welfare issues, including those experienced by diverse groups such as those with disabilities or from Aboriginal or CALD backgrounds
  • Social work field education / Workplace Learning
  • Ethics
  • Research methodology

Please select this link for a detailed listing of Wendy's research output.

  • Convenor, AASW National Education and Knowledge Development Committee Nov 2013 – current.
  • Convenor, National Field Education Sub-Committee AASW, 2007-2008, 2011-2013.
  • Member, AASW National Education Committee, 2009-2013.
  • Member, ASWEAS Review Reference Group (AASW), 2012
  • Member, Australian Council Heads of Schools of Social Work, 2014 – current.
  • Member, Centrelink National Professional Practice Reference Group, 2008 – 2012.
  • Contributions to 3 Centrelink Area South West social work conferences
    • Wagga 2006 – Engaging Indigenous communities
    • Bathurst 2007- ethics and supervision
    • Orange 2011 – engaging with communities
    • Centrelink 2010 – negotiated MOU CSU-Area South West Centrelink
  • Presenter - supervision workshop to ACT AASW Branch members, August 2012. Over 50 social workers attended.
  • Supervision workshops to field educators around the state in collaboration with CSU colleagues. Sites include:
    • Dubbo (2014, 2013, 2006)
    • Wagga (2013, 2007, 2006, 2005)
    • Gosford (2013)
    • Wollongong (2013, 2006)
    • Ballina (2012)
    • Grafton (2012)
    • Coffs Harbour (2008)
    • Port Macquarie (2008)
    • Bathurst (2007)
    • Young (2007)
    • Bega (2006)
    • Bateman's Bay (2006)
  • Member, Combined Universities' Field Education Group (CUFEG)
  • Chair, Access Committee, Bland Shire Council, 1999 - current
  • Member, Board of Director, IDEAS 2013 - current
  • Member, Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), 1991 - current
  • 2014 - Faculty of Arts and Education award for Leadership Excellence (Individual)
  • 2010 - Faculty of Arts and Education Team Award for Leadership Excellence
  • 2009 - Faculty of Arts and Education Award for Academic Excellence
  • 1996 - CSU Vice Chancellor's Teaching Excellence Award
  • 1996 - Faculty of Arts and Education Teaching Excellence Award