Dr Graeme Stuart

Biography

I am passionate about inclusive, interactive processes that build on the strengths of communities and individuals. I started at the Family Action Centre (FAC) in 2003 as a community worker with the Caravan Project supporting permanent residents of caravan parks. Since then I've been involved in a range of FAC projects and now focuses on community engagement, family studies, asset based community-driven development and strength-based practice through teaching, research and supporting other organisations. I started working with communities in 1983 (through social change movements) and have continued to do so ever since in both paid and voluntary capacities. Before starting at the Family Action Centre, I worked in a range of organisations including Newcastle Youth Service, the Newcastle Community Youth Development Project, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the Uniting Church’s Division of Social Justice and Newcastle TAFE. I’ve also volunteered with a range of peace, justice and environment movements including Transition Newcastle, People for Nuclear Disarmament, the Alternatives to Violence Project, Action for World Development, Oxfam and the Wilderness Society. I have extensive experience facilitating workshops on a variety of topics with a wide range of people including community workers, teachers, students, homeless youth, parents, Aboriginal prison inmates, and the general community.

Research Interest

Social Work, Urban Sociology and Community Studies, Studies in Human Society