ABSTRACT
This chapter examines social workers’ experiences of living and working in regional, rural and remote communities in Australia with respect to personal and professional networks and support structures. Within rural health and social service practice, there is a significant and growing research base focusing primarily on the social, political and professional domains of practice (Gregory, 2005). As we have seen so far, there are studies that have examined practice issues regarding boundaries and ethical practice, education and preparation for rural practice, and the political and economic factors relating to rural service provision. Significantly less is known about social workers’ subjective lived experience in these contexts. Indeed, Gregory (2005) notes the need for developing research ‘which pays attention to the factors that facilitate not only surviving, but thriving in effective, enjoyable professional practice and satisfying personal family life’ (p. 268).
