ABSTRACT
This chapter examines experiences of Australians living in regional, rural, and remote communities where distance, drought, climate change, workforce challenges and the nexus of social, health, economic, and environmental policy influences health social work practice. Geographical disadvantage is explored with particular attention on the intersection of structural oppressions, including the experiences of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people from refugee and migrant backgrounds, people where English is another language, and older people. The chapter argues that health social work practice must be culturally safe, adopt a climate aware lens, be contextualised, creative, and community-embedded in order to respond to the unique challenges and strengths of Australians living outside major cities.
