Tamara Blakemore

Dr. Tamara Blakemore is an Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Newcastle's School of Humanities, Creative Industries and Social Sciences. Her career spans academia, policy development, and clinical practice, with particular focus on trauma-informed social work, youth violence, and institutional child sexual abuse. A leader in experience-based learning models, she co-developed the innovative Name.Narrate.Navigate (NNN) program for trauma-exposed youth.

• Education: PhD, Bachelor of Arts (Psychology), Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) from the University of Queensland

Tamara's research explores intergenerational trauma, systemic oppression, and community resilience through longitudinal studies like the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Her work emphasizes visual methodologies, deep listening practices, and Aboriginal knowledge integration to address complex social issues.

Recent publications highlight trauma-informed tools (Now.See.Hear!), gendered violence dynamics, and trauma's impact on empathy development. These contributions demonstrate her commitment to translating research into practice through community-based participatory frameworks.

• Scientific Awards:
  • Work Integrated Learning Staff of the Year (2014, 2012)
  • Mid-Career Researcher Award (2018)
  • College Excellence Award for Industry Engagement (2022)
  • Finalist - Engagement Excellence Award (2023)

Tamara maintains clinical practice with Hunter New England Area Health while serving as Equity Ambassador for Community Wellbeing at the University of Newcastle. Her multidisciplinary collaborations with legal institutions and disability sector organizations demonstrate her commitment to social justice and policy innovation.