Trish Mackey

Trish Mackey is a Senior Researcher and faculty member at Charles Sturt University, affiliated with the School of Social Work and Arts, the Rural Health Research Institute, and the Social Equality Intersectionality & Inclusion Research Group. Her work focuses on domestic violence, child protection, and social work education, contributing to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to social equality and health equity.

Her educational background includes a PhD from Australian Catholic University (2021) on domestic violence research with children, a Graduate Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education from Charles Sturt University (2024), a Graduate Diploma in Professional Writing from the University of Canberra (2013), a Bachelor of Social Work (Honours, 1st Class) and Master of Social Science (Welfare and Social Policy) from Charles Sturt University, and a Bachelor of Applied Science (Occupational Therapy) from Cumberland College of Health Sciences/University of Sydney.

Mackey's research integrates domestic violence studies, child protection systems, and pedagogical innovation in social work education. She specializes in grounded theory methodologies, skills-based learning frameworks, and trauma-informed approaches, with strong emphasis on practical applications for human services professionals and vulnerable populations including children and older adults.

Her 2025 publications reveal emerging trends in intergenerational trauma healing, simulation-based training for child protection workers, and equity-focused pedagogy in social work education. These works consistently address systemic barriers while proposing actionable solutions for inclusive practice.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Co-design and develop a Child Protection Simulation Hub grant (2024) to enhance work-integrated learning
• University-based community wellbeing clinic grant for older Australians at Port Macquarie (2023)

Mackey actively leads grant-funded initiatives and professional engagements, including membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers (2023-2024) and NSW Divisional Council of Occupational Therapy Australia (2025). Her media contributions focus on regional health projects for older Australians and social work education innovations.

She directs research efforts through the Social Equality Intersectionality & Inclusion Research Group and Grounded Theory Research Group within the Rural Health Research Institute, with significant community-based projects across Mid North Coast NSW.