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Mr David Steggall

Mr David Steggall
Name David Steggall
Pronoun He/Him/His
Position Lecturer (Social Work and Human Services)
Section School of Psychology and Wellbeing
Office W558
Location Toowoomba Campus
Phone +61 7 4631 5424
Extension 5424
Email
Qualifications MSocWk Charles Sturt , DCrArts USQ

Biography

Dr David Steggall's research explores the application of clown theory in child protection practice; his model called Clown-Based Social Work was the outcome of his Doctoral thesis. He is an Accredited Social Worker with over a decade of experience across Child Protection, Child and Youth Mental Health, and Adult Mental Health in both acute and tertiary healthcare settings, working with diverse and complex populations.

Since 2017, David has served as a Lecturer in Human Services at the University of Southern Queensland, where he teaches subjects including advocacy, community development, youth work, case management, and professional placement. His academic and professional work is grounded in creative and practice-based research that challenges conventional approaches to social work.

David was awarded a $10,000 Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) grant for a collaborative project with Mercy Community Services, Evolve Therapeutic Services (Queensland Health), and Vulcana’s Women’s Circus. This project resulted in the creation and performance of The Dreams of Bricks, a clown-based theatrical re-authoring of the Child Protection Practice Tool – The Three Houses.

In 2019, he received a further $10,000 grant from Arts Queensland to support his doctoral research through advanced international clown training. This included participation in intensive workshops with master clown practitioners Pierre Byland in Switzerland and Eric de Bont in Portugal.

Research Career


  • Social Program Evaluation ( 440903 )
  • Drama ( 360403 )
  • Social Work ( 440900 )
  • Applied Theatre ( 360401 )
  • Performing Arts not elsewhere classified ( 360499 )
  • Counselling ( 440902 )
  • Social Work not elsewhere classified ( 440999 )
  • Performing Arts ( 360400 )

Social Work Theory, Child Protection Practice, Arts-Based Research, Social Clowning, Failure.


  • Centre for Heritage and Culture (CHC)

Teaching


HSW2211
SWK1000
SWK1400


7 Years