Qualifications
Overview
Troy Pittaway is the Course Leader for the Bachelor of Community Services at ACAP University College, bringing more than 20 years of experience across community services, human services leadership and higher education.
Troy began his career in drug and alcohol services, working on the frontline as a support worker in a rehabilitation service. He progressed into team leadership and management roles and spent many years with The Salvation Army, where his experience included drug and alcohol services, youth work and emergency relief.
While completing his PhD, Troy moved into higher education and discovered a passion for teaching. He progressed from lecturer to course coordinator and later became a National Manager of Community Services before joining ACAP in 2026.
His extensive frontline and leadership experience informs his approach to community services education and his understanding of the diverse career opportunities available across the sector.
Teaching areas
Troy teaches in the field of community services, with a strong focus on preparing students for practical work with people and communities.
His areas of expertise span community development, drug and alcohol services, youth services and the broader community services sector. His teaching draws on his own experience beginning as a frontline support worker and progressing into leadership, management and education.
Troy sees community services education as an opportunity to equip students with the interpersonal and professional skills required to engage effectively with communities. The field encompasses areas including community development, mental health, drug and alcohol services, youth, justice, disability, aged care and homelessness.
He is particularly passionate about helping students understand the breadth of careers available within community services, from frontline support and casework through to team leadership and management.
Research
- Pittaway, T., Riggs, E., & Dantas, J. (2025). Community empowerment framework… International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
- Pittaway, T. & Dantas, J. (2023). Drug & alcohol use amongst South Sudanese youth… Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse.
- Pittaway, T., Riggs, E., & Dantas, J. (2023). Intergenerational conflict… Transcultural Psychiatry.
- Pittaway, T., & Dantas, J. (2022). Sport, coping and resilience… Health Promotion International.
- Pittaway, T., & Dantas, J. (2021). African Youth Gangs… Journal of Immigrant & Refugee Studies.
Honours, Awards and Professional Associations
Member of Community Work Australia (CWA)