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OUR BOARD

Dee Hardy

Chair

Dee Hardy is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in setting up and managing businesses. As an expert in interpersonal dynamics and business management, Dee has a strong background in all essential aspects of business development, including branding, marketing, and strategic planning. In her role as a private practitioner, she is dedicated to advancing the growth and recognition of the counselling profession. Dee shares ACA’s mission to advocate for, support, and uphold the highest standards for counsellors in Australia, promoting quality care, accountability, and continuous education.

Corrin Bischoff

Company Secretary

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Nicole Bennett

Board Director

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ACA Board Member Katherine Nelson headshot

Katherine Nelson

Board Director

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Adam McIlvanie

Board Director - Students

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Sara Edwards

Board Director

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Georgina Akers

Board Director

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Dr Stephen O'Kane

Board Director

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Philip Daffern

Board Director

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OUR GOVERNANCE

The ACA has transitioned from an incorporated association to a Public Company Limited by Guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001.  

This transition was an important strategic decision, voted in by members at the 2023 Annual General Meeting, aimed at enhancing the ACA’s governance, sustainability, and operational capabilities, allowing us to better serve our counsellors across Australia.

ACA is governed by a Board and supported by various Committees. Our commitment to effective governance ensures that the ACA operates with integrity and responsiveness to the evolving needs of the counselling profession. Our Committees play pivotal roles in steering the direction of our initiatives and activities and include;

ACA Board Committee

Accreditation Committee

Eligibility: Holds Ordinary Membership and Registration Level 3 or 4

Ethics & Professional Standards Committee

Eligibility: Holds Ordinary Membership and Registration Level 3 or 4

Expressions of Interest

OUR CONSTITUTION

The ACA Constitution is an essential document outlining the principles and guidelines that govern our operations and community, ensuring transparency, ethical conduct, and adherence to the highest standards in the counselling profession.

READ OUR CONSTITUTION
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Corrin Bischoff

Company Secretary

Corrin Bischoff, with over 25 years of experience, excels in people and project management, partnering with stakeholders to navigate complex organisational challenges. Specialising in holistic planning, governance, risk management, and business transformation, Corrin’s expertise is focused on elevating performance and efficiency. A seasoned company secretary, Corrin brings technical proficiency in governance, compliance, human resources, auditing, and strategy development. Known for a meticulous approach, Corrin is dedicated to fostering environments where businesses and people thrive, ensuring robust corporate governance while adeptly balancing customer, employee, and operational needs.

Nicole Bennett

Board Director

Nicole Bennett is an accomplished finance professional with over 25 years of experience across finance, governance, and strategic risk management. A qualified Chartered Accountant, she has held senior financial leadership roles across a range of sectors, consistently contributing to organisational growth and resilience. As a Non-Executive Director, Nicole brings independent oversight, sound financial judgment, and a strategic mindset to the boardroom. She offers extensive expertise in financial reporting, audit, risk management, and regulatory compliance, always with a focus on delivering long-term sustainable value, aligning with business objectives, and upholding strong governance standards.

Katherine Nelson

Board Member

Katherine Nelson holds a proven history in business building, marketing, education, curriculum development, and implementation. With expertise in registration and compliance for RTO development, Katherine excels in guidance, career counselling, supervision, and training. Demonstrating a proficiency in governance, innovation, and strategy, Katherine’s skills extend to emergent enterprise and leadership, both in the international public and private sectors. Katherine’s qualifications including a Master of Education in Guidance, Counselling, and Leadership, a Postgraduate in Business, Bachelor of Adult and Vocational Education, and Diploma in Business. Katherine brings a robust educational foundation to her role on the ACA Board.

Adam McIlvanie

Student Representative

Serving as the ACA Student Representative, Adam McIlvanie is currently the Acting CEO for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service. With two years of managerial experience, Adam oversees National Indigenous Australians Agency funded counselling programs focused on social and emotional wellbeing, as well as alcohol and other drugs services. Adam holds qualifications in Certificate IV Mental Health and a Diploma in Management & Leadership. Currently pursuing a Diploma in Counselling, Adam is committed to continuous learning and contributing to Board discussion with a unique student perspective.

Sara Edwards

Board Member

Sara Edwards brings over 22 years of expertise in the non-profit sector, excelling in leadership, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement. She has guided multidisciplinary teams and crafted impactful initiatives, thriving on cultivating relationships and pioneering solutions to complex challenges. Holding a Master of Counselling, ACA Level 4 membership, member of the ACA College of Supervisors and member of the ACA Accreditation Committee, Sara’s deep knowledge of healthcare ensures compliance and robust risk management. She has over 15 years of board service across various sectors, including sports and education, and has a comprehensive understanding of governance and strategic oversight. A staunch advocate for the counselling profession, she is dedicated to supporting counsellors at all career stages and is excited to contribute to the ACA’s mission and objectives.

Georgina Akers

Board Member

Georgina Akers, ACA Level 4 Counsellor, member of the College of Supervisors and ACA Accreditation Committee, brings extensive experience and dedication to the ACA Board. Georgina has completed a Bachelor of Social Science, a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy, and currently pursuing a PhD in Counselling. She has worked in diverse settings including Bandyup Women’s Prison, schools, and private practice. As a counselling academic since 2017, she designed an online Master of Counselling program, earning the 2023 Vice-Chancellor’s Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning. Georgina is committed to advancing education and advocating for inclusive policies and ethical standards in the counselling profession.

Dr Stephen O’Kane

Board Director

Dr. Stephen O’Kane, ACA Level 4 Counsellor and College of Supervisors Member, is a specialist in family violence and relationships counselling and a Counselling Supervisor in private practice with expertise in trauma and violence-related issues. With a Master of Counselling, Stephen has extensive experience working with crisis and homelessness clients, assisting men with intervention orders, and supporting women and children fleeing violence. Stephen has chaired the board of a disability services organisation and holds a Company Directors Diploma. Stephen is a member of the ACA Ethics & Professional Standards Committee. With over two decades of experience in government policy and allied health workforce planning, his expertise will be instrumental in advocating for the counselling profession at the national level.

Philip Daffern

Board Director

Philip brings extensive senior operational and board experience across both private and NGO sectors, along with over 18 years of dedicated work in the mental health field. Since entering private practice in 2017, he has delivered counselling, facilitation, and supervision in both correctional and community settings. His approach is practical and trauma-informed, drawing on a range of multimodal therapies. Philip is an ACA Level 4 registered counsellor, a member of the College of Supervisors, and a Victims Services approved counsellor. Deeply committed to professional standards, he is honoured to support ACA’s mission in his role as a Board-appointed Director.

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