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OUR BOARD

Dee Hardy

President

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.

Amaya Iriondo

Board Member / Company Secretary

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Di Wilson

Treasurer

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ACA Board Member Katherine Nelson headshot

Katherine Nelson

Board Member

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Adam McIlvanie

Student Representative

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Sara Edwards

Board Member

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Georgina Akers

Board Member

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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: ACA registration levels 3 or 4

Ethics & Professional Standards Commitee

Eligibility: ACA registration levels 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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Amaya Iriondo

Board Member

With many years of experience working within the broader healthcare industry, Amaya holds a Master of Counselling and is currently the secretary of the ACA. Approachable and empathetic by nature Amaya is a counsellor who prioritises a strong therapeutic foundation as the cornerstone of her sessions. Incorporating many years of professional knowledge and lived experience, she takes a strengths-based approach to counselling which includes looking at a client’s interests, abilities and supports to help them realise their ability to tackle life’s challenges. Amaya has a passion to advance the standing of the counselling profession within society to help ensure that communities and families across Australia are supported with the highest level of care.

Di Wilson

Treasurer

Di Wilson has been the Treasurer of ACA since 2010 and is a qualified CPA. She brings extensive experience developed across a wide range of industries including Private Education, Community Services, Engineering/Public Safety and Allied Health. With a deep understanding of financial management and strategic planning, Di has been instrumental in ensuring the financial stability and growth of ACA. Di’s long-term service and dedication to the role of Treasurer reflects her unwavering commitment to the ACA’s mission and values.

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 Arts in 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.

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