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Welcoming new Board Directors

  
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9 July 2026

The Australian Counselling Association (ACA) Board is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Directors.

The ACA Board brings together a diverse range of expertise across governance, financial management, legislative compliance, accreditation, government policy, allied health leadership, business, entrepreneurship, counselling and the broader mental health sector. Together, the Board is responsible for providing strategic direction and ensuring ACA continues to serve the best interests of its members and the counselling profession.

Outgoing Board Director

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Adam McIlvaine, Student Representative Director
The ACA Board would like to acknowledge Adam McIlvaine, who concluded his term as Student Representative Director.
Since joining the Board in September 2024, Adam has been a valued contributor, bringing a thoughtful, measured approach to Board discussions and decision-making. His quiet leadership, commitment to good governance and dedication to the ACA community have been greatly appreciated by his fellow Directors.
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On behalf of the Board and the broader membership, we sincerely thank Adam for his service and dedication to advancing the counselling profession and wish him every success in his future endeavours.-
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Welcoming Our New Board Directors

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Dr Stephen O'Kane
Director (Casual Vacancy Board Appointment)
Dr Stephen O’Kane is Counselling Supervisor, Family Relationship Counsellor, and a Specialist Family Violence Counsellor. He currently works as a volunteer at East Burwood Care, working with clients who have experienced trauma, violence, homelessness, food insecurity and related issues.
Steve has worked extensively with crisis clients, within the Magistrates Court assisting men with intervention orders, in community agencies supporting women and children fleeing family violence and is also an Authorised Family Law Counsellor. He has previously worked as a senior leader in several government organisations and was a private consultant specialising in mentoring and coaching. Stephen is a member of the ACA Ethics & Professional Standards Committee, the ACA College of Supervisors, and is an alumnus of the Williamson Community Leadership Program. He is an experienced Company Director and has chaired and served on several not-for-profit boards.
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Dr Tom Edwards
Student Representative Director (Casual Vacancy Board Appointment)
Dr Tom Edwards brings over 15 years’ experience as a counsellor to the ACA Board, recognised success in not-for-profit governance, and expert knowledge pertinent to the ACA’s mission.
For the last two decades, Tom has taught in the Higher Education sector, including leading large student cohorts and delivering degrees and programmes across counselling and allied disciplines. This has given him an unparalleled understanding of how our profession is changing, and the vital role educational institutions play in guiding this change. Tom is also an experienced scholar who works at the intersection of “brain and behaviour”. This work has significant implications for both teaching and clinical best practice. Clinical, teaching, and research roles have provided Tom with a deep appreciation for our profession as one sustained by multiple stakeholders, each contributing to the development of counsellor identity. This integrative awareness and focus on the counsellor as a person will greatly assist our Association as it navigates its next phase.
These appointments reflect the Board's ongoing commitment to ensuring ACA is supported by strong governance, diverse perspectives and the skills needed to guide the Association into the future.

Our Existing Board Directors

Alongside these new appointments, the ACA Board comprises:

  • Dee Hardy – Member-Elected Chair
  • Nicole Bennett – Board Appointed Skills-Based Director
  • Sara Edwards – Member-Elected Director
  • William Duncan – Board Appointed Director

Learn more about each of our Board Directors in our About Us section.

Looking Ahead

With a highly experienced and diverse Board, ACA is well positioned to continue strengthening the profession, advocating for members and delivering on our strategic priorities.

Please join us in welcoming Dr Stephen O'Kane and Dr Tom Edwards to the ACA Board. We look forward to the expertise and leadership they will bring to our Association.


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