14 March 2024
Following a rigorous selection process, which saw a range of high calibre applications, the Program accreditation standards review steering committee (Steering Committee) has selected a diverse and highly accomplished group of academics to contribute their expertise to this important work. The Working Party comprises individuals from various backgrounds who are leaders with extensive experience in counselling and psychotherapy education and training along with expertise in higher education, regulation and quality assurance.
The newly appointed members are:
- Mrs Penny Gardner, Lecturer and Unit Coordinator, Psychotherapy and Counselling, Arts Therapy and Counselling, School of Social Sciences, Western Sydney University
- Dr David Goss, Senior Lecturer and Counselling Program Coordinator, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Notre Dame
- Dr Jackie Harness, Senior Lecturer and Counselling Discipline Lead, School of Psychology and Wellbeing, The University of Southern Queensland
- Ms Toni Leanne Neil, Program Coordinator, Counselling, School of Social Sciences, Christian Heritage College
- Dr Denis O’Hara, Program Lead, Master of Counselling, School of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, The University of Queensland
- Dr Sonam Pelden, Academic Lead, Counselling Discipline, School of Arts and Humanities, Edith Cowan University
- Dr Mayumi Purvis, Course Director and Lecturer, Counselling, School of Psychology, Deakin University
- Professor Andrea Reupert, Head, Educational Psychology and Counselling School, Faculty of Education, Monash University
- Ms Maxine Rosenfield, Placement Convenor, Counselling, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra
- Mrs Margaret Welch, Dean, Counselling, Chaplaincy and Spiritual Care, Morling College
These appointed members will be instrumental in guiding the update of PACFA’s program accreditation standards to ensure they reflect current best practices and meet the needs of both educators and practitioners within the profession.
In addition to welcoming our new Working Party members, the Steering Committee also extends an invitation for Expressions of Interest to join the Program accreditation standards review reference group (Reference Group). The Reference Group will provide crucial profession specific insights, ensuring the draft accreditation standards are both robust and reflective of the diverse needs of the profession. Interested individuals are encouraged to review the selection criteria and apply for this unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of counselling and psychotherapy education and practice in Australia.
For more information about the review process, how to apply to the Reference Group, and to stay informed about public consultation phases, please visit our dedicated Program accreditation standards review webpage. Stay informed about the review and other PACFA initiatives through the upcoming editions of eNews.
Once again, the Steering Committee thanks every applicant who expressed interest in contributing to the work of the Program accreditation standards review. Your commitment to PACFA’s mission and the review process is much appreciated.