Counselling

Counselling Services

Qualified Christian counsellors are available on both the Lake Macquarie and Sydney campus. Sydney campus students may also make an appointment to see a counsellor on the Lake Macquarie campus if preferred.

Our counsellors are qualified, registered professionals who are able to work with a range of issues, such as, stress, anxiety, depression, change, relationships, loss and more.

Academic counselling is also provided formally by Course Coordinators, Faculty Deans, and Academic Office personnel.

Lake Macquarie campus

Phone: 0403 478 994 (SMS preferred)
Email: [email protected] (appointment queries only)

The counsellor's office is situated in the Well-being Centre (see campus map, Q4).

LM Campus Map

Counsellors
  • Lana Hibbard (Lead Clinical Counsellor)
  • Jonathan Gould

Make an Appointment

Sydney campus

Phone: 0403 478 994 (SMS preferred)
Email: [email protected] (appointment queries only)

The counsellor's office is situated in the Clinical Education Centre.

Sydney Campus Map

Make an Appointment

Chaplains

Avondale's chaplains provide students with pastoral (spiritual) and emotional support. They are available to discuss any topic, including personal questions you may have, marriage counselling, your Christian journey, commitment to God, and any other counselling you may require. They are also available to discuss any concerns or suggestions you may have on how to improve the spiritual atmosphere on campus. Appointments are not essential, but are strongly advised.

Lake Macquarie campus

Chaplain
Phone: +61 2 4980 2283
Email: [email protected]
The chaplain's office is located at the rear of Uni Church near Café Rejuve.

Sydney campus

Dr Drene Somasundram
Phone: +61 2 9480 3617
Email: [email protected]
The chaplain’s office is situated in the Clinical Education Centre.

Indigenous Student Support

Avondale supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students during their study program. Our Student Services team and Equity & Disability Officer are also available to help students with any additional assistance that may be needed.

Student Life Services: [email protected]
Equity & Disability Officer: [email protected]

Disability Support

Avondale's Disability Support Service aims to ensure that students with a disability or medical condition are able to actively participate in all aspects of college life. Services include exam provisions, note-taking, liaison with lecturers and advocacy. For more information, contact the Equity & Disability Officer at [email protected].

Welfare Service

Student welfare is very important to us. Avondale's Student Life Services team is available to help both domestic and international students with any difficulties or personal matters they may have, such as managing finances, gaining access to medical and community assistance and advocacy. For more information, contact Student Life Services at [email protected].

Where to go for Help

If there is risk of imminent harm to you or someone else, call Emergency Services on 000.

If you need to speak with someone urgently about yourself or someone else you are concerned about, please use one of the following numbers or websites.

Lifeline - short-term support for people who are overwhelmed and having difficulty coping or staying safe.

Beyond Blue - anxiety, depression and suicide prevention - talk it through

Headspace - support for 12-25 year olds doing it tough, including mental health, drug & alcohol issues

Intimate partner and family violence

Call 1800 RESPECT - 24/7 telephone counselling, information and support on 1800 737 732

Mensline Australia - support and information service for Australian men, 24/7 telephone counselling on 1300 78 99 78