Avondale University is delighted to share that 2025 Bachelor of Arts (Counselling) graduate, Taylah Jones, has been awarded the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) Outstanding Graduate Award for 2025. The announcement, received in late February, recognises Taylah's exceptional academic achievement and professional practice performance throughout her studies at Avondale.
Speaking with Taylah about the honour, she commented, "While I am grateful for PACFA’s recognition of my efforts throughout my studies, this award means more to me than academic acknowledgement. It affirms that I have entered a community where counsellors’ work and contribution to the mental health crisis is not only valued in principle, but supported in tangible ways that directly benefit my practice."
The prestigious award reflects PACFA’s commitment to upholding excellence within the counselling and psychotherapy profession nationwide and is awarded to top students in accredited programs. As part of the honour, Taylah has also received a complimentary year of PACFA registration at the Certified Practising (New Graduate) level, acknowledging her readiness to enter the profession with strong capability and ethical grounding.
"Given the isolation counsellors can feel within the mental health community and the broader health system, knowing that my work, and I as an individual professional, is being noticed gives me the confidence to practise in a way that helps my clients feel as noticed and valued as this award has made me feel."
Since graduating, Taylah has begun her professional career in a local private practice, where she is working alongside a team of experienced psychologists. In this role, she is already supporting clients across the lifespan, applying her skills in a real-world setting and contributing to the wellbeing of the local community.