Dianne Doll, Counsellor, Family Relationship Centre, Limestone Coast
DIANNE Doll has enjoyed a decade-long career in community services after starting as a receptionist with ac.care and progressing through to now nearing completion of a Bachelor of Counselling.
She was recently recognised for 10 years of service after working in a variety of roles with the “country specialist” non-government organisation, which delivers diverse programs across eastern South Australia.
“I feel very fortunate to be part of an organisation that supports professional development and provides opportunities for growth,” she said.
Her rewarding career began when she started as a receptionist at the ac.care Family Relationship Centre in Mount Gambier, before moving into a community referral worker position for close to five years and later becoming a counsellor in a role she has thrived in for the past half a decade.
“Across those roles and years, I studied a Diploma of Life Coaching and Diploma of Counselling and was given the opportunity by ac.care to undertake a lot of professional development,” she said, explaining completing her degree would be a major milestone in her personal and career journey.
“This current role as counsellor is my passion and I do it because I can make a difference in the community and help build stronger, more resilient community members.”
Her diverse role involves travelling to Naracoorte as part of ac.care’s outreach services in the Limestone Coast region and working with people of various backgrounds and ages.
“I see clients for a variety of issues and they range from a 13-year-old to my oldest client who was 72,” she explained.
“I also do group work about building confidence and self-esteem, goal setting and changing your thinking.”
The Family Relationship Centre offers a unique package of services in the Limestone Coast, including counselling and workshops focused on strengthening family relationships, helping families stay together and assisting families through separation.
It is part of ac.care’s broader services, which also include foster carer recruitment and support and homelessness, Aboriginal and adult community education programs, delivered across the Riverland, Murraylands, Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu Peninsula, as well as throughout the Limestone Coast.
ac.care is one of few organisations created and run by country people for country people in South Australia.
“Our mission is for all country people to have a safe home, enough money to live on and strong, positive relationships,” Dianne said.
