I’m delighted to be able to contribute to this edition of Joseph’s Corner newsletter on behalf of Australian Catholic University (ACU), in particular the School of Psychology. Last year Sr. Jeanne contacted the University, through the fortunate association of Margaret Harrington, with a request to assist Joseph’s Corner management in the task of replacing the Centre’s counsellor. I was only too pleased to help out with the selection process and as you now know we have a full range of counselling support in place at Yarraville, Hoppers’ Crossing and Laverton.

The School of Psychology at ACU is also pleased to be able to provide ongoing support to the counselling work of Joseph’s Corner through the provision of further professional support opportunities for Nicky and Daniella and also by providing, from time to time, ‘trainee’ counsellors/psychologists who will be able to work under Nicky’s supervision. The University offers postgraduate training in both psychology and counselling and has readily accepted the opportunity to place post graduate students at Joseph’s Corner for some of their field experience. There are formal training requirements for field work supervision of psychologists in training in Victoria, governed by state legislation, and we are fortunate that Nicky is a psychologist registered to take students and to supervise their placement or internship work. You will note in this newsletter that Nicky also completed a recent workshop for psychology supervisors at ACU. I’m hopeful that this association between Joseph’s Corner and Australian Catholic University continues to blossom and that we become the source of ongoing support for the wonderful work being undertaken at this unique facility.

Associate Professor Michael McKay Head, School of Psychology, Australian Catholic University.

	Nicky Alderman – Yarraville and Hoppers Crossing I attended a Supervisory workshop at ACU in anticipation of our ongoing relationship with their counseling programs and a mutually beneficial student placement arrangement. The workshop was very informative; it confirmed my ideas on what constitutes good supervision as well as adding fresh new perspectives available from current research. It was good to meet other counsellors within the Catholic network and exchange ideas. The Counting the Kids Brokerage fund decided on the basis of an application from Joseph’s Corner to award a family $14,500 to help compensate for the disadvantages experienced by the children as a result of their father’s alcoholism and the property damage he has caused whilst under the influence of alcohol.
	Melissa Boasman (Masters ACU student) has established herself well in her counselling role at Yarraville;
	Davy Fernandez has settled in well at Hopper’s Crossing;
	Daniella de Luca - Laverton Wow! It’s unbelievable that our new centre in Laverton has been open for over 12 weeks. It is very exciting to see the new project flourishing. In the first couple of months we concentrated our efforts on building and strengthening a professional and community network.

We surveyed the local community for their interests and needs, which have helped us establish a resource centre for the community. As a result we held two, ‘and I must say successful’, “Cuppa & Chat” morning teas. These are now held once a month and are open to everyone.New Initiatives Besides the counselling and support services we offer, we are very pleased to announce that we are opening a crèche for 2 hours per week, for parents and grandparents of children aged from three years to Pre School age. Please contact us for more details. Our other initiative to raise funds for Joseph’s Corner is called “Creative Ladies”. The women make something special (knitting and crochet at the moment) to be sold at the Merrijig Shop. These meetings are held on Wednesday’s mornings from 10 to 12noon. Come along and join us!

Our Counselling Service continues to grow but there are available times for new clients. If you are in need or you know of someone else who might benefit from our services, we are here for you and you are unique.

Please call the office (9315 2680) for any further information or if you would like to participate in any of our events.