Student Success Story: Dianne Taylor Named ACA Outstanding Student Counsellor
At AIPC, we pride ourselves on supporting students who lead with heart, compassion, and a deep commitment to helping others. Dianne Taylor, one of our recent graduates, is a shining example of that spirit in action.
Recently recognised as the ACA Outstanding Student Counsellor of the Year, Dianne’s journey is both inspiring and a testament to the powerful transformation that takes place when lived experience meets formal training.
“It was very surreal.”
Dianne was stunned when her name was announced at the ACA conference. She hadn’t expected to win the national award and describes the moment as a blur of disbelief, honour, and joy.
As she sat among a room full of industry professionals, mentors, and fellow students, the realisation that her name had been called didn’t fully land until the applause began. “It was a really beautiful event,” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming. And to be acknowledged like that, it meant the world.” She recalls the warmth and celebration of the night. The kind of experience that validates not just academic achievement, but the personal journey behind it.
The award recognises a student who has demonstrated excellence in their studies, contributed meaningfully to the community, and shown a strong dedication to the field of counselling.
From support work to counselling
Before beginning her formal studies, Dianne dedicated many years to volunteer service. For over twelve years, she volunteered with Marine Rescue NSW, both on the rescue vessel and in the Pilot House. Her work involved keeping the boating public safe, conducting emergency search and rescue operations in all kinds of weather, and ensuring that people and their vessels were brought home safely. In some of the most difficult circumstances, she helped recover those who had lost their lives, giving
families the closure they needed. Dianne has also been a volunteer for Lifeline for over six years, providing vital support to people in crisis. In addition, she’s gained hands-on experience through her practicum and volunteering with The CAGE (Creating A Good Environment) Youth Foundation, where she supported people living with trauma, domestic violence, and child protection issues. Her role included advocacy and supporting individuals in protected accommodation.
Her journey into the world of counselling wasn’t a sudden shift, but a natural next step in a career built on compassion. Dianne had long felt called to work with people who were marginalised or in need of support. Over time, she found herself increasingly drawn to the relational side of her work, being present, listening deeply, helping people make sense of their experiences. She realised that while support work allowed her to walk beside clients, counselling would allow her to walk even further with them, with tools grounded in ethics, theory and empathy.
“I had the experience, but I wanted the knowledge,” she explains. “I wanted to be ethical, to understand boundaries and frameworks, and to feel confident I was doing things the right way.”
She enrolled in AIPC’s Diploma of Counselling and then progressed into the Bachelor of Counselling pathway.
The AIPC difference
Dianne describes her experience at AIPC as incredibly supportive. She felt consistently encouraged and found staff to be accessible, knowledgeable, and caring. “I always felt like someone was in my corner. I could ask questions, and I always got a thoughtful, respectful response,” she says. She credits the structure of the program and the practical learning opportunities for helping her build the confidence she needed to transition into client-facing counselling work. One particularly impactful experience for her was attending AIPC’s residential schools, immersive, in-person workshops where students deepen their practical skills and connect with peers and facilitators. Dianne found these sessions energising, supportive, and instrumental in building both her confidence and a valuable, professional network.
A growing profession, a growing need Dianne believes that counselling is more important now than ever.
“People are feeling lost, disconnected, and overwhelmed,” she says. “There’s a hunger for authentic connection, for someone to really listen. That’s where counsellors come in.”
She also recognises that the mental health system is under immense pressure — with long waitlists, rising distress in communities, and increasing awareness around the importance of early intervention. For Dianne, counsellors are an essential part of the solution, bridging a critical gap in care with empathy, active listening, and practical support.
She’s particularly encouraged by the increased visibility and respect the counselling profession is receiving, and she’s proud to be contributing to its future. “There’s a lot of people out there needing support right now. The demand is there. And it’s growing. If you’re passionate about helping people and want to deliver support in a
way that truly meets clients’ needs, there’s space for you in this profession.”
A message for future students
Dianne is quick to encourage others who may be thinking about studying counselling, especially those entering later in life or as a second career.
“I do think if people are passionate and they want to help people– and do it well, then AIPC is the place to go. It’s flexible and supportive, and I would highly recommend it to anybody, particularly mature-aged students like myself.”
Congratulations, Dianne
From all of us at AIPC, congratulations to Dianne on this well-earned recognition. Your story, your work, and your heart continue to inspire our entire community.
We’re so proud to be part of your journey.
