Sandy Tawa has joined the centre’s two other counsellors, Sue Ware and Gill Fletcher.

“Having Sandy on board is extremely handy for us,” Yacaaba Centre managing co-ordinator Lynn Vatner said. “We will be able to see more children and focus on children more. Sandy is also re-launching our empowerment and mindfulness groups.”

Ms Tawa, who has a bachelor degree in social work and many years experience working in the field, said her appointment at the Yacaaba Centre felt like she had come full circle.

“I worked as a volunteer with the Yacaabe Centre about 17 years ago,” she said.

“I’m very excited to be back here. It’s as if my working life has come full circle. I’m very excited to be helping in the community.”

In addition to being a social worker, Ms Tawa has worked in the child protection field and with the National Disability Agency.

Ms Tawa’s appointment has come after a tough couple of years for the Yacaaba Centre. The centre was de-funded in 2014 and forced to move from its house in Stockton Street.

However, with special service support funds through the Department of Family and Community Services and generous donations and from the community, the 26-year-old centre has been able to re-establish itself and continue to provide counselling services on the Tomaree Peninsula.

“We are able to use the funds for counselling, which is what we’ve always prided ourselves on,” Ms Vatner said.

The Yacaaba Centre will be funded by the government up until June 2017.

Ms Vatner said the move to Donald Street has turned out to be a great one.

“Its been really good for our clients,” she said. “All buses come into Nelson Bay. We’re central to everything. Centrelink and charities are right around the corner.”

The centre runs victim services twice a week and a legal service once a month. With Ms Tawa on board, the centre is looking to establish a disability service.

Ms Ware, Gill and Tawa each have extensive experience in providing counselling services to clients who present with mental health issues relating to domestic and family violence, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, relationship problems and abuse.

“We are supported by a team of dedicated ans loyal volunteers, and remain committed to providing a high standard of professional service to out local community,” Ms Vatner said.

“We have had the privilege of serving the community for the past 26 years, and are able to provide services to men, women, and children.”