Who we are

ASORC is the peak professional body representing Rehabilitation Counsellors throughout Australia. Established in 1976, the Association provides:

  • A long standing and respected voice for the profession (over 45 years since inception)
  • Access to a network of similarly skilled and like-minded professionals across Australia
  • A robust set of Competencies for Rehabilitation Counsellors and Code of Ethics
  • Access to the Australian Journal of Rehabilitation Counselling (AJRC)
  • Professional Development through an annual calendar of events, offered by both ASORC and other endorsed providers
  • Resources, education and supervision necessary for members to achieve career advancement and enhanced credibility in the profession and in the community

ASORC is a non-party political, non-sectarian and not for profit organisation.

ASORC Vision

To advance the profession of Rehabilitation Counsellors.

ASORC Purpose

To represent, promote and lead the profession of Rehabilitation Counselling and to enhance the professional capability of members to deliver service excellence.

ASORC Strategic Plan 2022-23

Read our ASORC Strategic Plan 2022-23

ASORC Board

The Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors Ltd. ASORC is governed by the ASORC Board. The Board consists of up to nine members who are nominated at the AGM each year.

ASORC 2022-2023 Annual Report

2022-23 Annual Report
With thanks to our amazing Board of Directors, stakeholders, members and staff for a financial year filled with many achievements. Collectively we have elevated the profession of Rehabilitation Counselling and we are delighted to share our highlights with you. 

ASORC History

The Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors (SORC) was founded in NSW on the campus of the Cumberland College of Health Sciences, Glebe by students of the Associate Diploma in Rehabilitation Counselling who completed their first years in 1974 and 1975. These two groups were banded together to do second year in 1976 and in that year formed SORC.

Historically, SORC was established through individual state-based Incorporated Associations, and a representative ‘National’ body (ASORC) was also responsible for the Journal. Each State body was responsible for their own membership and organisational management including complying with local authorities on the running of their organisation.

From 1976 to 1990 a number of people held the role of President either in the original SORC, which began in NSW, or in subsequent State branches of SORC. Included in that list are Mary Hawkins, Susan Kable, Maurine Edwards, Malcolm Ross, Peter Harris, Judith Laurie, Therese Rein, Josephine Dowsett, Bronte Earl, Peter Scott, Kelly Murray, Stephen Pearce and Michael Reardon.

In July 2000 the Society was incorporated in the State of NSW as the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors Inc.

In 2004 the States voted to merge into one National body under the banner of ASORC.

On 6th February 2017, Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) registered ASORC as a Company Limited by Guarantee under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Presidents Honour Roll

  • Current Boris Fedoric
  • 2018 to 2019 Kelly Alderson
  • 2007 to 2018 Michael Iacovino
  • 2003 to 2006 Angela Ilic
  • 2002 Jos Rennie
  • 2000 and 2001 Pearl Donaldson
  • 1999 Mike Hancock
  • 1997 and 1998 Trevor Hawkins
  • 1996 Mike Hancock
  • 1995 Michael Reardon
  • 1994 Trevor Hawkins
  • 1991 to 1993 Fran Feldman

If any names have been omitted from this list, ASORC would be only too happy to recognise the significant contribution those individuals made to the advancement of this professional association.