APS Peer Consultation Network (Victoria)

During 2000 the foundations were laid for a Victorian Peer Consultation Network. Amanda Allan and Wendy McDonald shared a vision and a determination to establish a means by which members at all levels of the APS could be brought together for professional development and ongoing supervision. In January 2001, the cluster groups were formed and became operational. These function in –

• Brighton,
• Canterbury,
• Carlton,
• Caulfield,
• East Bentleigh,
• East Burwood,
• Eltham/Montmorency,
• Essendon,
• Frankston,
• Geelong,
• Kew,
• Melbourne CBD,
• Mildura,
• Morwell,
• Northcote/Preston,
• South Blackburn/East Burwood,
• Spotswood,
• St Kilda,
• Strathmore,
• Wangaratta and
• Williamstown.

The aim of these groups is to provide a network by which all APS members can feel connected within the profession - a difficult goal in the past for newcomers and for those employed in isolated practices. Practitioners across the board benefit from sharing ideas as well as being able to access regular professional development at minimal or no cost. Groups are autonomous and at liberty to organise meetings to suit their needs and interests.

While this initiative is not designed to fulfil the needs of psychologists for the purpose of PRBV registration, each hour of Peer Consultation is eligible for one generalist point under the APS College guidelines. The National Office of the Australian Psychological Society has embraced the concept of the Network and has taken over administration nationwide. It has developed Peer Consultation Network Guidelines to assist in the establishment of new groups. These booklets may be obtained by contacting National Office. Anyone proposing a new cluster group needs to study these Guidelines and can obtain a copy through David Stokes at the National Office.

The Victorian Network is advertised on the Victorian website and also in the State Newsletter. The editor of the Newsletter is Felicity Allen and she will insert the details of your group subject to approval from the Victorian State Committee. Further details can be obtained from the APS National Office (03 8662 3300).