About NALAG

The National Association for Loss and Grief (NSW) Inc is a not for profit organisation, formed in 1977 following the Granville Train Disaster, to act as a support network for professionals seeking information on grief and bereavement. Read more below.

The History of NALAG + Grief Support

The National Association for Loss and Grief (NALAG) was founded in Australia in 1977 following the Granville Train Disaster.

Originally founded to provide first responders with information and strategies for dealing with loss and traumatic events. It has developed into the leading national organisation that now provides compassionate support, education, and resources for individuals and communities experiencing grief and loss.

Established in response to a growing need for structured bereavement care, NALAG has worked to normalise conversations around grief and ensure that no one navigates loss alone.

Over the last (almost) 50 years, NALAG has expanded its services, offering grief support training, counselling, community outreach, and volunteer programs. Its mission remains rooted in providing hope, resilience, and understanding to people coping with various forms of loss, from bereavement to life transitions.

Our Mission

To strengthen the capacity of communities and individuals to enhance wellbeing and promote resilience through support, counselling, education and advocacy following loss, grief, trauma and adverse life events.

Our Values

Excellence
Integrity
Compassion
Respect

Our Committment

Quality Service

We at NALAG strive to provide compassionate, professional, and quality service, ensuring that those experiencing loss and grief receive the support, guidance, and care they need.

Compassionate Support

At NALAG we provide compassionate support to our clients but also our volunteers, ensuring they have the guidance, resources, and care needed to provide grief support to those navigating loss and grief.

Compliance + Assurance

At NALAG we are committed to compliance and assurance, ensuring that our services meet the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and care for both our clients and volunteers.

Enhancing Wellbeing & Promote Resilience

The organisation continues to provide a service to individuals, families and communities through its Grief Support service and now has branches in Dubbo (Head Office), Mudgee, Hunter and Sydney (Telephone).

Each year, NALAG also conducts a variety of quality educational programs, workshops, training and mental health awareness events to enhance wellbeing and promote resilience to NSW communities following loss, grief, trauma and adverse life events.

Meet Our Board of Mangement

Rob McGorman

PRESIDENT

Learn more about Rob

I have lived and worked in Dubbo for the past 15 years. Most of this time I worked for a government funded NFP as a financial counsellor, working with farmers in financial difficulty across more than half of western NSW. I served as a financial counsellor, the senior counsellor and also team leader with, at times, responsibility for up to 20 counsellors. I gained experience in how a NFP functions, the importance of policies, financial control, compliance and board CEO relationships.

I also worked for NSW DPI following the 2022 inland floods as a recovery officer dealing with farmers and graziers who had suffered flood damage along all the major NSW Inland rivers. This gave me an insight into the funding arrangements for such events and planning and rolling out community engagement activities managed by a remote team. In short, I have dealt with grief caused by financial loss, floods and droughts.

I am currently the executive pastor at Dubbo Baptist Church – a faith community that touches around 300 people each week.

I have served as the financial director on the board of a public unlisted company, am a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and have served on the NALAG management board for the past 3 years (2 as treasurer). Priority during this time has been to ensure responsible use of funds whilst remaining solvent, overseen the transition to a new bookkeeper, streamlined the number of bank accounts and ensured our financial resources are working hard.

Julie Dunsmore AM

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Learn more about Julie

Julie has a long history with NALAG as a consultant, trainer, volunteer, Board President and member of the Executive on the NALAG Board. She has a strong belief in and passion for what NALAG offers those experiencing loss and grief and those who support them.

She has extensive experience as a psychologist in the areas of loss, grief and trauma. She has held executive positions in NSW Health and is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Sydney University Medical School. Since 2003 Julie has been the Bali Trauma Recovery Coordinator primarily working with NSW Bali Bombing survivors, bereaved & first responders, being an invited Australian representative for the Supporting Victims of Terrorism at the UN. She has been a consultant to communities and individuals impacted by Disasters, including the bereaved from the bushfires, floods and drought affected areas of NSW and Victoria.

Julie has had a special interest in working with bereaved parents, adolescents and children, those who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss, and trauma and complex grief. She has worked extensively with those who have experienced traumatic bereavement after a sudden unexpected death, including suicide, murder terrorism events and accidents. Julie conducts training in the areas of Psychological First Aid, PTSD and Complex Grief treatment, and Vicarious Trauma management for health workers and first responders. She is well recognised for her innovative model of working creatively with those who have experienced trauma and grief.

Kerry Frost

SECRETARY/PUBLIC OFFICER

Learn more about Kerry

Kerry joined NALAG in 2000 as a volunteer and has served one term as President of the Dubbo branch. In 2004, Kerry accepted the position of Secretary to the NALAG Board. She has attained two Diplomas, one in counselling and another in Chaplaincy, as well as completing many workshops and courses in Loss, Grief and Trauma during her time with NALAG. This has enabled Kerry to offer Grief support to a wide variety of clients. She considers her role as a "privilege and and honour to serve with a highly skilled Board who have a passion for supporting people experiencing Loss, Grief and Trauma". As a valued volunteer for over 19 years, Kerry has contributed to the wellbeing of her community immensely, bringing her great satisfaction and joy.

Rhonda White

TREASURER

Learn more about Rhonda

Rhonda is a Member and Volunteer Grief Support Worker for NALAG, Hunter Branch Co-ordinator and Board Member. She is also a Finance, Accounts and Administration Manager and a Marriage and Funeral Celebrant. She is studying for her Diploma in Counselling.

Rhonda has both lived, personal and professional experience, in Loss and Grief, and is passionate about helping people during their grief journey. She is also passionate about helping people to maintain their connections, whilst finding meaning and purpose in their lives post loss. She considers the work that NALAG does, an intrinsic part of her life, both personally and professionally.

She was elected to the NALAG Board for 2023. She has been working with other Board Members during that time on Policies and Procedures as well as local Hunter Promotions for the organisation.

Rhonda’s Celebrant and community work sees her network with Funeral Directors and Celebrants, Counsellors, Aged Care Facilities, Civil Celebrants, and Lake Macquarie Women in Business, which has been helpful in her Board work.

She has experience in preparing marketing and promotional plans. Within her role as Finance and Administration Manager, she has worked with business owners and stakeholders to promote, and market NALAG, various events, and raise their profile within the community. She has assisted the Board in exploring best practice avenues in the Bookkeeping areas for the NALAG Finance Committee.

Rhonda has enjoyed her Board Role in 2023 and would like to continue working on the Board projects she has been working on during this year to see them to their fruition.

Gerald Chitsunge

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Gerald

With expansive clinical practice as a medical doctor in a variety of roles across Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Australia, Gerald possesses sound knowledge and understanding of healthcare systems. He has extensive experience in rural health, having worked alongside distinguished organizations, including a decade with the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, where he provided primary and emergency care to the population of Western & Far West NSW. He also held positions as Senior Clinical Lecturer with the University of Sydney School of Rural Health in Dubbo, Visiting Medical Officer with Western NSW Local Health District at Gilgandra MPS, and as a GP at Gilgandra Medical Centre for many years.

His collaboration with NALAG was established through his work in primary care, where it was not uncommon to refer patients struggling with loss and grief for support. Gerald is well-versed in the obstacles that rural and remote communities face in accessing services and is a strong advocate for a community-based approach to address such challenges.

Gerald holds Master of Clinical Medicine (Leadership & Management) from University of Newcastle; Master of Medicine (Internal Medicine) from University of Sydney; Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery from University of Zimbabwe. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Business Administration with the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has completed Foundation of Directorship course.

His experience in clinical governance, combined with his deep understanding of safety and quality in healthcare and strong strategic skills, has been extremely valuable to NALAG, in his role as a Board Member.

Paula Hanson

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Paula

Paula, an entrepreneur, successful in her own winery and bustling cellar door, holds a deep and unwavering commitment to assisting those in need, especially individuals experiencing grief.

During her 10-year tenure as the Education and Promotions Officer at NALAG, she played a pivotal role in establishing NALAG's reputation as a frontrunner in professional grief and loss education, as well as in promoting awareness about grief.

Currently, Paula serves as a Committee Member on the NALAG Board and continues to generously contribute her time and efforts to support the admirable work undertaken by NALAG.

Karin Lines

BOARD CONSULTANT

Learn more about Karin

Kerry-Lyn Strain

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Kerry-Lyn

Kerry-Lyn Strain is a dedicated professional with a passion for education and community service. Kerry-Lyn has been a NALAG member and volunteer with the Dubbo Branch for over 12 years.

She has a strong connection with NALAG and believes in NALAG’s vision and commitment to serve the community. She wants to be on the board to ensure that NALAG continues to thrive for future generations. She believes she can be an asset to the board especially in the areas of health promotion and educational programs such as Blue Healers (Kerry-Lyn is a trained facilitator of NALAG Blue Healers Program) and engaging with local communities. Her experience and knowledge in the Education and School sector can further NALAG’s work in the support of children experiencing loss and grief and advocate to build the capacity of teachers and school communities to assist children in need.

With 28 years of experience as a secondary school teacher in Dubbo, she has made a significant impact in both the public and catholic sectors. Kerry-Lyn specializes in teaching science and agriculture, utilizing her knowledge and expertise to inspire and educate her students. With her strong educational background, extensive experience, and passion for community service, and volunteering, Kerry-Lyn is a valuable asset and an exceptional individual in her field. She continues to make a positive impact in the lives of those she teaches and serves.

Dr Sally Wooding

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Sally

Dr Sally Wooding has been a Clinical Psychologist for 30 years working in both QLD and NSW in the areas of loss, grief, and traumatic bereavement. She has experience in research, policy and clinical areas providing a multi-dimensional and current perspective for NALAG; particularly in terms of community experience informing policy and service delivery.

For 20 years she has worked closely with Professor Beverley Raphael, the founder of NALAG. This included the NSW Ministry of Health reviewing and revising policy and best practice guidelines for response to the impact of disasters and terrorism in children and adolescents, and loss and grief governance in the Public Sector. In this capacity she has worked with rural and regional communities, including Indigenous communities, forming relationships with a variety of key stakeholders.

Sally advocates that NALAG continues to work with Indigenous leaders in local Area Health Districts to understand the unique and often traumatic issues related to grief and loss and ways to engage with communities.

Meet the Team at the NALAG Centre for Loss + Grief Dubbo (Head Office)

Trudy Hanson OAM

CEO

Trudy our CEO, provides clear vision, steady leadership, and a deep commitment to strengthening our organisation and the communities we serve.

Learn more about Trudy

Trudy Hanson OAM, has been a member of NALAG for 43 years having held the first paid employee position in 2000. Prior to that she was the president of the Orana Chapter and a volunteer for 10 years She worked as the CEO for 20 years and retired 2019, and joined the Board in 2021.

Trudy has had a far-reaching career in the field of loss, grief and trauma. Working as a counsellor, a support volunteer, educator, trainer and facilitator over a 30-year period for NALAG, Western Area Health and Uniting Care Burnside.

Professionally Trudy has a background in counselling, ACA membership, Grief Counsellor Educator, Macquarie Area Health Youth Suicide Prevention, Uniting Care Burnside working with homeless youth and set up a Mentoring program. She has been a trainer for Good Grief programs Aboriginal Seasons For Healing, Seasons For Growth Childrens Program for over 20 years. She designed and developed the celebrated Blue Healers Program to address Depression.

In 1995 she was awarded the Order of Australia and the same year was Citizen of the Year for Dubbo. Trudy has been a volunteer for most of her life State Director of Citizens Radio Emergency Service Teams (CREST) Macquarie, Divisional Controller SES. Dubbo City SES, Controller Rotary FAIM volunteer working in disadvantaged countries, East Africa, Fiji, South America building work, and sponsoring children in schools.

Trudy has demonstrated her passion for the organisation and she brings such value to the work of the Board to promote the Mission and Vision of NALAG which is about supporting those experiencing loss, grief and adversity.

Nic Crowe

OFFICE MANAGER

Nic keeps daily operations running smoothly and ensuring the team has the support, structure, and resources needed to do their best work.

Learn more About Nic

Terrey McDermaid

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Terrey oversees the onboarding of all new volunteers and plays a key role in supporting their training and ongoing development. Terrey ensures every volunteer is welcomed.

Learn more about Terrey

Amy Welbourne

LEAD COUNSELLOR

Amy oversees 80 Grief Support volunteers across Australia, delivers training and grief education and works with clients, predominantly children and adolescents.

Learn more about Amy

Amy is a registered Counsellor with the Australian Counsellors Association (ACA MCOS 29916). Amy has experience working with various age groups and specialises in working with children and young people. Amy has a background working in schools and youth mental health services and is well connected and respected within the Dubbo community.

Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA 25021)
Sandplay Therapy
Trauma & Grief Component Therapy for Adolescents (TGCTA)

Ameeka Hodges

INTAKE OFFICER

Ameeka is the first point of contact for Grief Support - she conducts intake and supports clients to be matched to their Grief Support Volunteer.

Learn more about Ameeka

Cathy Banks

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR/EDUCATOR

Cathy is our Clinical Supervisor and Educator, bringing expertise, leadership, and a genuine commitment to developing clinical excellence across the team.

Learn more about Cathy

Cathy Banks is the Lead Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor for NALAG and is registered with the Australian Counsellor’s Association (ACA MCOS 16575). Cathy has been associated with the field of grief and bereavement over the past 20 years and has trained many volunteers and professionals in grief theory and interventions all over NSW.

Cathy is a very keen Sandplay therapist, with a background in working in schools and private practice. She has a strong interest in supporting child and adolescent grief, traumatic bereavement, and indigenous loss.

Joe Johnson

GRIEF COUNSELLOR

Joe is a dedicated counsellor who brings a calm, grounded presence and a strong commitment to client‑centred care. He supports individuals with empathy and practical guidance, helping them build meaningful pathways forward.

Learn more about Joe

Psychotherapist & Counsellor
Sydney, NSW

I am an insightful and empathetic psychotherapist and counsellor passionate about supporting my clients' emotional wellness through an intuitive, individualised therapeutic approach. You are the expert of your life. As each person has a unique set of needs, my approach allows for the self-exploration and insight needed for clients to learn, heal, and discover their full potential in life.

I am warm, humble, and empathetic – always seeking true connection with everyone. During our sessions, I will give you the space and safety you need to comfortably share your feelings and emotions. My approach is based on developing a therapeutic relationship informed by trust, curiosity, and authenticity, free of judgement. Building this connection with you will help establish the healing and resilience you’ll need to face challenging times. Ultimately, my aim is to listen and guide in a way that makes you feel truly seen and heard as you move towards living a more meaningful and rewarding life. I welcome the opportunity to work with clients from all backgrounds and life stages as they explore what makes them unique and whole.

Qualifications
Degree: Master of Psychotherapy and Counselling, Western Sydney University

Memberships: Australian Counselling Association (ACA MACA R80338)

Sandy Lindeman

GRIEF COUNSELLOR

Sandy is a dedicated counsellor who brings warmth, professionalism, and a client‑centred approach to her work. She supports individuals creating a safe space for growth, reflection, and meaningful change.

About NALAG

The History of NALAG + Grief Support

Our Mission

Our Values

Our Committment

Quality Service

Compassionate Support

Compliance + Assurance

Enhancing Wellbeing & Promote Resilience

Meet Our Board of Mangement

Rob McGorman

PRESIDENT

Learn more about Rob

Julie Dunsmore AM

DEPUTY PRESIDENT

Learn more about Julie

Kerry Frost

SECRETARY/PUBLIC OFFICER

Learn more about Kerry

Rhonda White

TREASURER

Learn more about Rhonda

Gerald Chitsunge

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Gerald

Paula Hanson

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Paula

Karin Lines

BOARD CONSULTANT

Learn more about Karin

Kerry-Lyn Strain

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Kerry-Lyn

Dr Sally Wooding

COMMITTEE MEMBER

Learn more about Sally

Meet the Team at the NALAG Centre for Loss + Grief Dubbo (Head Office)

Trudy Hanson OAM

CEO

Learn more about Trudy

Nic Crowe

OFFICE MANAGER

Learn more About Nic

Terrey McDermaid

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Learn more about Terrey

Amy Welbourne

LEAD COUNSELLOR

Learn more about Amy

Ameeka Hodges

INTAKE OFFICER

Learn more about Ameeka

Cathy Banks

CLINICAL SUPERVISOR/EDUCATOR

Learn more about Cathy

Joe Johnson

GRIEF COUNSELLOR

Learn more about Joe

Sandy Lindeman

GRIEF COUNSELLOR

Learn more about Sandy

Getting Help

Referrals

Early Response

Locations

Cost

Hours

How to Reach Us

NALAG Grief Support is UNABLE to provide a crisis service.

Lifeline

13YARN

Kids Helpline

Beyond Blue

Always call 000 (triple zero) in an emergency.

About Us

Resources

Contact