For more than two decades, Golda Newland has been a compassionate presence within the Kennedy Community, supporting students and families through life’s challenges, celebrations and everything in between.
Raised in a loving Christian family deeply involved in church life, she developed an awareness from an early age that many people who were hurting, grieving or experiencing trauma were not always fully understood.
“I observed that bereaved, hurting and traumatised people, especially children, were not understood. They were cared for and spiritually fed; however, they were not deeply understood and were often judged.”
This experience planted a seed that would shape her future.
“I saw a great need for non-judgmental empathy and a desire to meet that need. It was this child-like perspective that started my journey, which years later took me to counselling.”
After completing two degrees and gaining experience in a variety of workplaces, an opportunity arose that would ultimately shape the next 23 years of her life. She saw an advertisement for a Counsellor position at Winthrop Baptist College, one of Kennedy’s founding colleges.
“I applied and was delighted to be offered the position. There, I really began to fulfil that long-time dream of working alongside hurting young people and their families.”
Over the years, she has supported countless students through challenges, celebrated milestones with families and provided a steady presence during times of uncertainty. While each student’s story has been unique, one thing has remained constant: her deep respect for young people.
“Teenagers’ opinions should never be overlooked, but they should be taken in context. Their thoughts are wise, creative, full of doubt, interesting and inquisitive when taken with respect and in the context of their developmental stage.”
This belief has guided her approach to counselling and reflects Kennedy’s commitment to nurturing each student as they grow academically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Looking back on more than two decades of service, she describes her time at Kennedy with gratitude.
“Twenty-three wonderful, exciting, ever-changing years have now passed, and when I look back, I feel very fulfilled and blessed.”
Away from counselling, there is another creative side to her story. During eight years living in Canberra, she owned her own fashion business under the label Golda, designing garments that featured in boutiques and fashion parades throughout the city.
As she concludes her role at Kennedy, she looks forward to spending more time enjoying life’s simple pleasures, gardening, beach walks, long lunches and time with families and friends while she continues to support others through her private counselling practice.
Throughout her career, one quote has remained close to her heart and continues to shape both her counselling and her personal life:
“Turn your scars into stars.” — Robert Schuller
It is a sentiment that captures the hope, resilience and growth she has encouraged in so many students and families over the years.
We thank Golda for her faithful service, compassionate heart and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of our community. Her impact will continue to be felt through the countless lives she has touched, and we wish her every blessing as she begins this exciting new season.
