Back to Our History

Diocese of Sale

1996 – 2021

Arda Tymensen, a dedicated and pioneering counsellor, was at the heart of Centacare Sale, Gippsland’s founding story, providing much needed counselling services to vulnerable people to Warragul and surrounding areas in 1996.

With a wealth of experience from her formative years in the Sandhurst Diocese, Arda brought a depth of knowledge and leadership in the establishment of the services in the Sale Diocese.

1998

Counselling services begin

Centacare Sale is established in 1998 by the Bishop of Sale. And in 1999, Arda Tymensen’s exceptional commitment was recognised by the Bishop by appointing her as Acting Director.

2000 – 2013

Expansion of services

In response to the needs in the community, following the Black Saturday Bushfires, a range of services are introduced including, Access Counselling School Staff, Pre-Marriage Education and Bushfire Recovery Support Service.

Image by Emmy Silvius.

2013 – 2021

CatholicCare Melbourne begins management of Centacare Sale

From 2013, CatholicCare Melbourne begins management of Centacare Sale.

By 2014, Gippsland was offering a range of relationship education programs, counselling and post-separation services, refugee settlement support and clergy health and wellbeing.

A monthly African Women’s group launched, combining cooking and crafts activities, as well as informational sessions regarding health, justice, parenting, social services and family law.

School Counselling in primary schools across the diocese, ranging from Narre Warren North to Bairnsdale was delivered in collaboration with the Catholic Education Office.

In 2021 merges with CatholicCare Sandhurst and Centacare Ballarat to form CatholicCare Victoria.

Pictured: CatholicCare Melbourne and Gippsland office locations on an Annual Report.