Our Principal

"Never stop learning - Investing in yourself pays the best dividends.
 Study that which interests you and let knowledge pave your career.
 Study matters of the heart to fulfil your relationship dreams.
 Study nature to see, sense, and feel the wonder of the world.
 Study wisdom and spirituality to find peace, faith, and acceptance."
 - Gwendoline Ford


Gwendoline Ford, a highly qualified Natural Therapist and Clinical Aromatherapist, is the Director and Principal of the Australian College of Aromatherapy.


With over 25 years of experience and expertise in natural therapies and aromatherapy as a practitioner, presenter, accredited trainer, and course developer, Gwendoline is aptly qualified to guide you through your journey into aromatherapy and other complementary natural therapies. Her knowledge and experience in these areas are invaluable to those serious about their own career and personal development.

Gwendoline's background highlights her pivotal role in how aromatherapy is viewed in Australia today; as an educational officer on the Board of the International Aromatherapy and Aromatic Medicine Association (IAAMA) at the time it transitioned from the IFA Australia branch, Gwendoline was instrumental in lobbying for aromatherapy to become nationally recognised in Australia.

In fact, many of the primary competencies in the Aromatherapy Training Package today came from courses originally developed by Gwendoline. Also included was the Advanced Diploma in Aromatic Medicine - which put Australia among world leaders in the area of Medical Aromatherapy.

However, times changed and Gwendoline decided to no longer operate a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), opting instead to remain as a private college, still specialising in her passion of Aromatherapy.

With the high cost of compliance, lack of VET FEE-HELP, and withdrawal of health fund rebates, it is now inessential for colleges to be government-accredited. Furthermore, now that provider numbers are a thing of the past for aromatherapists regardless of where they study, there is no need for students to incur exuberant fees passed on from being an RTO.

Gwendoline is a published author in the areas of aromatherapy and natural therapy, and has had her writing published in popular natural health magazines like Nature and Health and Insight Magazine, as well as more mainstream newspapers like The Courier Mail in Queensland. Her tireless efforts have helped change the field of aromatherapy in Australia and the way in which many natural forms of therapy are viewed by governmental bodies and the wider community. Gwendoline is dedicated to holistic health, mind-body medicine, natural therapies, personal and professional development, and everything in between.

As someone who believes passionately in offering high-quality courses which are accessible and affordable to those wanting to explore and enhance their knowledge and experience of natural therapies and aromatherapy, Gwendoline is proud to introduce a form of learning that is flexible and allows students the unique opportunity to study where and when they want, with minimal fuss.


A word from Gwen:

"Thank you for considering studying with my college, I wholeheartedly welcome you. Whatever your passion is I encourage you to pursue it!"