Speak Out October 2016

Branch News

Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo Speech Pathology Australia was represented again at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo in Perth this year with more than 250 people visiting the SPA stand to obtain information about speech and language development and services in WA. Speech Pathology Australia is now presented at this PBC expo in five states across Australia.

WA

A very big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers: Alex Trichilo, Abigail Ong, Annique Lynch, Jacinda Nathan, Phoebe Budiman, Maddie Rhodes, Stacie Dwyer, Rachel Loughridge, Vi Tran, Sarah Baildon, Stacey Playforth, Linda Arabi, Stephanie Perkov, Katie Sala Tenna, Remy McKay, Penny Wood, Joanne Gordon, Elyse O’Mara, Sarah Russel, Zali Smith Colombini, Sarah Grunwald, Michelle Quial, Ruth Canas-Lozano, Sue Chung and Nicole Chan.

WA 847 members as at August 2016

The WA Speech Pathology community came together on Thursday 4 August to launch Speech Pathology Week for 2016. Our Creating Futures event provided the opportunity for all to reflect on the current work of speech pathologists in WA and think about the future of our profession. We were lucky enough to hear from three inspiring guest speakers. Dr Ann Zubrick, an academic associate for the Centre of Ageing and Pastoral Studies at Charles Sturt University and a life member of Speech Pathology Australia, spoke about her work in health, memory and ageing, highlighting the important role speech pathology should play in an ageing population. Jamaica Grantis, a speech pathologist for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of WA, shared some innovative work she is undertaking in her role; using mindfulness techniques to assist with dysphagia management and intervention in adults with disabilities. Dr Suze Leitao was recognised for her SPA Life Membership Award and shared her story with us highlighting the caring and inspiring work of speech pathologists in WA. Suze also discussed a new area of practice for our profession: working in the youth justice system where speech and language difficulties are common yet unfortunately there are limited services to assist these young people with their communication difficulties. Suze encouraged us to celebrate how privileged we are to have roles where we can help create futures for others. It was a great event and attended by many SPs from across the profession. SP Week Celebrations `

Photograph Tiffany Halliburton

Lucy FitzSimons WA Branch Public Affairs

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October 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out