Speak Out April 2019

From the President

I am excited about welcoming many of you to my hometown of Brisbane in two months for the joint conference. Early bird for the conference closes on 17 April, but it still will not be too late to register for conference after that day. Come to Brisbane, enjoy our early cool-dry season weather, the beautiful bougainvillea on Southbank, and participate in an exciting, packed international program with our New Zealand colleagues. I was pleased to hear the announcement early this month of the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability; the Association will prepare a submission addressing the Terms of Reference. There are a range of documents available on the attorney-general’s website including an Easy Read text which explains the purpose of the Commission and its Terms of Reference. As we know more information, we will keep you updated. In May, the Board, Branch Chairs and some members will commence strategic planning for the next 3-year plan 2020-2023. We will be looking closely at where we are, how are we going on our 2030 journey, and what we need to do to continue in the right direction. We will look at the political, global and local changes that are happening and determine how we need to stay ahead, and make a future of our choosing. Members will have the opportunity to provide input through a range of means, but you are very welcome to email me to share your thoughts about where we need to be going and any ideas of how we might get there. As we progress through our strategic plan we are continuing to roll-out a review of our core documents - the CBOS and have recently commenced a review of the Code of Ethics. This is a great opportunity to check-in that our Code of Ethics supports us in our work today and in 2030. I encourage you to have your say in the review process. Last month we joined with the Royal College of Speech-Language Therapists to raise awareness of dysphagia, and the importance of safe and enjoyable eating and drinking. Congratulations to all the members who participated in events raising awareness throughout the country - a snapshot of some of the imaginative activities can be found later in this issue of Speak Out . Enjoy this issue of Speak Out - catching up with the activities of members from around Australia, and your Association’s “news”. I look forward to seeing many of you in a couple of months in Brisbane.

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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April 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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