Speak Out April 2019

Branch News

ACT/ New south wales

ACT 99 NSW 2832 members as at March 2019

Nine local NSW speech pathologists have celebrated 40 plus years as members of Speech Pathology Australia. Jillian Cranny, Gwyn Archer, Gwyneth Burns, Cathy Marson, Robynann Williams, Puttanna Mahananda, Edwina Bryson, Jennifer Johns and Cecilia Pemberton were recognised by Speech Pathology Australia’s NSW Branch at their 2018 Annual General Meeting. In a series of speeches, the long serving members reflected on their careers and more than 350 years of combined clinical experience. Edwina Bryson, who was honoured at the event, was one of only 11 students to graduate from a speech pathology course at the Royal Alexandria Hospital for Children in Sydney, in 1955. In her speech she stressed the importance of flexibility, especially in the first year of her career. “Flexibility was important to us. It was not the usual pattern to have a full-time job at one hospital or institution, and almost all had several part-time jobs.” As a new graduate, Edwina worked part-time at the New South Wales Society for Crippled Children, the Far West Children’s Health Scheme the Outpatient Department of Saint Vincent’s Hospital at the same time. Edwina also recounted her role as the editor of the Journal of the Australian College of Speech Therapy for 11 years. While each long serving member offered unique insights and anecdotes from their careers, they all shared a similar commitment to lifelong learning and passion for helping others. Thanks to all our long serving members and their families for sharing their stories and the Speech Pathology Australia NSW Branch members and executives for organising the event. Jaimie Summerfield ACT/NSW Branch Editor NSW SPEECH PATHOLOGISTS CELEBRATE 40 YEARS

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April 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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