Speak Out February 2018

ACT/ New south wales

Mary Woodward and Harmony Turnbull

Roslyn Neilson, Geraldine Vyse, Fiona Eastley (Branch Chair), Glenda Browne, Susan Rawson

ACT 82 NSW 2546 members as at November 2017

ACT/NSW AGM and award night

December 5th saw Sydney-based members get together for our AGM and inaugural member recognition award presentation. NSW had five members (Bronwyn Bryceson, Roslyn Neilson, Geraldine Vyse, Glenda Browne and Susan Rawson) who were recognised for 40 years of continual membership of Speech Pathology Australia. Fortunately four members were able to attend to collect their awards. NSW Branch took this opportunity to interview the recipients and get an insight into what has changed within the speech pathology profession over the past 40 years. We were also keen to listen to any advice our colleagues could give us. Kelsey Brady, Amelia Laurendet, Andrea Vine and Emma Arazzi interviewed the recipients with questions such as, “Why did you decide to become a speech pathologist? What is your favourite part of being a speech pathologist? What is a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career? What changes do you hope to see in the speech pathology profession five years from now?” What we realised was that no matter when we trained as speech pathologists we all had the same desire and passion to support people with communication and swallowing difficulties. We also learnt that whatever your age you might still end up sitting on the floor doing therapy.

As part of the lead-up to the AGM we had a Facebook competition regarding the best speech pathology meme. Harmony Turnbull won the competition with, “I want to be a schwa−it’s never stressed”, and Mary Woodward won an award for most prolific “meme”’ with six published memes. ACT/NSW Branch is looking forward to more events in 2018, celebrating our membership and ensuring communication access for all.

Fiona Eastley VIC Branch Chair

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February 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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