Speak Out October 2017

Association news

New faces at SPA

Jessica Hayward – Aged Care Project Officer

Jess comes to Speech Pathology Australia with not only a passion for aged-care services, but also with a strong desire to empower members and consumers within the sector through education, training and resources. Jessica welcomes contact from members working in the aged care space and will continue to facilitate the work commenced by the Aged Care Working Party. Contact Jessica at: agedcare@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au regarding issues around the NDIS. She will be working closely with Cathy Olsson (National Advisor to Disability) to develop further information and website resources around this new social reform and the changing landscape for speech pathologists. Erin will also be available to answer professional practice related inquiries. Erin will be working four days a week and can be contacted on: advisor@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Jessica Hayward has joined Speech Pathology Australia two days per week as the Aged Care Project Officer. Jessica is filling the position during Dr Jade Cartwright’s parental leave. Jessica has several years of experience in speech pathology clinical services including aged care, neurology and oncology and is currently working in education and quality leadership across allied health at a metropolitan not-for-profit hospital. Jessica is also completing a Masters of Public Health. Erin West trained in South Australia, and has a strong background in disability and paediatrics. She has a wide base of experience, having worked as a speech pathologist in Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia, across schools, community health, private practice and early intervention. Erin comes to SPA with a passion for the right of every Australian to be able to communicate effectively, and swallow safely. As the new NDIS advisor, she will be responsible for providing advice to members and the community

Erin West – NDIS/Practice and Clinical Support Advisor

On the Board Brooke Sanderson

Research grants 2017 Applications for the 2017 research grant round have now closed, and the review process is under way. We have a record number of applications this year, with 21 in the New Researcher category, 8 in the Nadia Verrall and 9 in the Queensland Review Board Legacy category. Applicants may choose to apply in more than one category, which leaves a total of 31 unique applications. Queensland appears to be a “hotbed” of research in the profession, with 11 of the 21 applications in the New Researcher category from that state, and 15 in total. Applications have also been received from Victoria, ACT, SA and WA. Our thanks to those who volunteered to review applications. We look forward to letting you know the outcomes of the review process.

MEET BROOKE SANDERSON A MEMBER OF THE SPA BOARD. “I have nine years’ experience working as a speech pathologist across a range of health and education settings, currently as clinical coordinator of speech pathology programs at Curtin University. I have had an interest in health professional education since 2010 and through this work, aim to enhance the quality of clinical education and ultimately, contribute to the preparation of a skilled and resilient workforce. My research is in the scholarship of teaching and learning, most recently I delivered a Curtin teaching excellence grant exploring student resilience for fieldwork

and professional practice. I am a member of the Speech Pathology Australia University Accreditation panel and am currently serving my second term as a Director of the Board of Speech Pathology Australia.” Before joining the Board in 2014, Brooke contributed to the Association in a number of ways as a member of the SPA WA Branch Executive; including as leader of the Practice Workplace Governance/Professional Standards portfolio and Coordinator and Spokesperson for the 2013 General Election Campaign. The opportunity to serve as a Director is a rewarding and privileged opportunity to contribute to and progress the profession of speech pathology in Australia. This role also provides a fantastic opportunity to apply and develop a diverse range of skills and attributes; including strategic thinking and fiscal accountability. “My vision for the Association is for it to function as an increasingly powerful body, advocating for the interests of the profession and its consumers and successfully influencing policy; while leading the profession to embrace technological advancements to lead innovative, client driven care. “The highlight on my time serving the Association on the Board has been the landmark project Speech Pathology 2030. The Board has been pleased with how enthusiastically the profession engaged in the project process, and has embraced the vision since the launch in 2016. I am excited to see how we, collectively realise this vision and proactively shape the future for our profession, workforce and most importantly, people with communication disorders and swallowing difficulties.”

Cori Williams Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research

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October 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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