Speak Out December low res draft 2017

Association news

SPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee SPEECH PATHOLOGY AUSTRALIA has formed an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander values in relation to culture, land and history are embedded in the values and business of the Association. This initiative aligns with the aspiration Clients and Communities driving service delivery of the Strategic Plan 2017 – 2019. Membership of the committee is as follows: • Two speech pathologists with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background; Tara Lewis (Qld) and Edward Ong (Qld) • One speech pathology student (or recent graduate) from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background Alice Robins (Vic) • One representative from Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) Donna Murray, CEO • Two indigenous leaders/academics with policy and/or social health expertise • Shane Mohor, President, CATSINaM, CEO Aboriginal Health Council of SA • VACANT • One Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumer Peter Palancio, NT • Chair, SPA ATSI Curriculum Committee Professor Beth Armstrong (WA) • Board Representative Chyrisse Heine (Vic) • SPA CEO or delegate Gail Mulcair, Cori Williams

The inaugural meeting of the committee was held at National Office on October 20. National President, Gaenor Dixon, welcomed all members, and noted the formation of the committee as a significant development for the Association. Discussions covered a range of topics, including the SPA Strategic Plan, the ATSI Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (including the functions of the committee), development of a Reconciliation Action Plan, the role of the committee in developing partnerships between the Association and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and matters for discussion at future meetings. Terms of reference for the committee are currently being finalised, and will be made available to members once ratified by the Board. The Committee will meet quarterly, and will report to the Board via the Board representative. Cori Williams Senior Advisor, Evidence Based Practice and Research ebp@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Farewell Chris, hello Nichola

The Association said farewell to Christine Lyons, who recently left the role of Senior Advisor Professional Practice. Christine was at SPA since June 2009. The role initially required one day per week and, over time, it gradually grew to 4 days per week. During this time Christine provided support and advice to many, many SPA members. Her professional manner combined with her personal interest in supporting members meant that she was a trusted “go to” for many individuals. Christine has been involved in a wide variety of projects and submissions and was a key force behind SPA’s 2016 Speech Pathology 2030 Project . She has also represented the Association on a number of national committees and reference groups and has developed resources and organised professional practice seminars. Christine will be greatly missed by all staff at National Office and we wish her all the very best in her new ventures!! Nichola Harris, who has been working at SPA as the Practice and Clinical Support Advisor has been appointed to the Senior Advisor Professional Practice role. Nichola is excited about this position and is looking forward to engaging with members in the role. Speech Pathology Australia is delighted to welcome Nichola to the position. Professional Practice Senior Advisor Christine Lyons (pictured right) with SPA’s new incumbent Nichola Harris.

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December 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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