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42 Speak Out October 2016
Branch News
WA 847
members
as at August 2016
WA
Pregnancy Babies and Children’s Expo
Speech Pathology Australia was represented
again at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo
in Perth this year with more than 250 people visiting
the SPA stand to obtain information about speech and
language development and services in WA. Speech
Pathology Australia is now presented at this PBC expo in
five states across Australia.
A very big thank you to all of our amazing volunteers:
Alex Trichilo, Abigail Ong, Annique Lynch, Jacinda
Nathan, Phoebe Budiman, Maddie Rhodes, Stacie
Dwyer, Rachel Loughridge, Vi Tran, Sarah Baildon,
Stacey Playforth, Linda Arabi, Stephanie Perkov, Katie
Sala Tenna, Remy McKay, Penny Wood, Joanne Gordon,
Elyse O’Mara, Sarah Russel, Zali Smith Colombini, Sarah
Grunwald, Michelle Quial, Ruth Canas-Lozano, Sue
Chung and Nicole Chan.
Lucy FitzSimons
WA Branch Public Affairs
The WA Speech Pathology community came together on
Thursday 4 August to launch Speech Pathology Week for 2016. Our
Creating Futures event provided the opportunity for all to reflect on
the current work of speech pathologists in WA and think about the
future of our profession. We were lucky enough to hear from three
inspiring guest speakers.
Dr Ann Zubrick, an academic associate for the Centre of Ageing
and Pastoral Studies at Charles Sturt University and a life member
of Speech Pathology Australia, spoke about her work in health,
memory and ageing, highlighting the important role speech
pathology should play in an ageing population.
Jamaica Grantis, a speech pathologist for the Multiple Sclerosis
Society of WA, shared some innovative work she is undertaking
in her role; using mindfulness techniques to assist with dysphagia
management and intervention in adults with disabilities.
Dr Suze Leitao was recognised for her SPA Life Membership
Award and shared her story with us highlighting the caring and
inspiring work of speech pathologists in WA. Suze also discussed
a new area of practice for our profession: working in the youth
justice system where speech and language difficulties are common
yet unfortunately there are limited services to assist these young
people with their communication difficulties. Suze encouraged us
to celebrate how privileged we are to have roles where we can help
create futures for others.
It was a great event and attended by many SPs from across the
profession.
Photograph Tiffany Halliburton
SP Week Celebrations
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