Speak Out December LOW RES FINAL 2017

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36 Speak Out December 2017
Branch News
SLP2B – Pathways in
speech pathology
The Victorian student member network recently hosted an
event titled SLP2B- Pathways in Speech Pathology at the
University of Melbourne. A sell-out crowd of 160 students
from La Trobe University, Australian Catholic University and
The University of Melbourne came together to hear first-
hand accounts of the rewards and challenges that a career
in speech pathology can offer.
Seven speech pathologists outlined their career journeys,
providing advice for budding SPs, demonstrating the
diversity of the profession and describing the opportunities
available to explore interests in teaching, research and
clinical work. Presenters reflected a range of clinical
interests that ranged from working in acute hospital
settings, private practice, community and indigenous
health, education, research and aged care. All speakers
were inspiring, evoking responses from awe to peals
of laughter, and generously gave of their time after the
event to answer many questions from the appreciative
audience. The level of student engagement reflected the
communication expertise of the panel, the motivational
nature of their presentations, and the relevance of their
advice to students looking to soon enter the workplace as
practising speech pathologists. The student representative
group would like to thank our panel of speakers: Rachael
Furner, Petrea Cahir, Abby Foster, Leora Benjamin, Deb
MyIne, Alice Crook and Martin Checklin.
Thanks must go to all Victorian Branch members, (including
portfolio leaders: Alice Crook, Tiyana Jones and Hannah
Stark), who have worked to advocate for our clients,
promote our profession and engage with our community.
Hannah Stark
Student Member Network Coordinator
Victoria
VIC 2091
members
as at October 2017
Pregnancy,
Babies and
Children’s Expo
Speech Pathology Australia was represented
again at the Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s
Expo in Melbourne this October with more than
400 people visiting the stand to obtain information
about speech and language development.
We had 29 volunteers who were all Speech
Pathology Australia members. In each shift there
was at least one practising speech pathologist
with either student or non-practising members
to assist with engaging visitors with handouts,
demonstrating the SPA website or distributing
raffle tickets. Book of the Year books were used
as a raffle prize.
The main questions asked were about norms
and normal communication development, as
well as how to support language development in
bilingual children.
Thanks to Jenny Elliott and the Member
Engagement Group, as well as all the members
who volunteered their time and expertise in
another successful event.
Chrissa Stavrou
Actions speak louder
than words
Australian Catholic University students recently ran a bake sale
aiming to raise awareness of the role of speech pathology and
communication access in our community. With the intention of
challenging students to make a purchase at the sale without
using any speech we saw the light bulb moment for students
as they found it impossible to convey even a simple message!
“I didn’t think this would be so hard!” “I feel rude just pointing
at what I want.” “Oops I just spoke!” These were some of the
students’ experiences at the bake sale, yet others rose to the
challenge, with one nursing student taking the time to print a
communication chart with some phrases on it and using this
to convey his message. Our eyes lit up! The Speech Pathology
students on campus were excited to share with students from
all disciplines the importance of accessible communication in
our communities. The bake sale successfully raised $253.45
for Scope, who play a vital role in providing support for and
empowering people with communication disability.
Aashna Vazirani
Speech Pathology Australia ACU Student Representative