Speak Out December LOW RES FINAL 2017

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8 Speak Out December 2017
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
Association news
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.