October 2017
www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.auSpeak Out
5
Association
news
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.
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.auNew faces at SPA
Jessica Hayward
– Aged Care Project Officer
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.
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
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.auErin West
– NDIS/Practice and Clinical Support Advisor
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.”
On the Board
Brooke Sanderson
Cori Williams
Senior Advisor Evidence Based
Practice and Research