Speak Out August 2017 low res

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August 2017 Speak Out 21
“My nominator for the Tasmanian Australian of the Year award has
remained anonymous. So it feels as if the award just dropped out
of the sky – and happened to fall upon me.
“Throughout 2017, in response, I have reduced my clinical
load to one day per fortnight in order to make the most of this
extraordinary platform which has been gifted to me, to Chatter
Matters, to this justice work, and to this profession.
“In the past six months I have had opportunity to raise awareness
about the profession in events as diverse as:
• lighting up the ABC Giving Tree
• roundtables and think tanks
• print media articles
• literary magazine contributions
• a regular spot on ABC radio
• the UTas International Women’s Day address
• an International Women’s Day address by skype into an
Irish prison
• varied conferences in Tasmania and interstate within the
fields of legal practice, medical practice, education, adult
literacy and women’s leadership
• speaking to Zonta clubs, Rotary clubs, faith and community
groups interested in practical support for the disadvantaged,
business development organisations, seniors groups, school
groups, U3A, university residential colleges, family violence
events, leaders within the public service, and,
• many meetings with politicians and other senior leaders.
I have been explaining what I have called the 3D field of speech
pathology practice:
• along the x axis we cover all areas and skills of
communication
• along the y axis we can work from all baselines of ability –
from very low to very high
• along the z axis we cover the lifespan.
“In explaining this, non-speech pathologists really ‘see’ something
essential about the broad and unique contributions that speech
pathologists bring.
“This profession has much to contribute to a positively-changed
society. Let’s continue to be courageous; bringing others along
with us; aware of always encouraging each other; being willing to
reflect on self.
“Other-minded communication has the power to transform
our contradictions, and build our nation. As a society we are
so sophisticated, yet so much of our sophistication is wasted
on mitigating the results of not having attended mindfully to
communication with others.
“Communication is a cornerstone in many of society’s challenges
– small and large – as well as a pillar in the solutions. We are a
profession with knowledge, tools, and talent, to bring true-ring,
and the fullness of meaning, to the words ‘it is never too late’.
For prisoners... for us all.”
“Let’s continue to be
courageous; bringing others
along with us; aware of always
encouraging each other; being
willing to reflect on self.”
Nominations are
sought for Branch
Executive members
for 2018
Get involved and
have your say!
Whether you’re a student member, working in private
practice, government or NGO roles across rural or metro
areas of Australia your input and suggestions are critical
to inform how your Branch can work together to achieve
the best outcomes for the profession, the public and for
speechies within your state.
Branches provide a forum for the discussion of issues
impacting on the speech pathology profession, as well
as social and networking opportunities. All SPA state
and territory Branches promote strategic activities,
encourage member and public engagement, implement
strategic direction, and respond to state/territory level
issues.
If you would like to know more about the opportunities
to join the Branch Executive please contact your
Branch Chair – details on the website under Members
Branches.
If you are interested in being involved in the activities
of your Association in 2018, download the nomination
form from the website under Members Branches or
contact
au and we can email you one.
Nominations must be submitted via email to
by
Wednesday 20 September 2017. Please note Branch
Executive roles are for a twelve month term.
Those currently holding Branch Executive roles must re-
nominate in order to be considered for 2018.
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