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The future of speech pathology looks bright, as the first
cohort of final-year students from Australian Catholic University
(ACU) used the School of Allied Health student conference in
North Sydney and Melbourne to demonstrate how their four years
of work would translate to the workplace.
Speech pathology honours’ research project outcomes and oral
presentations were among the wide range of student projects
showcased at the conference on 11 November. Students
presented case study data based on placement at organisations
including St Vincent’s Hospital (NSW), Monash Health, and
Hornsby Kurringai Health Service as well as at many and varied
early intervention agencies, community health centres, and
schools.
Nicole Cassar, Director of Sustainability at the Victorian Aboriginal
Community Controlled Health Organisation, delivered an inspiring
keynote address. Ms Cassar’s expertise and experience as
an allied health professional was an excellent addition to the
conference program as she spoke about her work in building
community capacity in culturally safe practices which strengthens
inclusion, understanding and health in Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities.
School of Allied Health National Head, Professor Christine
Imms, congratulated the students on their endeavours, and their
lecturers and supervisors for their support.
“The conference program was rich in diversity – including project
reports from both speech pathology and occupational therapy
from a range of settings. I am particularly pleased about the
growth of our school, and we can celebrate the achievements of
our students from all four of our disciplines – speech pathology,
occupational therapy, social work and public health – who will
graduate this year.”
Speech pathology students reflected on the conference. Mia
Simson said: “It was fitting and exciting to draw our four years
of studies to a close by exhibiting our skills and passions to
peers who would soon become our colleagues. Thank you to
our wonderful and dedicated teaching staff for their hard work in
making the student conference a success.”
Tammie Tun said: “The conference was a great way to celebrate
our journey throughout the course and a celebration of the
journey ahead of us. It provided an opportunity for all graduating
speech pathology and occupational therapy students to share a
piece of that journey with others.”
Many staff from the School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health
Sciences and other ACU departments participated to support the
students and celebrate their achievements.
For more information, visit
School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences,
Australian Catholic University
Speech pathology initiatives showcased at Australian
Catholic University student conference
December 2016 Speak Out 29