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June 2016 Speak Out 47
Tasmania
TAS 103
Members
as at April 2016
Putting your hand up:
I put my hand up not really knowing what the project was going to look like, but once
there was a core team of three people it really took the weight and pressure off. Nicole,
Issy and I discussed our ideas at a pub dinner and, with a bit of googling, we were able
to kick things off. Great way to get to know other members and get excited about the
profession! It was nice to have a lot of freedom in how things might look.
Making it happen:
Once we worked out what steps we needed to prioritise, it was really just a matter of
linking things in and getting the ball rolling. This involved liaising with event coordinators,
a quick email to the graphic designer, sorting payments through national office (which
was surprisingly easy!), and requesting support through word of mouth to colleagues.
Sounds like a lot, but when you have a supportive team, you can make it happen
together. We are lucky to have such a supportive branch who work together so it’s not all
on one person’s shoulders.
Lights, Camera, Action!
On the day, I realised why we were doing this. Hearing people’s stories from stall visitors,
answering questions, raising the profile of the profession, and having a visible presence
at something like the Baby Expo reminded me that Speech Pathology really does play
an important role in people’s lives. It was also a great chance to catch up with people
working in similar areas to me, and seeing how everyone fits together in servicing the
people of Tasmania. Pictured to the right are Ruth Hodgson and Bonnie Kang who were
two of many who kindly volunteered their time and expertise at the Baby Expo.
Reflections on a one-off project
The idea of a one-off short-term project is to make things do-able. As I navigated my
way through, I could ask questions of other branch members who responded quickly to
questions. As a part-time speechie and full-time mum, the small bite-sized requirements
were manageable when I knew I had support.
If you would like to head up a short-term Life Project, have a look at our three year
calendar of events, and get in touch! We can put you in touch with others who might
also have a similar special interest in your area!
Emma Hazelwood - Tas Branch General Executive
Rachael Zeeman - Tas Branch Editor
Speechie Catch-ups
The speechies in the Launceston region enjoyed a lovely
dinner at a Cajun and Creole restaurant, following a branch
meeting back in March. This was a fantastic opportunity to
network with fellow speechies in the local area and enjoy
some delicious food with lots of spice and flavours! We were
treated to a feast of smoked ribs, buffalo wings, fajitas and
burritos—very tasty! We are looking to meet up on a more
regular basis as this is a great way to connect socially with
each other to enjoy good food and each other’s company!
Dennis Lo, Ria Ferris, Rachael Zeeman, Di Symons, Kate
Day and Paige Woods.
Memoirs of a Life Project
Tasmanian members Emma Hazelwood and Rachael Zeeman report on
the highlights of being involved in a one off Life Project as part of the
Branch’s ‘Where does speech pathology fit into your life’ campaign.