Speak Out April 2016 low res

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Speak Out April 2016 37
Cast your minds back Tassie speech pathologists to
September last year when many of us gathered in gorgeous
Hadley’s, Hobart, to ponder and plan our direction as an
organisation. Those who were there will recall that the
discussions and deliberations led to a plan, which Julie Douglas
aptly named 'Where Does Speech Pathology Fit Into Your Life?'
For those not there, you may remember reading a little about
it in Speak Out or e-news; and for others, you may be reading
about this project for the first time. So here’s a little of the back
story.
In gathering at Hadley’s, along with Gail Mulcair, Michael Kerrisk
and the generous and Honourable Nicola Roxon, we were
seeking to brainstorm and be clear about focus for Branch
activities over the coming three years. We sought information
and direction to be most supportive and relevant to Tassie
speech pathologists. The overarching questions were about
how members would like to be represented by the Branch.
By the time we had worked through an agenda designed to
inspire, we had landed on 'Where Does Speech Pathology Fit
Into Your Life?'
The group came to consensus on the importance of raising the
public profile of the profession and its many facets.
So the plan behind WDSPFIYL is that over three years, using
consistent branding, we will bring information to the Tasmanian
public about how speech pathologists work across the entire
lifespan to support communication and swallowing.
We plan frequent, small campaigns, often partnered with
other organisations as they undertake their health promotion
activities. We want Tasmanians to see how diverse and
foundational our work is. A Facebook page has been started
(search for Where Does Speech Pathology Fit – and ‘Like’ it)
and there will be more social media and other media as the
campaign rolls along.
Many members have indicated over the past 18 months they
would like to be involved in the Branch activities, but they are
unable to commit to regular meetings and positions on the
executive. We had these needs in mind as we planned and
plotted at Hadley’s. So now we need you!
WDSPFIYL will certainly need extra hands-on-deck if it is to be
successful and to reach as many Tasmanians as we'd like to.
If you are passionate about a particular area of SP work, and
would like to lead or be involved with a small and circumscribed
project in that area, please let us now. Contact any of us
on the executive. There is lots of scope, and lots of latitude.
More specific details about how you can be involved will be
posted under the Tas Branch e-News. Anything is possible!
EVERYTHING is possible!
BRANCH news
tasmania
Rosie Martin
Tasmania Branch Chair
Where Does Speech Pathology Fit Into
Your Life?