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ACQ
Volume 12, Number 1 2010
ACQ
uiring knowledge in speech, language and hearing
Motor speech disorders
(and perseverance) which has allowed us to work efficiently
through often long agendas, and to maintain an element of
sanity in it all.
Thanks also to those staff at National Office, and paid staff
in various parts of Australia, who make such a significant
contribution to the functioning of the Association. Special
thanks to Gail Mulcair, who has the difficult task of ensuring
the smoothest possible functioning of National Office and the
Association in general. She brings to the position of CEO a
wealth of strategic and administrative knowledge.
What is ahead for the Association? I hope for continued
movement from strength to strength, with growth in
membership and an increasingly strategic focus. I am certain
that the push for national registration and accreditation
will continue, as will lobbying and advocacy activities. We
will inevitably continue to be influenced by the vagaries
of government and funding, but the focus on building
understanding of the profession, and the needs of people
with communication and swallowing disorders will be
maintained.
I leave the position of National President with mixed
feelings. I will certainly miss the inside knowledge of
Association business, the involvement in strategic initiatives,
and the interaction with staff and volunteers. At the same
time, I look forward to the new enthusiasm and energy that
will come with a new President. Chris Stone brings to the
position valuable experience, having been a member of
Council for a number of years. She holds a management
position in the Victorian Health Department, and so will
contribute a valuable skill set to Council discussion and to
lobbying activities. I wish her every success, and trust that
she will enjoy the position as much as I have.
I have learned an enormous amount during the past three
years. Perhaps the most important thing that I have learned
is the value of accepting a challenge. Involvement with your
professional association is a challenge well worth taking
up, and one which I hope many of you will enjoy. So what
is ahead for me? I hope to spend more time working in the
vege garden, and sitting on my verandah watching the world
pass by. But perhaps not straight away. I think I still have it in
me to face another challenge or two.
This is my last column as National President
– a fitting time for reflection and thanks. The past three years
have passed very quickly. It has been a busy time for me and
for the Association. The range of activities of the Association
in this time is wide, and it is not possible to mention them all
here. I will mention some which are, to me, particularly
important. The first steps into lobbying activity have been
both exciting and demanding. We have much to learn, but I
am confident that the profile of the Association and the
profession is increasing, and that it will continue to do so.
We are fortunate that our CEO, Gail Mulcair, is confident and
skilled in this area. We have a re-vamped website to help us
in our lobbying activities, and to provide a more efficient and
informative service to members and the public. The
Association has made a commitment to evidence based
practice and to providing members with resources to assist
them to access the very best in evidence. I believe it is crucial
for the profession that we continue to position ourselves as
scientist practitioners, and using the available evidence is
integral to this. Our publications, the
International Journal of
Speech-Language Pathology (IJSLP)
and
ACQuiring
Knowledge in Speech, Language and Hearing (ACQ)
play an
important role in this, as does the National Conference.
Speech Pathology Australia depends on the dedication
and professionalism of its paid staff, and of the many
volunteers who give their time for the benefit of the
profession. Members of Branch Executive guide activities in
their state and provide invaluable input also at the national
level. I have been privileged to meet members from across
the country and to hear their plans for their local area,
their achievements, and their challenges. The forums and
meetings are an important means of communication within
the Association, and also within the branches. Should an
invitation come your way, be sure to take it up!
I have also had the very great pleasure of working closely
with members of Council to help to guide the strategic
direction of the Association. Council members undertake an
astonishing range of tasks, and do so with the very highest
standards in mind. To all of you with whom I have shared
time on Council, my thanks. Council meeting weekends can
be (and have been) long – but I have admired the application
From the president
Moving on
Cori Williams
Cori Williams