Speak Out August 2017

“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’. “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 membership@speechpathologyaustralia.org. au and we can email you one. Nominations must be submitted via email to membership@speechpathologyaustralia.org.au 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. www.speechpathologyaustralia.org. au/news/#be

For prisoners... for us all.”

21

August 2017 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out