Speak Out Dec 2016

Speech pathology initiatives showcased at Australian Catholic University student conference

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.

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.

For more information, visit acu.edu.au.

School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University

“The conference program was rich in diversity – including project

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December 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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