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From the President

Welcome to the June Speak Out which will update you on one of the busiest periods for the Association in 2014.

Since the last Speak Out , we have run a very successful National Conference, seen a rapid increase in activity in our Nation for Communication campaign as part of the International Communication Project 2014, and participated in the initial hearing of the National Senate Inquiry. The National Conference in Melbourne, connections: client.clinician.context , proved to be an excellent platform to showcase the breadth and depth of new knowledge in our profession and remind us of the importance of the interplay between these three components of clinical practice. It was impossible not to be moved by Hanna Mitchell’s courageous account of her journey as both a person with an acquired communication disorder, and as a speech pathologist. She reminded us very skilfully of what is truly important in the rehabilitation process and the need to connect with our clients. Her message was reinforced by our keynote speakers Professor Sue Roulstone, Professor Jacinta Douglas, and Professor Susan Langmore. We look forward to the next National Conference – Challenge, Broaden, Revolutionise – to be held in Canberra in May 2015. At the Annual General Meeting this year, we awarded four Fellowships of the Association to Associate Professor Sue McAllister, Ms Deb Phyland, Professor Leanne Togher, and Professor Liz Ward in recognition of their experience and standing in the profession. Professor Linda Worrall was awarded the Elinor Wray award for her outstanding contribution to the profession in the area of aphasia. This group of awardees is truly impressive and reflects the exceptional clinical and research expertise within the profession in Australia. Congratulations to you all! In recognition of his service to the Association, lawyer Dr Arthur Rallis was awarded the Community Contribution Award for his specialist advice to the Ethics Board of the Association. Dr Petrea Cornwell, former Qld Branch Chair, was recognised with a Service to the Association award. We thank Dr Rallis and Dr Cornwell for their committed service to the Association. At the AGM, we farewelled five members of the Board – Stacie Attrill, Meg Maggiore, Teena Caithness, Michele Foley, and Felicity Burke who

have provided exceptional service in steering the strategic objectives of the Association and the introduction of the new Constitution. I would like to thank each of them for their insights, wisdom, and dedication to this very important role. It is with great pleasure that we welcome Asher Verheggen, Brooke Sanderson, and Belinda Hill as the newly elected members of the Board. Our Nation for Communication campaign is in full swing with members across Australia actively involved in a wide range of activities to increase awareness of communication disorders. I know that Speech Pathology Week 2014 (24–30 August) will result in an even greater increase in activity across the country. The promotion of stories such as the one of Christine and her husband Tom (p18) in this issue meets the objectives of the ICP2014 by highlighting the impact of a communication disorder on people’s lives and the benefits of speech pathology intervention. The NDIS is having considerable impact on the profession with respect to workforce issues, services to people with disability, and the education of future speech pathologists. Our Disability Project Consultant, Cathy Olsson, has provided an update on these issues in this edition. Cathy is available to all members who seek professional support regarding the NDIS, so please avail yourself of her support should you need to. In this issue, you will be able to read the opening statement delivered by me at the initial hearing of the National Senate Inquiry on 11 June into the prevalence of communication disorders, and speech pathology services in Australia. This statement highlights four key messages from SPA: the need to increase awareness of communication and swallowing disorders at all levels of government and in the community; the need for early identification; the necessity for greater access to services and expertise; and the need for better data about the prevalence and impact of communication and swallowing disorders in Australia. The Association has worked tirelessly to achieve this Inquiry and I encourage all members to stay abreast of this process as it unfolds.

Even busier times ahead!

Deborah Theodoros National President

Speak Out June 2014

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