Speak Out August 2021

First page Previous page 20 Next page Last page

National Virtual Conference 2021

Tuesday Many had an early start at the early career members information and networking meeting. Then it was into the plenary to hear Associate Professor Sally Hewat present her well received Elizabeth Usher Memorial Award lecture, Speech Pathology in the Transformative Age: Valuing Connectivity. Tuesday was another busy day which concluded with the Taste of The Territory Social event. The CPC was excited to welcome virtual conference delegates to a celebration of their Darwin home. The event was hosted by Amy Hetherington a Darwin local and comedian. Her bright and energetic style was contagious

The Speech Pathology Australia Conference Planning Committee (CPC) was delighted to welcome 780 attendees to our very first virtual national conference, hosted by the Darwin Conference Planning Committee. It was wonderful that the CPC was able to present a full conference, including some elements of the NT. The conference theme Local Contexts, Global Practice was reflected in many ways including the topics of presentation, the participation of local and international delegates, and the collaboration reported in many papers and workshops. Twitter at conference extended globally, with the hashtag #SPAconf reaching over 10 impressions, 7,375 tweets and 632 participants from Sunday to Wednesday. A quick snapshot of all that occurred follows, including keynote and invited speakers and main social events, although it’s impossible to cover everything that was shared, learnt, discussed, debated, challenged and, inspired. However, it’s important to also acknowledge and thank the presenters of the quality presentations in the concurrent oral and workshop sessions, pre-recorded posters and lunchtime sessions that gave breadth to the conference program and also offered much to take back to the workplace or study. Monday The scene for the Local Contexts, Global Practice conference was set with the Welcome of Country by Auntie Georgina, followed by a video presentation by our major sponsor Guild Insurance and then our national president Tim Kittel officially opening the virtual conference.

and helped kick start the evening as we got to meet and interact with delegates from all over the country (and in some cases the world!) This relaxed one-hour social event was a great opportunity for conference delegates to connect in a

relaxed way. Wednesday

Professor Swathi Kiran presented her keynote address Understanding, Facilitating and Predicting Aphasia Recovery and After Rehabilitation. At the close of the 2021 virtual conference there was the presentation of the prizes plus the CPC members joined together for one last time. Presentation Prizes At the close of the conference Scientific Program Chair Rebecca Amery, congratulated the winners of the various prizes awarded at the conference. Thank you to all the judges and, also the delegates who voted for the People’s Choice Poster via the conference app. The winners were: Best poster Katherine Proudfoot Broadening the scope of AAC design: The development of an AAC reading system

Professor Yvette Hyter presented her keynote address Engaging in Culturally Responsive and Globally Sustainable Practices, and before the close of the day Melanie Mununggurr- Williams gave a Djapu, autism mum’s perspective on reconciliation. After a full day it was fantastic to

see so many SPA members stay on for the AGM and awards presentation. It is always a wonderful occasion to recognise and celebrate the inspiring achievements of our colleagues.

People's Choice Poster Emily Hunt