Speak Out August 2021

Association NEWS

From the President

Hi and welcome to the August edition of Speak Out . My apologies if you feel you’ve waited a bit longer than usual for this edition. It’s kind’a my fault. Mid last week, I opened an email from National Office, asking me very politely if I’d written my introduction to this issue yet. Obviously, I was confused. Surely, I’d only been asked to do that a few days ago? But when I checked, it sure was past the 14-day mark. How did that time pass so quickly? My bad. Since our last Speak Out everything became slightly more challenging. I’m not the only one who’s been busy. Like most allied health providers, we’re living hectic lives. Lives involving imminent, real, or very prolonged lockdowns. Lives looking after families and friends. Multiple people working and learning from home. All the while, trying to be the best speech pathologists we can be. Our profession isn’t alone in the situation, but we do deal with real lives, and are keenly aware that many of the people with whom we engage are particularly vulnerable. Then we add into this mix the fact that speech pathology is experiencing a period of high demand, it’s no wonder some things can get on top of us. Thanks for picking up this issue. If you’ve looked at the contents list, I’m sure it’s going to be tempting to flick straight to the section reflecting on the 2021 Conference, before moving then the 2022 Conference announcements. No one will blame you for that. (I mean, Beyond Borders just keeps looking better and better!). But just before you do reach those pages, you’ll find a page preceding this, which lists services you can ring if things are getting on top of you. Don’t flick past that page. Stop there, and if you think you just might benefit from chatting things through, just make contact. Over the next year, SPA will be releasing additional materials that may also prove helpful. Some of these focus on the profession and our clients. You’ll read in this issue about the significant strategic initiative we’re working on with AHP Workforce, in which we’ll be mapping supply and demand of speech pathology services. This will help us to target areas of particular need. The Communication Hub project also surges ahead, helping us to further the SP2030 aspirations of Communication Accessible Communities, and Clients Driving Service Delivery. Other initiatives look to keep us the best we can be. We’ll be looking at strategies and ways in which we can identify when we’re reaching a point where we need to take care

of ourselves and colleagues, and take steps. While August so far is shaping up to be an even busier month for me than usual, it’s been so much fun. Over the past two weeks I zoom-attended the NSW and WA Branch meetings. It was great to meet new people and put faces to names. Different ways of celebrating SPW were discussed, but both with the same amount

Tim Kittel

of enthusiasm. I also managed to travel to Tasmania, and finally be in the same room as people with whom I’ve been catching up for the past two years. Again, brilliant to be part of a brains trust prioritising areas that are unique to Tasmania, and devising ways of moving the profession forward. So, it’s been busy, and yet there’s nothing more energising than seeing people work together. A setback for this month has been the postponement of the Speech Pathology Week Forum, which was to be held on August 23. At this stage, the plan is to hold this discussion in December. But this doesn’t stop other events currently being planned. Last year was a predominantly online event. Hopefully we can continue to hold events in states and territories where a physical presence is permitted. And in the other states, we’ll keep online, and keep sending the message that communication is everyone’s right. While this month tests us, especially the sizeable proportion of our members in New South Wales, traditionally August is also a time to celebrate. The Book of the Year shortlist has been released. Our professional learning hub has more offerings than ever (and if you’re quick you might just catch the 20% discount in the lead up to SPW). And of course, it’s our SP week. Join in as best you can! If like me, you’re accidentally letting a few important things slip, maybe there’s a reason for it. And if you need help, the best news is that you’re a part of our 12 thousand strong gang. We’re all looking out for each other. Have a great August.

Tim Kittel National President

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Speak Out | August 2021