Speak Out August 2021

BRANCH NEWS ACT / NEW SOUTH WALES

1008 members as of May 2021 ACT 157 NSW 3719 members t August

Promoting the profession at the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s Expo

After a number of setbacks and date changes, the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s Expo went off with a bang over three days. Over 170 people approached the stand interested in what speech pathologists do and asking questions about children’s development. Volunteers provided information on speech and language milestones, stuttering, and how to find a speech pathologist. • Eighty percent of people did not know how to find a speech pathologist. • Forty six percent of parents and carers felt their child needed a speech pathologist. • Many people who approached the stand did not know that free speech pathology services were available through community health services.

We owe a huge thank you to Caroline Carmody who has been organising the Speech Pathology Australia stand at the Pregnancy, Babies & Children’s expo for the past five years. Thank you also to the nine volunteers for helping. This event has contributed to providing an outward focus to the community. If you or your colleagues wish to participate in future events like this, or have ideas for other events with an outward focus, please contact the ACT/NSW Branch Chairs or attend a Branch monthly meeting (Zoom information will be available on the Speech Pathology Australia website and Branch Facebook page).

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Speak Out | August 2021