Speak Out December 2018

From the President

Suddenly the shops are full of snow (while it is white hot outside!), tinsel and Christmas songs. My music streaming account has provided me with a list of my “Top Songs” for 2018 (which is a very interesting mix – my children accessed my account more than I thought!), and conversations with people are full of discussions about the upcoming summer break and plans for next year. I’m sure you are juggling the end-of-year work activities, social occasions and planning for the holidays. At this time of year, I always wish there was a little more time for reflection – maybe New Year’s resolutions would be better followed through with some time to really plan for them – and writing the introduction this month provides me with that opportunity, as well as the chance to think about some of the changes for 2019. passing 9,000 for the first time. Together we have achieved membership of the National Alliance of Self-Regulating Health Professions (NASRHP); secured the Communication Access Symbol for our national office; presented at a range of enquiries; advocated with the NDIA for NDIS issues and government for health, early childhood and education issues; delivered CPD face-to-face and online learning in every state and territory; distributed a combined nine editions of the International Journal of Speech Language Pathology and the Journal of Clinical Practice in Speech Language Pathology; held an extremely successful conference in Adelaide; supported mentoring and supervision; answered queries from members regarding supervision, private practice, NDIS, ethical practice and membership; commenced the CBOS review; accredited university programs; had a professional presence at numerous expos; conducted radio interviews; been in print media and used social media to get our message out; and so much more! This year we have had a particular focus on communication as a human right, with a focus on the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Commencing the year with a special edition of the International Journal of Speech Language Pathology focussing on communication as a human right, there have been a range of events around Australia this year to mark the occasion, and to share our message with a broad audience. This has been a busy year for the Association, with our membership

Congratulations to Sharynne McLeod as the guest editor of the journal, and to all who have contributed to both the events throughout Australia and to the articles. Also, a shout-out to our comms and marketing team who have worked hard with the International Communication Project team to develop some great resources, including a video, to mark this important occasion. All of the activities I have mentioned (and all those that I can’t fit on just this one page!), are made possible by the very hard- working and dedicated staff at national office headed up by Gail Mulcair. Thanks to the staff for your work – you really do make a difference for speech pathologists across the country. Sadly, Sharon Crane, our Senior Advisor Professional Education and Certification, is leaving the employ of the Association in January 2019. Sharon has been with the Association for 20 years, and in that time has overseen a very high quality continuing professional development program that is responsive to member needs. The CPD and certification programs are a key part of the Association’s activities to support our speech pathologists to be able to continue to provide high-quality evidence-based supports for people with (or at-risk of) communication disability. Thanks to Sharon for her dedication, leadership and work. Her legacy can be seen in the esteem in which our profession is held. The beginning of a fresh year gives you the opportunity to think about new things that you may like to try. Have you considered becoming a director of Speech Pathology Australia in 2019? Nominations for three directors are now open and close on 31 January 2019. Being a director of the Association is a rewarding and important role to play – it gives you the opportunity to steer the direction of the Association into the future within a supportive team environment. Please consider the opportunity to take on this exciting leadership opportunity. Soon I will be writing the February 2019 introduction to Speak Out and wondering what happened to the summer break! Until then, I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season, and I look forward to working with you into 2019.

Gaenor Dixon

Gaenor Dixon National President

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December 2018 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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