Speak Out December 2019 V2 DIGITAL EDITION

Branch News

Victoria

VIC 2514 members as at October 2019

Expo, Expo! Read all about it!

October saw the annual Pregnancy, Babies and Children’s Expo come to Melbourne. It ran from the 18 to 20 October and Speech Pathology Australia, Victorian Branch, with the assistance of some generous volunteers, were back again to host a stall. The three-day expo, now in its 28th year, provided a fantastic opportunity to increase the public’s awareness and knowledge of the speech pathology profession. Over three days, speech pathologists fielded questions from expo attendees, directed individuals to the Speech Pathology Australia website for additional information, and provided handouts (supplied by Speech Pathology Australia) that sparked discussion around certain areas of relevant practice. The expo was well attended, with over 17, 000 attendees across the three days. Not only was the Speech Pathology Australia stall attended by parents or expecting parents, but also health professionals and early childhood educators who wished to increase their understanding of paediatric speech pathology practice. A handful of topics and themes recurred throughout the expo. Attendees were

keen to know more about speech pathology, with questions such as how to access a speech pathologist. They requested information on areas of practice, communication developmental milestones, and the NDIS. Visitors to the stall showed a particularly strong interest in the Developmental Milestones Posters and the raffle, which included selected books from Speech Pathology Australia’s Book of the Year Awards. A fantastic time was had by all. Members volunteering for the stall at the expo said it was a great experience. Volunteers ranged from students through to experienced, certified practising speech pathologists. Expos like this are a great opportunity for members to showcase the profession, earn Professional Self-Regulation points, and give back to Speech Pathology Australia and their profession. They also afford opportunities to build networks and connect with other speech pathologists. The expo was just one of many projects where the Victorian Branch worked alongside National Office in 2019. If Victorian members are interested in becoming involved, please register your interest to attend a Victorian Branch Meeting by emailing The Victorian Branch secretary on vic.secretary@gmail.com.

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at the University of Melbourne. Thank you to the twenty four members who volunteered across the three-day event.

45

December 2019 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out