Speak Out December 2020

Association NEWS

The last Value of SPA is excellence. This one had me pondering. How do we evaluate whether our profession is truly excelling? And the answer came to me recently, when, in December I was invited to meet the graduating speech pathologists in South Australia. As I walked in, I wondered what they would be like. This is the year that really affected learning, with lectures online, placements hurriedly reorganised to suit the situation, and social distancing meaning that students couldn’t interact in the same way as usual. What would they be like? Well as it turns out, they are definitely SPA Ethics 2020 compliant, because they seem to be the kindest, brightest, and most generous people. I met a speech pathologist who will be finishing placement on Christmas Eve, and grateful that his clinical educator was willing to keep him on until then. Another was ecstatic that she spent four months away from home, because the Northern Territory found her consecutive placements. A third gushed about what an honour it was to be trusted to finish a placement in aged care. They aren’t at all put out. They don’t mention In accordance with Speech Pathology Australia’s Constitution, nominations are currently sought to fill three upcoming vacancies on the Board of Directors. Please note, under the current Constitution the Association cannot have any more than two Directors from any one state or territory. Given that there are two Queensland based Directors continuing in their current term, the Association cannot accept nominations from Queensland based members on this occasion. Speech Pathology Australia’s Board of Directors is responsible for the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of the Association's policies and procedures within the rules of the Constitution. Directors hold major responsibility within the Association and as such, many Directors have never previously undertaken a role with similar legal, financial and strategic management responsibilities. Every possible support and assistance is provided by experienced Directors, the Chief Executive Officer and National Office staff. This key leadership role offers a wonderful opportunity to develop new skills and contribute significantly to the strategic direction of the Association and the speech pathology profession. Directors are required to attend four Board meetings each year.

inconveniences, they just see the opportunities. They’re just excellent. So, if culture eats strategy for breakfast, Speech Pathology Australia’s culture stands strong, ready to take a bite at anything. When you do manage to get a bit of break over the holiday season, find a couple of minutes to reflect on what your colleagues and clients have taught you about the values of our profession. Because if you’re like me, they’ll make you smile. And here’s a dizzying fact, the cover of the February 2020 Issue celebrated our ten thousandth member. We’ve now passed 11,000. So, if you’re reading this, there’s a 9% chance that you’ve only received 1 to 4 issues of Speak Out . If that’s true, then welcome! The world isn’t completely back to normal just yet, but you’re in the right place. We have a feeling you’re going to fit in here incredibly well. Happy Holidays. Tim Kittel National President Board nomination forms and an information package are available on our website. Each nomination must address key selection criteria and completed nomination forms must be received at National Office by Sunday 31 January 2021. (Late nominations cannot be considered). The appointments will be effective from the 2021 Annual General Meeting in May for a period of two years. Voting members are encouraged to nominate, while retiring Directors are eligible to renominate. Speech Pathology Australia is committed to equity and inclusion and welcomes nominations from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people of all abilities, and people from LGBTQIA+ communities. Elections will be held if more than four nominations are received. For further information, please see the Director Position Description, contained within the Policy and Procedures Manual available on Speech Pathology Australia’s website, or contact the Association’s Chief Executive Officer, Gail Mulcair, gmulcair@ speechpathologyaustralia.org.au.

Call for Board nominations

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December 2020 | Speak Out