Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Association NEWS

Biography of Elizabeth Catherine (Betty) Usher (1911–1996)

In December last year the Australian Dictionary of Biography published a profile of Elizabeth Catherine (Betty) Usher (1911–1996). The Australian Dictionary of Biography (ADB) is Australia's pre-eminent dictionary of national biography. In provides concise, informative and fascinating descriptions of the lives of significant and representative persons in Australian history. The ADB is produced by the National Centre of Biography at the Australian National University. Elizabeth Catherine Usher was a schoolteacher, speech therapist, and university teacher, and probably best known to members of Speech Pathology Australia for the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture delivered in her honour, annually the Speech Pathology Australia National Conference. In November 2016, the Association agreed to a request from the ADB to “research and write the ADB biography of Elizabeth Catherin Usher”. Just over four years later following input and assistance from a range of sources, the article was finalised and placed on the ADB website.

The article, under the authorship of SPA's Gail Mulcair and Michael Kerrisk, while concise, provides a fascinating overview of Betty Usher’s life, from life on a Victorian orchard to full-time lecture in the first speech pathology Bachelor degree course at an Australian University (University of Queensland). Members not familiar with Betty Usher will find the biography a fascinating read. Read more here

An early image of Elizabeth Usher at work as a speech therapist. Image courtesy of University of Queensland archives

High praise for a job well done Speech Pathology Australia was pleased to receive a letter from the Premier Daniel Andrews thanking members for their dedication during 2020. We would like to echo this sentiment of gratitude. It was amazing to see the dedication of members in learning new skills and adapting to new regulations quickly through stressful personal and professional times, and we hope 2021 is a much less challenging one for members.

To all of Victoria ’ s disability workers, There’s no denying that this has be en an incredibly difficult year. But as we close out 2020, I wanted to say thank you – and express our state’s gratitude for your work. In this, the most challenging of years, your commitment and your compassion have made all the difference – particularly for Victorians living with disability. And because of your efforts, we can look forward to a better, brighter 2021. Once again, thank you for everything you’ve done – and I hope you enjoy a break over summer. Your sincerely

The Hon Daniel Andrews MP Premier

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February 2021 | Speak Out