Speak Out February 2021 DIGITAL EDITION

Branch News

Reflections on 2020 And an overwhelming attendance at the AGM What a year we’ve had! We’ve learnt to adapt, learnt new skills and developed a keener appreciation of the little things. Victorian members have grown and thrived. The Branch thought innovatively and moved meetings and events on-line. The silver lining was that Victorian members have been closer than ever. The distance that, at times, had separated metropolitan and regional members no longer existed, with everyone on a level playing field. With a click of a button, teleconferencing made connecting with members a cinch. The Branch held trivia nights, presentations and coffee catchups. Members were busy making futures happen, promoting our three pillars—Our Voice, Our Impact and Our Workforce. This year, Victorian members achieved multiple accolades; SPA Life Member Award, Elinor Wray Award, Senior Advisor Professional Standards, to name just a few. We were very fortunate to have Professor Pamela Snow as our guest speaker. Professor Snow was awarded a Speech Pathology Australia Life Member award this year. With such a distinguished speaker, over 40 attendees zoomed into the AGM, including most of our long-standing members. Together with Associate Professor Tanya Serry, Professor Snow established the

Victoria

VIC 2902 members as at January 2021

Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab at La Trobe University this year, which promotes the role of oral language in the development of literacy skills. Professor Snow spoke about the Language House model. This model outlines the importance of oral language competence and its contribution to the development of literacy, the importance of social and emotional context for language, and the influence on trauma and attachment. The AGM also recognised the commitment and dedication of the long-standing members who all celebrated 40 years of membership with a short presentation. Each member gave their reflections on the biggest change since graduation, what advice they would tell their younger self, and what change they would like to see in the profession. It was wonderful to hear their insights and how far the profession has progressed. Here’s to 2021, and to another year of learning new things. Charmaine Tu Victorian Branch President

Forty members of the Victorian Branch attended the AGM. Members were connected from far and wide.

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Speak Out | February 2021