Speak Out June 2020

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee

Q&A with... Eddie Ong and Louise Taylor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee members

Eddie Ong is a Torres Strait Islander man with family links to Darnley Island (Erub). He graduated from Queensland University in mid-1987 and worked as a speech pathologist in the areas of paediatric disability and education as well as a short stint in child youth mental health, before moving into teaching. He is currently employed as Deputy Principal at Mountain Creek State High School in Queensland. Eddie was an inaugural member

Louise Taylor is a Wiradjuri woman who graduated from Sydney University in 2006. Since graduation, she has worked in NSW, WA and the NT, spending 14 years working with Aboriginal peoples in rural and remote settings. While working in the Kimberley she served as secretary to the Aboriginal Advisory Committee within the Kimberley Population Health Unit. She is currently employed as Senior Speech Pathologist

with the NT Education Department, based in Alice Springs. Louise joined the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee in January 2020 and is also a member of the RAP Working Group. We asked Louise to respond to three questions – here is what she said. Why did you decide to join the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee? I am passionate about supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with speech, language and communication needs. The committee offers a fantastic opportunity for growth in this area. What is your vision for speech pathology services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? I would like to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people included in the development of speech pathology services that address the social determinants of health and the varied needs of a diverse group of people. What is your vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of Speech Pathology Australia? The committee offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of SPA. The capacity to broaden our networks to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led organisations is exciting. A united voice and vision is a priority for me.

of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee and the Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group. He is a current director of the Board of Speech Pathology Australia. Why did you decide to join the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Committee? I joined the Advisory Committee so I could add my Torres Strait Islander voice to the strategic direction of the Association and ensure that Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander perspectives are at the foreground in policy and position statements of the Association. What is your vision for speech pathology services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples? That Speech Pathology Services are delivered in culturally appropriate ways that take into account the needs of the family, their culture and community and that they are included in every step of any decision-making process. For families for whom English is a second language, that their first language is acknowledged, respected and given due recognition and that everyone sees it as their role to help in preserving, maintaining and celebrating the traditional languages across our lands. What is your vision for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of Speech Pathology Australia? My vision is that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members of SPA feel supported by the Association and their colleagues in whatever field and workplace that this profession takes them. Is there anything else you would like to say? I believe that language and communication is what makes us human and is the way we define and express our culture. I have a special interest in people with severe communication impairment and relish the challenge to work with them and their families to develop effective communication systems that allow them to exert control over their life to the best of their ability.

Cori Williams Senior Advisor Evidence Based Practice and Research

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June 2020 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

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