Speak Out draft text june 2016

Putting your hand up: I put my hand up not really knowing what the project was going to look like, but once there was a core team of three people it really took the weight and pressure off. Nicole, Issy and I discussed our ideas at a pub dinner and, with a bit of googling, we were able to kick things off. Great way to get to know other members and get excited about the profession! It was nice to have a lot of freedom in how things might look. Making it happen: Once we worked out what steps we needed to prioritise, it was really just a matter of linking things in and getting the ball rolling. This involved liaising with event coordinators, a quick email to the graphic designer, sorting payments through national office (which was surprisingly easy!), and requesting support through word of mouth to colleagues. Sounds like a lot, but when you have a supportive team, you can make it happen together. We are lucky to have such a supportive branch who work together so it’s not all on one person’s shoulders. Lights, Camera, Action! On the day, I realised why we were doing this. Hearing people’s stories from stall visitors, answering questions, raising the profile of the profession, and having a visible presence at something like the Baby Expo reminded me that Speech Pathology really does play an important role in people’s lives. It was also a great chance to catch up with people working in similar areas to me, and seeing how everyone fits together in servicing the people of Tasmania. Pictured to the right are Ruth Hodgson and Bonnie Kang who were two of many who kindly volunteered their time and expertise at the Baby Expo. Reflections on a one-off project The idea of a one-off short-term project is to make things do-able. As I navigated my way through, I could ask questions of other branch members who responded quickly to questions. As a part-time speechie and full-time mum, the small bite-sized requirements were manageable when I knew I had support. If you would like to head up a short-term Life Project, have a look at our three year calendar of events, and get in touch! We can put you in touch with others who might also have a similar special interest in your area! Memoirs of a Life Project Tasmanian members Emma Hazelwood and Rachael Zeeman report on the highlights of being involved in a one off Life Project as part of the Branch’s ‘Where does speech pathology fit into your life’ campaign.

Tasmania

TAS 103 Members as at April 2016

Emma Hazelwood - Tas Branch General Executive Rachael Zeeman - Tas Branch Editor Speechie Catch-ups The speechies in the Launceston region enjoyed a lovely dinner at a Cajun and Creole restaurant, following a branch meeting back in March. This was a fantastic opportunity to network with fellow speechies in the local area and enjoy some delicious food with lots of spice and flavours! We were treated to a feast of smoked ribs, buffalo wings, fajitas and burritos—very tasty! We are looking to meet up on a more regular basis as this is a great way to connect socially with each other to enjoy good food and each other’s company!

Dennis Lo, Ria Ferris, Rachael Zeeman, Di Symons, Kate Day and Paige Woods.

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June 2016 www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au

Speak Out