Aphasiology Symposium of Australasia 2018

The conference will be held at the Sunshine Coast Health (SCHI) auditorium. The SCHI has a 370 seat auditorium with a beautiful exposed beam ceiling and superior acoustics.

Features:

• adjacent indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for catering and trade displays
• equipped with state of the art audio visual capabilities
• allows users to connect with their own external device for presentations

Getting there

The SCHI facility is part of the Sunshine Coast health campus at Birtinya and is bordered by Doherty Street and Eccles Boulevard. A range of transport infrastructure including a public transport hub, pedestrian and cycle links and parking, provide a range of transport options for travel to the site.

The SCHI has a dedicated entry, end of trip facilities including showers, lockers, toilets and racks that accommodate up to 120 bicycles, as well as a bus stop conveniently located on the eastern side of the Hub building.

For more information about the facilities, and parking and public transport options, please see http://www.schealthinstitute.com.au/about-schi/facilities/#maps and http://www.schealthinstitute.com.au/about-schi/facilities/#car-parking

(Please note: Those interested in staying inNoosa, it is a 48 minute drive from SCUH to Hastings Street, Noosa Heads – 52kms)

1. Best Western Plus, Lake Kawana Hotel http://lakekawanahotel.com.au
   9 Florey Blvd, Birtinya QLD 4575
   4.5 star rating
   $119 - $142 per night
   Free wifi, free parking, Air/con, lake views, Wildflower restaurant
   
   SCUH – 3 minute walk away
   Public transport friendly: Florey Blvd at Prosperity Dve (2 min walk) or SCUH platforms 1 and 2 (2min walk)
    
2. Portobello by the Sea http://portobellobythesea.com.au
   6 Beerburrum St, Dicky Beach (Caloundra) QLD 4551
   4 star rating
   $213 - $240 per night
   PAYG wifi, free parking, air/con
   
   SCUH – 10 minute drive (6.4kms)
   Public transport friendly (Bus nos. 607)
    
3. Surfside on the Beach holiday apartments http://surfsideonthebeach.net.au
   Lowanna Dve, Buddina QLD 4575
   4 star rating
   Late booking - $230
   
   SCUH – 9 minute drive  (5.6kms)
   Public transport friendly (Bus nos. 607 or 611)
    
4. Caloundra Central Apartment Hotel http://caloundracentral.com.au
   36 Browning Blvd, Battery Hill (Caloundra) QLD 4551
   4 star rating
   $128 per night
   Free wifi, free parking,  air/con
   
   SCUH – 11 minute drive  (5.6kms)
   Public transport OK (12 min walk + bus 607)
    
5. Ocean Views Resort http://www.oceanviewsresort.com.au   
   Cnr. Bulcock & Centaur Street, Caloundra QLD 4551
   4 star rating  (60 units available)
   Prices start at $120 per night
   Free wifi, undercover parking available
   
   SCUH - 15 minute drive (9.2kms)
   Public transport OK (10 minute walk to Caloundra Bus Station + 24 min bus 607)
    
6. Mantra Mooloolaba Beach Resort http://www.mantra.com.au/queensland/sunshine-coast/
   7 Venning Street, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
   4 star rating
   $280 per night (room sleeps 3)
   fees wifi, free undercover parking,  air/con, pool-spa-sauna-gym
   
   SCUH – 16 minute drive  (9.5kms)
   Public transport friendly  (4 min walk + bus 611)
    
7. River Esplanade Motel http://www.riveresplanade.com.au
   98 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
   4 star rating
   $280 per night (room sleeps 3)
   Wifi, free parking, shared kitchen space, air/con
   
   SCUH – 15 minute drive  (9.1kms)
   Public transport friendly  (3 min walk + bus 611)

Public Transport to SCUH:

https://translink.com.au/about-translink/projects-and-initiatives/sunshine-coast-university-hospital

From the north: bus routes 600+611, 607 (about every 30mins)

From the south: bus routes 607 (leaves from Caloundra Station), 600+611

A conference dinner will take place on Wednesday the 28th of November at the Wildflower Restaurant, Best Western Hotel, Lake Kawana (https://lakekawanahotel.com.au/dining).  Further information about this dinner, including the cost, will be emailed to registrants in September.

1. Wild Flower (located at Best Western Plus Hotel)
   9 Florey Blvd, Birtinya QLD 4575
   4min walk from SCUH
   Function catering – up to 30 seated (more may be negotiated)
   Entrées - $15 - $25  |  Mains - $30 - $41  |  Sides - $8
    
2. Brightwater Hotel
   15 Freshwater Street, Mountain Creek QLD 4557
   9 min drive from SCUH or courtesy bus available
   Function catering – up to 110 seated
   Entrée - $10  |  Mains - $28 - $34  |  Sides - $9
    
3. Parklands Tavern
   238 Parklands Blvd, Meridan Plains QLD 4551
   8 min drive from SCUH or courtesy bus available
   Function catering – up to 50 seated
   Entrée - $10  |  Mains - $28 - $34  |  Sides - $9

1. Australia Zoo
   Normal ticket price - $59 per adult (Group discounts are available – if travelling together)
   Or…
   Day trip with Croc Tours from the Sunshine Coast will provide 5 hours at Australia Zoo and a visit to the Glass House Mountains lookout.
   Adult - $145 Inc. Hotel pick up and drop off, return transfer, admission to zoo
    
2. Sunshine Coast Hinterland day trip – Montville/Maleny
   Dulong Lookout: Stunning views of the Sunshine Coast from Caloundra to Noosa.
   Flaxton Barn: Enjoy your morning tea overlooking the gardens (at your expense).
   Montville Village: Browse through galleries, gift, craft ,specialty shops and enjoy fine foods (lunch own expense).
   Maleny Township: Discover the magic of this unique rural Queensland community. Try local cheeses and ice cream.
   Mary Cairncross Park: Panoramic views of the Glasshouse mountains & stroll through wildlife rich rainforest.
   Aussie World Pub: Conclude your Sunshine Coast Hinterland Day Tour with a cold beer and a little Australiana! Adult - $69
    
3. Noosa day trip
   Door to door service with Noosa Hinterland tours
   Price will depend on how many go, and where you decide to visit.

Conference co-chairs

Kirstine Shrubsole

Ms Kirstine Shrubsole is a lecturer in speech pathology at Southern Cross University, Gold Coast Campus. She is a speech pathologist with a specific clinical and research focus on aphasia and the implementation of effective behaviour change techniques in speech pathology practice. Kirstine has recently completed her PhD at The University of Queensland, which focussed on implementing clinical practice guidelines in order to close the evidence-practice gaps in aphasia management. Her doctoral research used methodologies based on implementation science. Her pilot data showed that a tailored, theoretical approach to delivering implementation interventions is feasible, acceptable and potentially effective in improving speech pathologists’ aphasia management practices.

Linda Worrall

Professor Linda Worrall has been a Co-Director of the Communication Disability Centre since 1997. She has applied the WHO ICF to research in a range of disabilities, but has a particular interest in aphasia rehabilitation and has led the NHMRC funded Australia-wide Centre for Clinical Research Excellence (CCRE) in Aphasia Rehabilitation since 2009.

Registration Committee

Annie Hill

Dr Annie Hill is a world leader in aphasia telerehabilitation. She was awarded her PhD, the first in telerehabilitation in speech pathology, in 2008.  Her pioneering research in synchronous telerehabilitation led to a research consultancy position with the Scottish Centre for Telehealth. Since returning to the University of Queensland in 2010, Annie has spearheaded a program of research into the use of asynchronous telerehabilitation in speech pathology. Currently Annie holds a postdoctoral research position with the Centre for Research Excellence in Telehealth.

Emma Finch

Dr Emma Finch is a Speech Pathology Conjoint Research Fellow between The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at The University of Queensland and the Speech Pathology Department at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. Emma's primary research interest is in the identification and rehabilitation of communication disorders in acquired brain injury, specifically aphasia after stroke.

Leela Pendse Shaw

Leela is completing her Masters of Speech Pathology Studies at the University of Queensland (2016-2018). During her undergraduate Psychology degree, she became interested in language development and recovery. She presented her research on developmental word learning at the Canadian speech pathology conference in 2016. Attending conference sessions and observing the diverse contributions of speech pathology confirmed her interest in the field. Leela enjoyed working with clients with acquired language disorders during hospital and community rehabilitation placements. She looks forward to applying research findings from this conference to support future clients with aphasia and their families. 

Program Committee

David Copland

Professor David Copland is a Principal Research Fellow and Speech Pathologist conducting research in the areas of language neuroscience, psycholinguistics, and neuroimaging of normal and disordered language. He is Deputy Chair of the Research and Postgraduate Studies Committee of the UQ School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences and is a group leader at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research where he leads the Language Neuroscience Laboratory.

Marie-Pier McSween

Marie is a Speech Pathologist and PhD candidate at The University of Queensland. Prior to her PhD studies, Marie completed a Bachelor and a Master’s degree in Speech Pathology at the University of Montreal and worked in acute care as a research assistant. She is currently conducting research in the areas of ageing, exercise and language neuroscience. Marie’s research interests lie in understanding the acute effects of exercise on new word learning in a population of healthy older adults and to develop new approaches to optimise interventions with patients presenting with language impairments following an acquired brain injury (e.g. stroke).

Sarah Wallace

Sarah is a lecturer in speech pathology and a certified practising speech pathologist. She has 15 years of experience working as a clinician, public servant, and researcher in public health, federal government, and university sectors. Sarah has expertise in the area of outcome measurement, developed throughout her doctoral research project to develop a core outcome set for aphasia treatment research. Sarah's research has an international focus and she is a founding member of Aphasia United, an international peak body for aphasia organisations. 

Charlotte Hood

Davina Lo

Davina is currently completing a bachelor degree in Speech Pathology. Having been introduced to aphasia during her studies, she has developed an interest in providing care in acute settings and working with patients affected by stroke. Through participation in the committee, Davina hopes to broaden her horizons while further exploring her interests in aphasia and acute care.

Jasmine Ting

Jasmine is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree at The University of Queensland. Her interest in this field began in 2015, when she observed a Speech Pathologist assist her grandfather following a cerebrovascular accident. She later volunteered for an observership at a local hospital in Brunei Darussalam to understand more about the role of Speech Pathologists in managing patients in the acute stroke unit, and the therapies involved in maximising communication and swallowing function. Inspired by this experience, she decided to pursue her own career in Speech Pathology, hoping to eventually specialise in stroke rehabilitation.

Lucie Lanyon

Lucie is a speech pathologist and researcher who has worked predominantly in the sub-acute and community sector in the areas of acquired brain injury and progressive neurological diseases. 

Lucie's research and clinical interests lie in the long-term management of post-stroke aphasia and adult acquired and progressive disability. 

Lucie's doctoral thesis, completed through La Trobe University in Melbourne, examined aphasia group participation with a focus on developing policy and clinical recommendations to improve future implementation. Lucie is co-founder of the online resource Aphasia Community and the Aphasia Community national group registry with her colleagues Dr Michelle Attard and Professor Miranda Rose.

Caroline Baker

Caroline is a speech pathology PhD student supervised by Prof Linda Worrall, Prof Miranda Rose and Dr Brooke Ryan through the University of Queensland.  Her research project is investigating the evidence-practice gap in translating a stepped psychological care framework for depression after post-stroke aphasia.  Caroline currently works at Monash Health in Melbourne, and has 17 years of clinical experience in various speech pathology roles in health networks of Victoria and in the U.K.  Her areas of research and clinical interest are aphasia and mental health, acquired communication disability, clinical education, mentoring and qualitative methods.

Marketing Committee

Brooke Ryan

Brooke is an academic staff member of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Queensland. Her ultimate aim is to reduce the psychological distress associated with aphasia so her research interests span the spectrum of the identification and treatment of anxiety and depression following aphasia. She is a developer of the Aphasia ASK program, a novel brief and early intervention aimed at preventing depression post-stroke. She is now trial manager of the ASK study, one of Australia’s largest aphasia related randomised controlled trials (n=344).

Abby Foster

Abby is a Victorian speech pathologist who has spent her career working with stroke survivors. She completed her doctoral studies in 2016 through The University of Queensland. Her research and clinical interests lie in the acute management of post-stroke aphasia, the lived experience of acquired communication disability, and the intersection between speech pathology and social justice. She is passionate about supporting clinicians to engage with and implement evidence-based practice. Abby currently works as the manager of speech pathology, and research and clinical lead for speech pathology, at Victoria’s largest health network, Monash Health.

Rachelle Pitt

Rachelle has recently completed a PhD exploring the feasibility and outcomes of speech-language therapy for people with aphasia via telerehabilitation. She is passionate about exploring ways to use technology to increase communication opportunities, support communication and improve access to services for people with aphasia. Rachelle also has research interests in other applications of telepractice to speech-language pathology particularly clinical education and the support of new graduate clinicians and also post-stroke management. Rachelle has a strong clinical background in the management of acquired communication and swallowing disorders across the continuum of care with a love for clinical education. 

Felicity Bright

Kaitlyn Kerr

Kaitlyn is a 4th year Speech Pathology student at the University of Queensland. She has a special interest in the area of aphasia, particularly with the psychosocial wellbeing of people with aphasia and their families/ carers. She currently works as a support group facilitator for people in the Wynnum/Manly area with aphasia and their family and carers. She also works as a research assistant at the Griffith Conservatorium of Music. Through this, she is involved in an aphasia choir research program. The research aims to investigate whether a community choir can reduce social isolation and communication difficulties, as well as improving mood, confidence and motivation in people with aphasia. 

Lizzie Porter

Social Committee

Robyn Saxon

Meg Perry

Fran Cochrane

Frances is a Lecturer in Speech Pathology at James Cook University primarily in the areas of acquired speech and language disorders. Frances has also spent several years working for QLD Health as well as private speech pathology services in residential aged care facilities. She is currently undertaking her PhD focused on speech pathology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults with acquired neurogenic communication disorders. Frances received a Speech Pathology Australia New Researcher Grant to assist with her PhD research.

Emily Bradshaw

Grace Reid

Sophia Jensen

ASA/AAA Crossover Committee

Sarah Lock

Sarah has been working as a speech and language therapist with people with aphasia for over 20 years. She currently works at Eden Rehabilitation Hospital in Cooroy, Queensland and in her private practice on the Sunshine Coast. Before moving to Australia in 2005, Sarah completed her PhD at University College London, which explored the psychosocial experiences of partners of people with aphasia and the design and evaluation of support and conversation training programs for partnerships living with aphasia.

Georgia Taifalos

Pooja Gandhi

Pooja Gandhi is a 2nd year Masters of Speech Pathology student at The University of Queensland and holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from McMaster University in Canada. As the Student Representative for Speech Pathology Australia, she has represented UQ at national-level conferences and coordinated initiatives to encourage student engagement. Pooja has also represented her program in a UQ-affiliated video documenting the university’s innovative Dysphagia Simulation Clinic. She has a keen interest in evidence synthesis work, which combines existing knowledge about speech and language disorders with primary research that explores treatment strategies in different populations. Her passion has led her to run an inpatient Aphasia transition group, helping patients to build confidence in communication and conversation.

AV Committee

Caitlin Brandenburg

Student Volunteer Committee

Sarah Wallace

Fran Cochrane

Val Adams

I completed a four-year Bachelor of Speech Pathology degree graduating with Honours in 2008 at The University of Newcastle. My doctoral thesis was accepted in March 2014 which investigated the “Reliability of the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument: Measuring tongue and handgrip strength and endurance in young and elderly adults”. I am currently working as a clinician on a research trial through the University of Queensland entitled Aphasia LIFT (Language and Impairment Functional Therapy) investigating intensive speech therapy versus usual care in people following a stroke. I am eligible to use the title Certified Practising Speech Pathologist (CPSP) and am a full member of Speech Pathology Association of Australia (SPAA).

Keiran Broome