Reflecting on the power of communication for Speech Pathology Week
By Speech Pathology Engagement team (Georgie Johnson, Alecka Garrett and Amy Bonsor).
The Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology came together to celebrate Speech Pathology Week 2026, creating opportunities to connect as a community while reflecting on the important role communication plays in all our lives.
This year’s Speech Pathology Australia themes encouraged us to consider the many ways people communicate and the importance of ensuring everyone has the opportunity to connect, participate and be heard. Across the week, staff and students reflected on what communication means to us, not only as speech pathology professionals, educators and students, but as members of the communities we serve. These conversations provided an important reminder that the way we understand and value communication shapes how we listen, engage and interact with people across our clinical, research and community work.
Image description: Group of Speech Pathology students.
The week was also about strengthening connections within our own community. A highlight was our staff versus student trivia night, which brought plenty of friendly competition and a valiant effort from staff, with the students ultimately claiming the win! Beyond the rivalry, the evening was a wonderful representation of teamwork, connection and the value of coming together outside our usual teaching and learning environments.
Throughout the week, we also celebrated the breadth of speech pathology across the Department, showcasing our research and community activities spanning paediatric and adult populations and the many different forms and modes of communication on our poster wall.
Image description: A poster on the wall saying "This year, I saw the power of communication when.." with yellow post it notes around it.
Speech Pathology Week provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate our profession, reflect on why communication matters, and strengthen the sense of community that sits at the heart of what we do.