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Talkback Newsletter www.aphasia.asn.au September 2012

Talkback

Talkback Associationfor Aphasia Inc

302 South Road, Hilton, S.A. 5033 Ph: 08 8443 5555

[email protected]

TAKING TO THE SKIES

INTrOducING JuSTIN GummEr

rETuNE cHOIr mASTEr

september 2012talkback Newsletter

talkback Newsletter

Overall, our main focus this year has been on social activities for members and volunteers and “improving the lives of people with aphasia”

December social event

Our volunteers are extremely important and provide help and support in many ways. In December, we held an event for members to socialise and to thank our volunteers. We were entertained by a string ensemble from Cabra College. Members and volunteers enjoyed the performance and then socialised over afternoon tea.

Art Gallery Visit

A large group of members attended the art gallery visit and lunch in May. Travel for the event and for part of the food was subsidised. Feedback about this event was very positive.

Dinner Group

A new dinner group was trialled as new social opportunity. The group met for four months at Unley.

cHAIrpErSON’S RePoRt

Chair Report September 2012

02

chairperson: Bev Dodd

Cover picture: Mt Lofty

Botanic Gardens

cONTENTSChairperson’s Report 2Talkback News 5Library 6Talkback Article 8Special Groups 10Talkback Groups 11Albie’s Snippets 14

Art Gallery lunch in May

Talkback Association for Aphasia, Inc. Annual General Meeting – 16 September 2012. Summary of Chairperson’s Report: Bev Dodd

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Talkback and Other Groups

Most Talkback Groups have continued to meet regularly. It is pleasing to see that the country groups have had a joint function.

The computer club celebrated its 10th anniversary in September last year. The Mayor of Burnside and past members attended afternoon tea. The students are now running the club with minimal supervision. The group now has students volunteering from Uni of Adelaide without a health background. This is working well.

Retune Choir

We were again given funds by the City of Port Adelaide Enfield to cover running costs for the Retune choir and to develop a model of self sufficiency. The choir is currently being run by Justin Gummer and members report enjoying his approach as the choir master. The choir continues to grow slowly.

Talkback Newsletter

The newsletter continues to be a high quality production. Danny, as Editor, and his family and friends continue to do an excellent job on the newsletter. Thank you Danny.

Resources

Committee purchased more resources.

Raising the Profile of Talkback and aphasia

Brochure - We distributed our new brochure to Speech Pathologists working in hospitals resulting in a number of inquiries and some new members.

Talks -Committee members were again active in giving talks about aphasia to student groups.

Wednesday without Words

We sent out a power point presentation to speech pathology departments and encouraged them to celebrate the day.

After the AGm meeting: we went to dinner at the Veng Tau Inn Restaurant at

Port Road, Woodville. After the dinner, we all watched the film Aphasia.


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Government Liaison

We have continued to have some contact with Ministers around issues that affect some of our members. This has included ensuring that documents are provided in an easy to read format, the NDIS and about access to Disability Services.

Fundraising Australian Central Lottery

Tickets sold in the Australian Central Lottery raised $600.00. Thanks to Margaret for organising this.

Office Issues

Sandy and David have continued to man the office and to respond to inquiries. In addition, Sandy has run the office and facilitated our meetings and events. Thank you both for your help.

To support our office functions we made a number of purchases including a new laptop, printer and accounting package.

Other Volunteer Issues

We were successful in getting a grant to support volunteers travel expenses and to buy an oven.

We nominated Danny to attend a function at Parliament House to celebrate the Interna- tional Day of Disability for his work on the newsletter.

Committee

I would like to thank all the committee members for their work over the last twelve months. Committee members have shown commitment to their portfolios and responsibilities and the addition of CIBO cakes has added to everyone’s enthusiasm at meetings.

All committee members work hard, but this year we are saying goodbye to two members who have worked on the executive and been key in some of the behind the scenes work. Thanks to Kate, who is going off committee after many years – Kate was Treasurer for years and more recently was office liaison and helped with office matters. Thanks also to Margaret who has been our Secretary for the last couple of years. You will both be missed.

Thanks to all the other committee members for your individual contributions to the Committee.

Beverley Dodd Chair


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TAlKbAcK NewS

Introducing the new Retune Choir MasterThe Retune Choir is SA’s choir for people with Aphasia and their carers. The new season has seen the change of leadership.

All of our choristers thank our previous choir master, Alison Mapleson, for all the

wonderful work she has done in establishing the choir and the passion and care that she has brought to our group.

We all wish her the very best in her career as she pursues a deeper understanding and experience with speech pathology and music interstate. Thank you for everything. We are all wishing you the very best for your future as you will be greatly missed!

The ‘Retune Choir’ welcomes the incoming conductor, Justin Gummer, who comes from a specialist musical background in choral direction with qualifications and much experience with a number of significant choirs and vocal coaching.

Already he is challenging our small ensemble with new songs and musical direction in time for our September performance. He has been very impressed with the commitment and enthusiasm of all of the choristers, and sees the huge importance that the choir brings in providing esteem, enrichment and growth for all our members.

He is really enjoying sharing his knowledge and techniques with ‘Retune Choir’ and already sees improvements for the singers of the choir who are

suffering with stroke related aphasia through the gift of music.

Born in Cooma, Australian composer, performer and conductor Justin Gummer was raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. He studied music and composition at Pangbourne College (UK) under Robert Barsby, Anne Richards and Patrick Hawes.

During this time Justin won composition prizes at the Oxford Music Festival as well as the Music Founders Day prize in 1992. He attended Dartington College of the Arts (UK) where he was awarded his Bachelor of Arts (Hons) in Music and Visual Performance in 1995.

More recently, Justin managed the Early Music Shop in Central Victoria and has performed in the Adelaide Fringe and Feast Festivals. With a passion and specialisation in choral music, Justin has sung a large range of varying works in many cathedrals, churches and concert venues around England, Europe and Australia.

He also currently accompanies the Australian Youth Choir and Directs a prominent Adelaide community choir which he thoroughly enjoys.

Bev Dodd



lIbrAry

Hi SPECS,

I have a website for you!

The AAA in collaboration with la Trobe university 4th year students and The William buckland Foundation have produced 5 short dVds about aphasia.

These are:

• About aphasia

• A guide for Friends

• A guide for spouses

• Kids affected by aphasia

• living well with aphasia

People who attend the AAA conference in Melbourne in October this year will receive a free hard copy of the DVDs but they are also freely accessible via youtube

http://www.youtube.com/aphasiaassoc

Happy Spring!

robyn O’Halloran, phd

Lecturer

Post Doctoral Fellow, Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Aphasia Rehabilitation

Human Communication Sciences/Faculty of Health Sciences| La Trobe University

About AphasiaAssoc

The Australian Aphasia Association (AAA) is a support and advocacy association for people with aphasia, their families and the professionals who help them.

Visit the AAA website: www.aphasia.org.au

SEPTEMBER TOPIC: Resource Recommendations

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lIbrAry

About Aphasia - The Australian Aphasia Association

What is aphasia? What causes aphasia? The Australian Aphasia Association (www.aphasia.org.au) has developed this DVD about living with aphasia.

Aphasia - A Guide for Friends - The Australian Aphasia Association

Living with aphasia - With a Little Help From my Friends. A guide for friends of persons living with aphasia.

Aphasia - A Guide for Spouses and Older Children - The Australian

Aphasia Association

Living with aphasia - Where do we go from here? A guide for spouses and older children.

Kids Affected by Aphasia - The Australian Aphasia Association

How are children affected when one of their parents has aphasia?

Living Well with Aphasia - The Australian Aphasia Assocition

Stories about living well with aphasia from Australians with aphasia and their family members.



SKY DIVING - Cathy Cromack

TAlKbAcK ARtIcle

21st May, finally the day had arrived! The preced- ing week has been cold, wet and windy. Not ideal for our first tandem jump from an airplane! We had been watching the weather anxiously.

This morning the weather conditions are per-

fect. No wind, no rain and the sunshine is starting to break though the clouds.

We drove to Langhorne Creek. The drive is very scenic. Everything looks beautiful from the steady rain this week. All the grass and the trees are so green.

There are lots of birds about. A flock of black and red cockatoos are making a lot of noise. I am amazed at the sight of 3 eagles hovering above. They look so serene. Strangely, I feel

relaxed. Just as we are parking the car, a parachute over head opens and we watch as the tandem jumpers float to earth. I feel excited!

A shed in the middle of nowhere is the headquarters of Skydive SA. It looks very basic. The receptionist is a young girl but her skill in managing the logistics of whole

operation inspired confidence. We meet our instructers and we go through the procedures. (3 times for me.) We don harnesses, then the instructors check and recheck our harnesses. Next our googles are inspected and adjusted to a tight fit.

Three of us (Rachel, Scott and I ) board the plane with our instructors. The plane is very small with no seats. We climb aboard and arrange ourselves after discussing who would be Left: Scott & Cathy

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TAlKbAcK ARtIcle

the first to jump. Scott was to jump higher at 14000ft, Rachel wanted to be the first to dive so Rachel and her buddy are last into the plane. The little plane takes off from the dirt runway and we are airborne! Talking is difficult due to noise of the engine but we learn that our instructors have “normal” jobs during the week (postie and florist). They live for the next sky dive. And I can understand why.

We continue to climb. I feel uncomfortable and cramped so I manage to maneuver myself into a better position. The instructor tells me that the can accommodate four more people in this tiny plane.

It seems to take a long time to get to 1200ft but that is good because we are able to take in the view. Lake Alexandrina is full of water. We can see the Murray mouth and all around Goolwa and Milang. The countryside looks like a patchwork quilt.

When Rachel’s buddy opens the door it feels like we could be sucked out of the

plane. Rachel exits the plane. Now it is my turn! My Buddy reminds me to sit on side of the plane and keep my knees bent behind me as I exit the plane. We jump out ohh!

Rushing to earth at great speed then we did 2 summersaults before the chute opened. The sensation of floating ended all too soon. Rachel has landed safely. My instructor prompted me to keep my legs and feet extended while landing, which did. A perfect landing!! Hugs cheers all round. Still no sign of Scott. A few minutes later a speck in the sky became clearer and clearer. We all watched Scott landed. Another round of cheers and hugs. I felt elated! A feeling that lasted for days after the jump!

Within minutes we were watching a DVD of our experience. I feel I am so fortunate to have

experienced sky diving. If it is something you have always wanted to try, I say “Go For It” !! Contact Skydiving SA to join in the fun.


talkback Newsletter

If you know anyone who would like to help out, we are always looking for volunteers The Computer Club meets on Monday 1.30 - 3.00pm at Burnside Community Library,

401 Greenhill Road, Tusmore. 2012.

You must be a Talkback Association Member to attend. If you want to join, ring Talkback on 8443 5555.

Bev Dodd Chair

MARDEN COFFEE CLUBHi Coffee Lovers

If you are in the area, call in and have a decent cup of coffee. We have 6 - 10 people who meet every Tuesday from 11 - 12pm.

Ring me, David on 8336 8550 about the Marden Coffee Club.

David Schwier Talkback Member

HENDON GROUP COFFEE CLUBThe Hendon Group Coffee Club meets every Thursday morning at 10.00am for approximately one hour at Cinos Cafe, West Lakes.

Anybody wanting more information or to go along and have a chat, please ring the Talkback office on 8443 5555.

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COMPUTER CLUB

SpEcIAl gRouPS

david Schwier

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TAlKbAcK gRouPS

cOmmuNIcATION GrOup

The sessions are run by Marianne Newbery, Therapy Assistant. The group will continue through to Wednesday 3rd October - Wednesday 7th December (10 weeks) Three blocks of ten weeks.

The group meets at Paradise & Eastern Community Services, 61 Silkes Road, Paradise South Australia 5075.

ElIZAbETH TAlKbAcK GrOup

Contact Talkback for more information on 8443 5555.

HENdON TAlKbAcK GrOup

My name is Erica Tilley, I am the new speech pathologist at Acacia Court.

Unfortunately Val and Sue are no longer volunteering, we thank them sincerely for all the support they have given to the group and they have been missed!

We have three new volunteers, speech pathologist Deb, final year speech pathology student Kristen and volunteer John. They have been a wonderful addition to the group and a big help in supporting the group.

The current term of talk back finishes on 21st September. There will be a break for 2 weeks over the school holidays. The talk back group will resume Friday 12th October.

Thanks very much. Feel free to contact me if you had any further queries.

The Acacia Court Group meets on Fridays 9.45 - 11.30 am at 81 Tapleys Hill Road, Hendon. For more information abut the Hendon Group call Erica Tilley, Speech Pathologist on 8243 1844.

mT bArKEr TAlKbAcK GrOup

We meet every week on Thursday afternoons, from 1 pm to 2:30 pm, at Adelaide Hills Community Health Service.

The Mt Barker group is looking for more members! For more information, contact Anna Cameron, Speech Pathologist on 8393 1833.

murrAy mAllEE TAlKbAcK GrOup

The Murray Bridge group meets at the Murray Mallee Community Health Service. We meet on Wednesdays 10:00 -11:30am.

Contact: Daniella Raj-Marsden (Speech Pathologist) 8535 6800.



TAlKbAcK gRouPS

HOVE TAlKbAcK GrOup

The group breaks for 2 weeks during school holidays. They will resume Tuesday October 9th, 1.00-2.30pm at 10 Amelia St, Hove.

Please Note: The redevelopments at Alwyndor are almost complete. Consequently, from Tuesday November 6th the Hove Talkback group will relocate back to Alwyndor and meeting time will change back to 10.00 - 11.30am

For further information, contact Coralie Hayley, Speech Pathologist on 8177 3277

mOrpHETT VAlE TAlKbAcK GrOup

The group breaks for 2 weeks during school holidays. They will resume October 11th at

9.45am - 11.00am at 126 Pimpala Rd, Morphett Vale.

Please contact Coralie Hayley at Southern Therapy Service, ECH, on 8322 5700 for further details.

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VIcTOr HArbOr GrOup

Happy 60th Birthday!In July, Ken Smith celebrated his 60th birthday. Congratulations Ken!

We are very proud of Ken, as he is going to do a presentation at the Aphasia conference in melbourne in October.

Another of our members, paul Jenkins, recently gave a talk to high school students about his brain injury.

Feedback from a student: “He talked about his accident, made everyone cry, he was amazing”. Paul also talked about all the activities he enjoys, including his groups.

This term, our group was pleased to have a talented doll maker, Maryanne, come to visit. She gave an interesting talk about her creations - all sorts of dolls and animals.

We are looking forward to meeting up with the Murray Bridge and Mt Barker groups soon!

Contact Wendy clark, clinical Senior Speech pathologist on 8552 0600 for more information.

Ken’s 60th Birthday

Lorraine & Catherine - Victor Harbor Group



My wife, Viv and I, generally use our car to go on a trip and see different places. This time we went to brisbane in an aeroplane. Then, in to a small bus (about 12 seats) to go to caloundra, about 100kms north of Brisbane.

Viv and I stayed with Viv’s sister Aileen, where her house is in the Golden Beach area. About 20 years ago we stayed at the twin “Gemini” apartments and they were very good. But now there are more high apartments along the Golden Beach.

We had two different tours. First tour into the hills to a place called Kilcoy which is a good rural town. Plenty of shops, parks and an abattoir and a number of new nice looking houses on good blocks.

Then the bus used a rural road so we can see farms, houses, cattle, etc, and see part of lakes. The reservoir has two different lakes and can be joined together - there is the Somerset lake and lake Wivenhoe. The water width varies and could be up to 10kms, where length is about 50kms. Then on to the town of Woodford for lunch.

Aileen took us to see many places of the Sunshine coast areas.

On two different days we went to the r.S.l. club for lunch and it is nice. They say every day, dozens of people line up for lunch, and about eight different choices. When you order and pay

Queensland Trip

AlbIE’S SNIPPetS

Albie carter Talkback Member

Lake Wivenhoe Queensland

Sunshine Coast RSL Club

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lunch ($6) you get 4 tickets. However, we only use one ticket to get coffee and cakes, only cost $4. The R.S.L. have three different information to see about war.

There is an extraordinary medals, etc. Also set up swords, bayonets, daggers, then again, many different rifles, etc. At the base of the R.S.L. building there is a very good museum telling information about wars, pictures, letters, uniforms, etc, etc, covering Army, Air Force, Navy, nurses, etc.

The second tour we went to the Gold Coast area, and then embark on a boat cruise to tour the vary islands of the South Stradbroke Island. They say that original Stradbroke Island was OK, and the island was complete, but in 1896 years ago, through very bad weather, ocean currents and strong winds separated islands through a isthmus or passage.

Now that Stradbroke Island is parted and now it is North Stradbroke Island and South Stradbroke Island. Also there a number of small sand islands which covering mangrove trees.

Then on to the SSI for a good BBQ. There are two small pocket of residential land and actively involved in programs and improve and restore the natural of the islands.

We went for a walk (not a road, not a path – only a sand track). A good shop covering food, drinks, some clothes, fishing, etc. There is a very

good open type church, or maybe a wedding, etc.

South Stradbroke Island has a diverse range of coastal vegetation and which support a mixture of regionally large trees and also rainforest.

Then back in the boat, back in bus, and then back to Caloundra. There is plenty of places to see.

Albie

AlbIE’S SNIPPetS



Australian Aphasia Conference - Melbourne

cOmING eveNtS

WHEN: Friday October 12 - 13 2012

WHERE: Darebin Arts & Entertainment Centre 387 Bell St (Cnr St George’s Rd), Preston VIC 3072

For more information go to: http://www.aphasia.org.au/ aaa-conference-2012/

The next Talkback Newsletter will be published in dEcEmbEr 2012

This is yOur newsletter and we want to hear from you !!please send articles to us by 9th of dEcEmbEr 2012 (at the very latest)

Opinions contained in this newsletter are those of the individual writers, and are not sanctioned by the Talkback Association. Please consult your medical practitioner for any health advice required.

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