Speech pathology creates possibilities across generations

Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) has been celebrating Speech Pathology Week by recognising the life-changing work of its speech pathology team and the difference effective communication can make at every stage of life. Held from 23 to 29 August, Speech Pathology Week raises awareness of communication and swallowing difficulties and the important role speech pathologists play in supporting people of all ages. This year’s theme, 'Communication creates possibility', highlights how communication helps people participate, build relationships, learn and maintain their independence. NHW employs 14 speech pathologists who collectively deliver over 100 therapy sessions each week across a range of hospital and community-based services. Their work supports children developing their speech and language skills, adults recovering from illness or injury, and people experiencing difficulties with communication, eating, drinking or swallowing. For one local family, speech pathology has become a shared experience across two generations. After suffering a stroke in November 2025 and losing his ability to speak, local grandfather Brett Richards began working with NHW's speech pathology team as part of his recovery. Through regular therapy and ongoing practice, he has been able to rebuild his communication skills and regain his speech. At the same time, community speech pathologist Stacey Harris was supporting his grandchildren, Lenny, 4, and Stella, 6, who had participated in speech pathology programs over recent years to improve their enunciation and speech clarity. The family was able to take the strategies learned in the clinic home, encouraging and practising with one another as they each continued to develop their communication skills. Ms Harris said the family’s experience showed how speech pathology could create positive change across a person’s lifetime. “Communication plays such an important role in our relationships, confidence and independence,” she said. “It has been incredibly rewarding to support this family and see them use the skills learned through therapy to encourage one another at home. “Whether we are helping a child produce clearer sounds or supporting an adult to communicate again following a stroke, every step forward can make a meaningful difference.” NHW chief executive officer Libby Fifis said Speech Pathology Week was an opportunity to recognise the expertise and dedication of the organisation’s speech pathology team. “Our speech pathologists support hundreds of people each week, helping members of our community communicate, connect with others and participate more fully in everyday life,” Ms Fifis said. “This family’s story is a wonderful example of the impact speech pathology can have across generations and the important role families play in supporting progress beyond the clinic. “We are proud to recognise our speech pathologists and thank them for the skill, patience and care they bring to their work each day.” Speech pathologists are university-trained allied health professionals who assess and support people with communication and swallowing difficulties. Their work may involve speech, language, literacy, voice, fluency, social communication, eating, drinking and swallowing.

Speech pathology creates possibilities across generations

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