Speech Pathology Australia recently acknowledged WA Centre for Rural Health Senior Lecturer Kathryn Fitzgerald for her incredible milestone - 40 years of membership with the Association, dedicating her entire career to supporting communities in the Midwest and Pilbara.
The WA Branch proudly recognised Kathryn and other long-standing members for their distinguished service, dedication, and lasting contributions to the speech pathology profession.
When asked what Kathryn would tell her younger self, this is her response:
“Trust that you’ve chosen a wonderful profession. Be patient - you don’t need to know everything at the start, and you won’t. Embrace opportunities, especially those that feel slightly out of reach, and don’t be afraid to speak up for herself and her clients. The experiences you grab hold of are the ones that can shape your career. Coming from Scotland, I never imagined working in a remote area, but it became one of the greatest privileges of my career.”
We honour and celebrate Kathryn’s achievements and the profound impact she has made over decades.