Sometimes the best things in life are the things you least expect! For our wonderful Speech Pathologist, Kelsey, that’s exactly what happened when she started looking for her first ever job after graduating from university.
Keep on reading to discover why Kelsey made the move to Mackay, some of her favourite places to explore and enjoy, and where she’s planning to take her Speech Pathology career.
Regional Relocation Diaries – Kelsey, Speech Pathologist
Meet Kelsey
Kelsey saw a speech pathologist herself as a child, and thought her speechie was ‘the best person ever!’. That positive experience influenced her choice to become a speech pathologist, and to give other people the help that she had benefited from herself.
Kelsey is fascinated by the way young children develop language skills. She loves seeing parents’ responses when their child says or does something for the first time. The sense of joy and progress is just wonderful. Kelsey brings a great sense of fun and enthusiasm to her sessions with clients. She loves helping people improve their ability to communicate with others and seeing their confidence increase.
For a while there, Kelsey wanted to become a singer (though she can’t actually sing!). When she’s not working, Kelsey enjoys going to the gym, watching TV or reading true crime books. She’s also learning German and would love to visit Germany one day. Skydiving is also on the bucket list.
The Move: From Brisbane to Townsville
Packing up your life and moving to a new city, away from family, friends, and everything you’ve come to know is a daunting experience for anyone.
During her time as a student at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane, Kelsey had never really considered moving for a job. But during her final year, Kelsey was carefully looking for a Speech Pathology practice that ticked all of the boxes, and it just so happened that the one that did was based in Mackay!
Sure, moving to another city after graduating was a little daunting at first, but what made the experience 100x easier was getting to become roommates with two other new graduates from Townsville who had also decided to make the move to Mackay. It may sound like a lot, but for this trio of Speech Pathologists living and working together at the same Speech Pathology practice just made sense.
Kelsey’s Favourite Things About Living and Working in Mackay
Now that Kelsey has spent over a year settling into her new home in Mackay, she’s found a few different things that have made the experience unforgettable. Here are some of Kelsey’s top picks and places to visit if you ever make your way to sunny Mackay.
Finch Hatton Gorge
Finch Hatton Gorge is a must-see destination when visiting Mackay, according to Kelsey. It’s an hour’s drive from Mackay, but this walking trail peppered with lush rainforest and stunning waterfalls is certainly worth the trip.
Local Farmer’s Markets
If you love local, fresh produce then you will love the many Farmer’s Markets around Mackay. There you will find plenty of juicy fruits, fresh vegetables, and delicious local creations.
Cape Hillsborough
Cape Hillsborough is another incredible natural wonder that you have to visit when you go to Mackay! There’s a beautiful hike you can go and enjoy, as well as plenty of picturesque views to take a few snaps of. If you get up early enough, you’ll even get to see the friendly wallabies and kangaroos being fed on the beach.
Strawberry Picking
Another great thing you can get up to in Mackay (if you’re here between June-September) is Strawberry picking at a local farm. It’s a great day out and a wonderful activity to do with friends and family!
Kelsey’s Career Goals
While Kelsey’s Speech Pathology career sure has started with a bang, we know there’s a whole lot more ahead for this wonderful clinician. With her passion for working with paediatric clients in the Early Intervention stage, it makes sense that Kelsey wants to continue to develop her skills in this area by taking up further education in the areas of feeding – specifically with the SOS Feeding Approach.
Kelsey also has an interest in supporting mothers and babies and hopes to gain her qualification as a lactation consultant to complement her knowledge as a Speech Pathologist in the areas of feeding and phonological development. When Kelsey added this goal to her Desire Statement, Kate Thomson (our founding Director) couldn’t be more thrilled to support her to achieve this.
Are you keen to set out on your own regional adventure? Learn more about SpeechEase’s Regional Relocation program here – an exciting opportunity for new grads and experienced Speech Pathologists based in Australia.
