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About us

2006 Conference

The Speech & Drama Teachers' Association of Queensland Inc. (SDTAQ Inc.) is the successor to "The Art of Speech Association" which was formed in May 1939.

Over the years, the group name changed several times – the Speech Association of Queensland, the Speech Teachers' Association, the Speech and Drama Association of Queensland – but the SDTAQ Inc. (which became incorporated in the early 1990s) continues the original intention of its founding group and aims to foster an interest in Speech, Drama, Voice, Communication and Effective Speaking through the professional development of teachers and students.

The purposes of The Art of Speech Association were 'to promote and encourage the cultivation of spoken English' and 'to unite in closer relationship all those who are actively engaged professionally in teaching the Art of Speech, and all those interested in and working for the advancement of spoken English'.

During the last seven decades, the Association's membership has been volatile although the scope of its activities has broadened. Now it provides a range of professional services to its 340 members, most of whom reside in the south-eastern corner of Queensland and northern New South Wales. However, the SDTAQ Inc. has a significant membership in other Australian states especially New South Wales.

Among services provided by the Association are a two-day conference (held annually in late January or early February), workshops and seminars (for teachers and students), a journal (The Quarterly Voice), a referral service, access to public liability insurance (at a competitive rate), sponsorship of three scholarships (two for student Associate members), and irregular opportunities to work with specialist professionals in areas of drama, theatre, communication and performance.

In addition, the Association sponsors the Barbara Sisley Recital (to recognize the achievement of candidates in AMEB and Trinity-Guildhall examinations) and the Roemermann-Wragge Competition (to foster interest in public speaking/effective communication). These are annual events.

Membership is available in three forms:

Honorary LIFE Membership is accorded to those who have rendered outstanding service to the Association and/or to the field of Speech & Drama. Currently, the Life Members include Miss Marcia McCallum (conferred 1970), Miss Therese D'Arcy OAM (1971), Miss Beverley Langford (1998), Miss Fay Muir (1998), Mrs June Finney (2004), Dr Jillian Clare (2006), Mrs Beres Turner OAM (2006), Mrs Patsy McCarthy (2007) and Mrs Auriol Luck (2007).

Bruce DaweOver the years, many notable teachers (other than those listed as life members) have been connected with the Association and/or Speech & Drama work. These include Miss Barbara Sisley, Miss Rhoda Felgate, Mrs Daphne Roemermann, Mrs Eunice Cornish, Mrs Eve Hanson, Mrs Joan Ross, Mrs Margaret Charles, Miss Blanche Lather and Miss Molly Woodward. As well as being a member of the then Council and serving as President of the Association (1948-49), Miss Felgate was Patron of the Association (1970-1980). Currently, the SDTAQ Inc's Patron is the distinguished Australian poet, Dr Bruce Dawe AO.

The Association is administered by a Management Committee of ten persons – a President, two Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer and a Secretary, and five Committee members. Currently, Committee meetings are held each month with the exception of August and November. The Management Committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting of the Association which is programmed as part of the Annual Conference.

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