The Australian Speak Easy Association Inc NSW Act Branch is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals who stutter across Australia, with a specific focus on New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Established as a branch under the Australian Speak Easy Association, the NSW ACT Branch operates as part of Australia’s peak body for people who stutter, providing ongoing support, education, and community engagement opportunities[1][2][3].

Mission and Activities

The primary mission of the Australian Speak Easy Association NSW ACT Branch is to offer support to all people who stutter, regardless of their past or current therapy affiliations, including those who have not participated in any formal stuttering treatment programs[1][2]. The organization fosters a supportive environment through regular workshops, speech maintenance days, and educational events designed to reduce the isolation and anxiety often associated with stuttering.

Programs and Services

The branch holds monthly Speech Maintenance Days, which focus on speech practice and confidence-building exercises for members. These events often feature talks by experts on various stuttering treatments and therapeutic approaches. Additionally, the branch organizes special weekend stuttering treatment programs to provide more intensive support and skill-building opportunities[3][4].

Community Groups and Meetings

To facilitate local support, the NSW ACT Branch runs multiple community groups and meetings in the region:

• Eastern Suburbs, Sydney: Fortnightly Tuesday meetings.
• Northern Beaches: Meetings on the first and third Wednesdays each month.
• Canberra/ACT: Quarterly meetings held in Kaleen, Canberra.

These groups provide a supportive space for people who stutter to share experiences and practice speech in a welcoming environment[2].

Conferences and Educational Events

The Australian Speak Easy Association NSW ACT Branch actively participates in and hosts conferences that attract national and international experts in the field of stuttering. For example, the ASEA Annual Conference, held in Sydney, features keynote speakers from leading universities and research centers, workshops, and social events such as gala dinners and cocktail parties. These conferences facilitate knowledge sharing and community building among people who stutter and professionals[5].

Governance and Status

The organization is registered under the Australian Business Number (ABN) 26219815792RR0001 and operates as a recognized nonprofit entity. It is incorporated under the NSW Act and listed on the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) register. The branch ensures transparency and accountability through regular reporting and compliance with national standards for nonprofit organizations[3][4].

The Australian Speak Easy Association Inc NSW Act Branch plays a vital role in providing support, advocacy, and education for people who stutter in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, contributing significantly to enhancing quality of life and social inclusion for this community.

[1] https://speakeasy.org.au [2] https://speakeasy.org.au/new-south-wales-group/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/455ba3c2-a8c7-ed11-b597-00224893b0ed/profile [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/5c43ac16-2caf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/d1b86a90-4fc8-e811-a964-000d3ad24077 [5] https://stamma.org/get-involved/events/australian-speak-easy-association-asea-annual-conference