Conference Program Advisory Committee

 

Meet the committee!

Building a dynamic and engaging program for the 2026 Conference starts with the expertise of our Conference Program Advisory Committee (CPAC). This dedicated group brings together highly regarded professionals from across the speech pathology sector, spanning clinical practice, academia, and research. Representing diverse perspectives and multiple states, their collective experience and insights will play a key role in shaping a conference that is impactful, relevant, and enriching for all attendees.

 

Headshot of Professor David Trembath. David wears a button up shirt and is smiling at the camera.

Professor David Trembath

Scientific Chair

David is professor of autism research and Senior Principal Research Fellow at CliniKids, the Kids Research Institute Australia. He has worked as a speech pathologist for nearly 25 years in clinical, clinical education, and clinical-research academic roles across not-for-profit, government, education, and university settings.

David’s human rights-based research is focused on optimising the learning, participation, and wellbeing of children with neurodevelopmental disability through the delivery of safe, effective, and desirable services and supports. In recently times he has co-led the development and update of two National guidelines, one National Framework, and the Speech Pathology Australia Position Statement of working with autistic people.

David is a proud speech pathologist, and will bring to the role as Chair of the Scientific Committee his enduring commitment to supporting best practice in speech pathology, across all areas of practice now and into the future. He is excited to work with a committee that will deliver a diverse, engaging, and thought-provoking program blending scientific rigor with contemporary clinical practice.

Headshot of Dr Salma Charania. She has long dark hair, is wearing a dark blouse and is smiling at the camera.

Dr Salma Charania

Salma Charania is a dedicated speech pathologist and researcher with a PhD from the University of Queensland, where her thesis focused on the impact of dysarthria in people with MND. She also holds a Master of Speech Pathology and a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Psychology. Currently, Salma is a Lecturer at Central Queensland University and has successfully supervised honors and graduate research certificate students, guiding them through impactful projects in the field. Furthermore, Salma serves as an Assistant Guest Editor for the MDPI Health Care Journal and is an active member of the MND Collective Clinical Care Expert Driving Team, contributing to advancements in care for people with MND. Salma's clinical experience includes developing and establishing the MND Queensland Speech Pathology Service and Voice Banking Clinic, as well as working within the aged-care sector.

Headshot of Cathy Pateras. She has shoulder length grey hair and is smiling at the camera.

Cathy Pateras

Cathy Pateras works in clinical operations management supporting a broad health team in diverse areas of practice, and a CPSP.

With nearly 35 years' clinical practice in diverse areas, and now in health management, Cathy has the breadth and depth of experience to ensure all facets of our profession and practice are represented, and to be aware of the challenges facing our profession.

Cathy has extensive experience in clinical practice, different models of service delivery, working collaboratively, and thinking outside of the box for career opportunities. Cathy has a passion for representation of our clients and our profession.

Headshot of Dr Debbie Pu. She has dark, shoulder length hair and is smiling at the camera.

Dr Debbie Pu

Debbie is a speech pathologist who works primarily as a researcher at Monash University on projects aimed to improve public health and care for older adults. Debbie's research and clinical interests are in dysphagia, and she also works as a private practitioner in Victoria.

Headshot of Alison Smith. She has short red hair and is smiling at the camera.

Alison Smith

Alison has had a long career as a speech pathologist, manager and executive leader within the education sector. She has developed and displayed extensive high-level skills in shaping strategic thinking and leading change to achieve results. Early in her career, these skills were demonstrated in delivery and management of speech pathology services. Alison then moved on to undertake a series of leadership and strategic roles across performance, program delivery, financial and human resources. She has exceptional skills and knowledge critical to achieving results including leading implementation processes, strategic planning and engagement of teams and individuals.

In numerous voluntary roles with Speech Pathology Australia, including twice being a Chair of the CPAC, Regional Representative, QLD Registration Board member, Branch Chair, Board member (inc Vice President Finance) and committee member, Alison has shown career-long commitment to speech pathology and Speech Pathology Australia. This year marking 40 years as a member.

Headshot of Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz. He is wearing a blue blazer and is smiling at the camera.

Dr Shaun Ziegenfusz

Shaun Ziegenfusz is a clinician-researcher, lecturer at Griffith University, and Co-CEO of The DLD Project. With a PhD focused on supporting school-aged students with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), Shaun is a leader in DLD advocacy and research translation. He chairs The DLD Project Foundation and serves on the Raising Awareness of DLD International Committee, while also volunteering as Speech Pathology Australia’s Queensland Branch Co-Chair. Shaun brings extensive experience in paediatric clinical practice and contributed to numerous national and international conferences. Passionate about bridging research and practice, he is committed to shaping a dynamic and impactful program for the 2026 National Conference.

Contact us 

For any enquiries or further information regarding the SPA 2026 Conference, please reach out to us at [email protected]. Our dedicated SPA Conference and Events Team will be delighted to assist you.