Page banner with SPA Conference logo.

 

Conference Program Advisory Committee (CPAC)

 

Applications have now closed for the 2026 Conference Program Advisory Committee.

The CPAC plays a key role in developing a diverse, inclusive, and high-quality program that reflects the broad scope of speech pathology practice. Members review program submissions, provide input on invited presenters, and help guide the overall direction of the conference content.

Working closely with the SPA Professional Education and Conference and Events Team, CPAC ensures the program highlights emerging research, innovative practices, and key professional discussions.

Meetings are held virtually, and we encourage applications from across Australia to ensure national representation and diverse perspectives.

 

Why join?

  • Shape the conference program: Influence the topics and presenters that will inspire and educate your peers.
  • Expand your professional network: Connect with like-minded colleagues and thought leaders.
  • Be a voice for your profession: Ensure the program reflects the breadth and depth of speech pathology practice.
  • Receive complimentary registration: CPAC members attend the SPA 2026 Conference for free!

NB. All costs related to travel, including flights, transfers, and accommodation, are the responsibility of each CPAC member.

Time commitment

The CPAC will play a key role in shaping the conference, meeting regularly in the lead-up to ensure a well-planned and successful event. Members are expected to commit approximately 1-2 hours per month for planning, with additional time required to review an estimated 250-300 program submissions (around October – November 2025).

Preliminary committee meeting dates (subject to change):

  • Thursday 19 June 2025
  • Thursday 17 July 2025
  • Thursday 14 August 2025
  • Thursday 11 September 2025
  • Thursday 9 October 2025
  • Thursday 6 November 2025
  • Thursday 4 December 2025
  • Thursday 5 February 2026
  • Thursday 19 March 2026
  • Thursday 30 April 2026
  • Thursday 11 June 2026

These dates are subject to change based on conference planning needs.

Selection criteria 

Essential 

  • Must hold current membership with Speech Pathology Australia throughout the duration of the conference planning cycle. 
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team. 
  • High standard of oral and written communication skills, time management, and organisational skills to ensure effective teamwork. 
  • Ability to attend monthly meetings via MS Teams. 

Desirable 

  • Previous experience in and knowledge of planning and delivering conferences or other professional development events. 
  • Experience in submitting and/or reviewing program submissions and/or abstracts. 
  • Insight or awareness related to current and future topics or issues important for speech pathology practice, education, and research. 

Key dates  

  • CPAC meetings commence: 19 June 2025
  • Program reviewing period: 16 October – 6 November 2025
  • Program allocation: 10 – 30 November 2025

Meet the 2026 CPAC

Meet the 2026 CPAC

 

Past conference committees

2025 CPAC

Dr Jacqueline McKechnie, Scientific Chair

Jacqueline McKechnie is an academic, clinician and researcher with specific interests in paediatric speech and language, early literacy, and inter-professional practice. She publishes and peer-reviews regularly for industry journals. Jacqueline truly believes that it takes a village to raise a child. With that in mind, her recent research has focused on primary prevention and universal provision of supports for children's oral language and emergent literacy skills through building the capacity of the community around the child, particularly early childhood educators and families/caregivers.

Jacqui's LinkedIn

Asta Fung

Asta has over 20 years of experience in Speech Pathology across a wide range of settings in both adult and pediatric services. She has gained significant adult clinical experience in principal referral teaching hospitals in Sydney and Melbourne as a senior clinician. Asta was a senior Speech Pathologist at a major hospital in regional NSW with responsibilities in district consultation between 2019 to early 2025. Recognised for her mentoring abilities, contribution to the education and improvement of clinical standards, Asta was named the 2024 Western NSW Local Health District Allied Health Educator of the Year. Currently, Asta is a full-time lecturer at Charles Sturt University and is pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Newcastle. Her research interest lies in breathing training for people with chronic pain and gastrointestinal conditions.

Kat Fusco

Kat is a Teaching and Research Academic at Flinders University and certified practising speech pathologist (CPSP) in the community setting. Kat's previous clinical experience includes inpatient and outpatient adult neurorehabilitation settings.

Kat holds a strong passion for evidence-based, person-centred and holistic practice which she brings to her clinical and teaching roles.

Having more recently stepped into a balanced teaching and research role, Kat is now pursuing a PhD and her research interests include communicative participation for adults with acquired communication changes, including impacts on parenting and mood.

Kat's LinkedIn

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.

Cathy's LinkedIn

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.

Debbie's LinkedIn

Debbie's website

2024 CPAC

Dr Lisa Furlong, Scientific Chair

Dr Lisa Furlong is a Senior Lecturer and Research Fellow in speech pathology at Massey University. Lisa's research interests focus on speech-language pathologists' delivery of face-to-face and telepractice literacy interventions, policy and practice related to evidence-based literacy instruction in schools and, educators' and allied health professionals' engagement with the Science of Reading. Lisa's research also focuses on the use of mobile health apps and telepractice to facilitate service access for children with communication difficulties. Lisa is a Certified Practising Speech Pathologist with more than eleven years of clinical experience working with preschool and school-aged children, primarily with literacy learning difficulties. Lisa was the Co-Guest Editor for the SPA 2022 National Conference in Melbourne and is a reviewer for several national and international journals.

LinkedIn 

Georgia Cunningham

Georgia has a passion for advocacy and supporting people with complex communication needs. In addition to completing her undergraduate degree, she has also completed a Master of Autism Studies degree and has spent over 12 years working in the disability sector. She has worked in a range of roles in not-for-profit and private practice and has also worked in clinical education. She has extensive knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme and has been involved in the development of early intervention services in a research into practice clinic in Western Australia. She has specialist skills in Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and parent-mediated intervention for children with social communication differences. She currently leads a team of passionate speech pathologists in Western Australia to support NDIS participants from across the lifespan to meet their goals.

Website

Star Kost

Star Kost is a Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist. Star completed her Bachelor of Science (Speech Pathology) at Curtin University, and in 2020, her Graduate Certificate in Assessment and Diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, at The University of Western Australia. Star has had a broad career in the Allied Health sector from metro disability in Perth, to regional and remote hosptial and community Speech Pathology supports across Western Australia spanning from Port Hedland down to Augusta. Star previouly worked closely in the Speech Pathology Australia Early Career Reference Group and assisted in curating podcasts relating to rural and remote Speech Pathology practice.

LinkedIn 

Lisa Moshovis

Lisa is the clinical lead in Mealtimes at Ability WA and a senior speech pathologist with 20 years clinical experience. She works closely with individuals with a disability, across the lifespan, who have swallowing, feeding or mealtime issues. Lisa is a strong advocate for practicing person centred thinking, planning and doing. She weaves research into her clinical role as she strives for excellence to best support individuals achieve their goals and improve quality of life. Lisa has contributed to six journal articles related to identifying respiratory risk factors, reducing respiratory related hospitalisations and the prevention and management of respiratory disease in young people with cerebral palsy. Lisa has a passion for further learning and is always innovative in her clinical role by incorporating contemporary evidence based practice. She is a highly sort after leader within the disability sector. 

Sharon Smart

 Sharon Smart is a Lecturer in the Curtin School of Allied Health. She has an extensive clinical background to underscore her role as an educator and researcher. In her academic role, Sharon has been involved in coordinating and instructing undergraduate and postgraduate courses related to paediatric feeding, swallowing, speech and language disorders. Her expertise extends into the realm of clinical research, with a particular focus on infant feeding, swallowing disorders in children, tongue-tie, and paediatric speech and language development. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sharon is a practicing speech pathologist, with children with feeding and swallowing difficulties. Her aim is to bridge the gap between clinical practice and research to transform clinical challenges into research initiatives. She is committed to teaching evidence-based assessment and intervention strategies to the next generation of aspiring speech pathologists, ensuring the continuity of excellence within her field.

Website  

LinkedIn

Brianna Tuckerman

Brianna is a graduate of Macquarie University and The University of New England where she completed master degrees in speech language pathology and mental health practice. She is currently working in a Private Practice Clinic in Sydney's Northern Beaches and is a passionate advocate for supporting early career speech pathologists and mental health. Brianna has worked on several SPA committees including the Early Career Reference Group (ECRG) and as a student SPA representative. During her term on the ECRG she published resources that appeared in SPA's eNews and the Speak Out article Supporting early career speech pathologists in private practice. Brianna has also featured on the Speak Up Podcast RUOK: Starting a conversation about burnout and mental health. Her special interest includes Orofacial Myology, voice, fluency, speech sound disorders, and neuro-affirming social skills.

LinkedIn 

2023 CPC

Harmony Turnbull, Conference Convener

Associate Professor Jade Cartwright, Co-Scientific Chair

Associate Professor Alison Holm, Co-Scientific Chair

Stephanie Mills

Abbie Rossetto

Charlotte Young

 

 

2023 Conference Convener, Harmony Turnbull, presenting at a lectern.

 

Rows of attendees watching a presenter

 

Rows of attendees watching a presentation, the 2024 CPAC sitting in the first row.

 

Attendees applauding during a presentation

 

2023 Scientific Chair, Dr Lisa Furlong, presenting at a lectern.

 

Rows of attendees watching a presenter

Contact us 

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