Wrapping up a successful
SPA 2025 Conference

The SPA 2025 Conference wrapped up in beautiful Tarntanya | Adelaide after three inspiring days of professional learning, connection, and celebration.

Our program featured a rich line-up of plenary presentations that sparked meaningful conversations across the profession:

  • Dr Vishnu Nair – explored the intersections of language, race, and standardisation in speech and language therapy.
  • Maggie Beer AO – inspired change in aged care dining through dignity, flavour and care.
  • Dr Fiona Kerr – uncovered how human connectivity and AI are reshaping the way we live and work.
  • Steven Warrior – shared deep cultural knowledge as a Kaurna, Narungga and Kokatha man, artist, and Air Force Aboriginal Liaison Officer.
  • Associate Professor Jade Cartwright – delivered the Elizabeth Usher Memorial Lecture with profound insight into dementia care and the moments that shape practice. 
This is a photo of Associate Professor Jade Cartwright and Maggie Beer AO sitting on chairs on stage in conversation. There is a large projector at the back with the subtitles that say 'And, as my older brother did, were bankrupt from being manufacturers of kitchen equipment and so things we...'From left: Associate Professor Jade Cartwright and Maggie Beer AO presenting on 'The Culture of Care: Maggie Beer on food, choice, and wellbeing.'
This is a photo of Dr Fiona Kerr standing on stage behind a podium, presenting to the hall of people. Her presentation is being displayed on a large screen at the back. Dr Fiona Kerr giving her presentation on 'The Human-AI Symphony - Amplifying speech pathology care through personal connection and technological innovation'.
This is a photo of a stall. It shows a large backdrop with various images including a woman giving a speech. There is text that says 'Effective communication and swallowing for life' with the SPA logo above it. In the stall, you can see tables and chairs and SPA staff talking to conference goers. In the foreground there are conference goers taking food from the catering table. The Speech Pathology Australia stall.

From thought-provoking plenaries to practical workshops and engaging discussions, the SPA 2025 Conference showcased the power of speech pathology to lead, connect, and transform lives.

A heartfelt thank you to all our presenters, sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees for making this conference such a success.

Congratulations to our newest Life Membership award winner

SPA proudly awards Life Membership in 2025 to Helen Smith, recognising her exceptional 38-year commitment to the profession.

Helen Smith has been a member of Speech Pathology Australia since 1987, and during the 38 years of her membership has devoted herself to a wide range of roles and activities that provided direct benefit to the Association and the broader speech pathology profession.

Life Membership should recognise those who have not only contributed to the profession but shaped it and Helen has done that. She embodies the values Speech Pathology Australia promotes as integral to safe, quality service, as she is ethical, compassionate, and exemplifies client-centred leadership.

In case you missed the closing message from our President.

You can watch the video shared on social media

Still feeling the buzz? Save the Date – SPA 2026 Conference

We're excited to announce that the 2026 SPA National Conference will take place from 25–27 June 2026 in Yugambeh | Gold Coast.

Watch our teaser and find out more information

 

SPA 2026 Conference

We look forward to seeing you all next year!