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SPA Conference Support Fund 

 

Building on the success of the past two years, Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) is excited to present the Conference Support Fund for the SPA 2026 Conference.

This initiative provides financial assistance to ensure members who have historically been unable to attend, can benefit from the professional development and networking opportunities the conference offers.

SPA, through the Conference Support Fund, is committed to reducing barriers for every member to represent their unique, diverse perspective at the conference. The conference thrives on the diverse perspectives and experiences that attendees bring. SPA is committed to making this experience accessible to all eligible members. 

Why apply?

The SPA Conference is an invaluable platform to: 

  • Enhance your professional development. 
  • Connect and collaborate with peers in the speech pathology community. 
  • Share and exchange ideas that elevate the profession. 
  • Contribute to the growth of speech pathology. 

What the Support Fund covers

Successful applicants will receive funding to cover:

  • Return air travel to and from the conference location.
  • Accommodation for three nights during the conference.
  • Full registration for the conference.

Attendees mingling in the exhibition hall, with one smiling.

 

Attendees applauding during a presentation

 

Group of attendees chatting, with one laughing.

Who can apply? 

The Conference Support Fund is open to all SPA members. The Fund places particular emphasis on supporting members who have faced accessibility barriers in attending past conferences and members from a range of backgrounds and experiences, ensuring representation across the breadth of our profession. 

How to apply 

  1. Review: Carefully read the terms and conditions before proceeding with your application.
  2. Submit your application, clearly outlining:
    • The needs of your community and the potential impact of your participation and learnings for speech pathology development in your unique community.

      Apply today

Key dates:

Applications open:  8 January 2026 

Applications close: 15 April 2026 

Applicants notified: May 2026

Application evaluation

Applications will be evaluated based on two key questions: 

  1. What does this opportunity mean for you? How would attending the SPA Conference impact your professional growth, development, and contributions to the speech pathology field. 
  2. What does this opportunity mean for the people around you or those you support? How would your participation benefit service-users, your workplace, community, or the profession through the knowledge and insights you gain? 

Additional consideration will be given to applicants who identify with one or more of the following groups:

  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander members. 
  • Members living in rural or remote areas. 
  • Early career professionals, including recent graduates and those in their first three years of practice. 
  • Members with accessibility needs, such as those requiring support for mobility, sensory, or other accommodations. 

Post-Conference responsibilities

So that the impact of the support fund is shared and celebrated, while inspiring others in the speech pathology community, recipients are required to: 

  1. Submit a Report or Alternative Reflection:
    • Provide a 500-word report within three months of the conference, detailing your experience and how you have applied or plan to apply the insights gained.
    • Alternatively, you may submit your reflection in another format, such as a video or presentation, to better suit your preferences. 
  2. Participate in promotional activities:
    • Be available for media features or public announcements related to the support fund. 
    • SPA will collaborate with recipients to coordinate and manage any promotional activities. 

Additional information

For further assistance, please contact the SPA Conference and Events Team at [email protected]. 

Travel and expenses 

  • SPA will arrange travel, accommodation, and conference registration in accordance with the Association's policies. 
  • Recipients are responsible for any personal expenses not covered by the Support Fund. 

Terms and conditions 

  • Applicants must review and agree to the terms and conditions outlined in the application portal. 

Accessibility information 

  • Detailed information on accessibility is available in the FAQs under the section "Venue and Location".

Definitions of regional and remote 

SPA uses the following classifications: 

  • Metropolitan (in or within 20km of a city with >50,000 population) 
  • Regional (in or within 15km of a town with population between 15,000 to 50,000 population) 
  • Rural (in or within 15km of a town with population between 5,000 to 15,000 population) 
  • Remote (all other areas) 

The ASGS Remoteness Classification tool will be used to verify remoteness. 

 

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Contact us

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