Join us online for InspirED 2026!
Whether you’re ready to kick-start your career in audiology or looking to change direction and build new skills, InspirED 2026 brings together experienced audiologists from across the hearing health sector to help you take the next step with confidence.
Through a live careers panel and targeted presentations, InspirED is designed to provide students, interns and early-career audiologists with practical insights into career pathways, diverse roles within the profession, and real-world advice from those who have built rewarding careers in audiology.
Deep Learning
Hear from our presenters and a panel of diverse audiologists on the joys and benefits of working in audiology.
Take Control
Take control of your career and learn about your opportunities in audiology. Our presenters are ready to answer all of your burning questions!
Network with Peers
Attend the online networking break!
This is your opportunity to make connections which will assist you through your Audiology journey.
InspirED 2026 will be held live online on Thursday 12 March 2026.
Registration is FREE and open to:
Students
Interns
Audiology Australia Members
Please note: You must be a member of Audiology Australia to attend InspirED 2026. Membership is free for Audiology students. If you are not a member of Audiology Australia, please click here for more information and to join online.
This is an information-only event and does not attract CPD points.
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PROGRAM
OVERVIEW
Time (AEDT) | Details | Speaker/s |
|---|---|---|
4.30-4.35pm | Opening | Leanne Emerson (CEO, Audiology Australia) |
4.35-5.35pm | Careers in Audiology Panel
This panel of audiologists with diverse professional backgrounds will share their unique career stories. Catherine Hart (Adult Specialist Clinical Leader, Hearing Australia) will facilitate the session with audiologists Ruby Bethune (Ear and Hearing Health Coordinator, AMSANT), Christopher Brew (Head of Sales ANZ, GN Hearing), Kathryn Launchbury (Senior Professional Services Manager, Specsavers), Signe Steers (Independent clinician, The Audiology Place) and Tamara Veselinovic (Paediatric Audiologist & Clinical Research Fellow, Perth Children’s Hospital & The Kids Research Institute Australia) sharing why they love working in a profession that helps improve the lives of hearing-impaired people and the path that led them to where they are today. | Facilitator: Catherine Hart (Hearing Australia) Panelists: Ruby Bethune (Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance), Christopher Brew (GN Hearing), Kathryn Launchbury (Specsavers), Dr Signe Steers (The Audiology Place) & Dr Tamara Veselinovic (Perth Children's Hospital) |
5.35-6.05pm | Clinical Excellence Starts with Great People
Step inside the world of Specsavers Audiology and discover how your future career can unfold. This session brings to life our journey and growth across Australia and New Zealand, then walks you through real pathways from early student exposure to becoming a business‑owning partner. You’ll get a behind‑the‑scenes look at what it’s really like to work in our clinics, the support you’ll receive, and how our collaborative model sets our clinicians up for success. We’ll unpack clinical quality expectations, demystify our product portfolio, explore development opportunities, and hear authentic career insights from one of our own clinicians. | Katrina Hudson, Brian Mirador & Paysh Wijesinghe (Specsavers) |
6.05-6.35pm | Building Clinical Confidence, Expertise, and Career Momentum at Any Stage
Clinical confidence is not a fixed milestone achieved at graduation or guaranteed by years in practice. It evolves across career stages as audiologists encounter increasing patient complexity, advancing technology, and expanding professional expectations. This presentation explores how clinicians at every stage build confidence, deepen expertise, and sustain career momentum through intentional professional growth. We examine common challenges in contemporary practice, including complex case management, rapid technological change, and the demands of lifelong learning. Participants will consider how evidence-based practice, professional networking, leadership development, and advanced education contribute to stronger clinical reasoning and improved patient outcomes. The session also introduces the fully online Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology (AuD) program designed for practicing clinicians seeking structured pathways for growth. Attendees will leave with practical insights for planning their next professional step, recognizing that expertise evolves, momentum is built, and growth is a deliberate choice. | Melanie Gibson, MA & Tabitha Parent-Buck, AuD (A.T. Still University) |
6.35-6.50pm | Networking Break
A strong network can help launch your career. Join the breakout rooms with Audiology Australia, Specsavers and A.T. Still University to network with other attendees and start those relationships that will help you reach your career goals. | |
6.50-6.55pm | Refreshment Break | |
6.55-7.25pm | Give Rural Work a Red Hot Go!
A third of Australia’s population lives outside metropolitan centres, but access to health services drops off markedly as soon as you leave the city. This presentation will look at some of the enablers and barriers for working in rural Australia. It will also look at some of the rewards from rural work. At the end of the presentation participants should understand why it’s worth giving rural a red hot go! | Hayley Baldwin (EarTrain) |
7.25-7.55pm | From Graduate to In-Demand Audiologist: How to Secure the Right Role in Today’s Market
Transitioning from university into professional practice is one of the most important stages in an Audiologist’s career. In today’s evolving hearing health market, clinical capability alone is no longer enough to secure - and succeed in - the right role. This presentation, delivered by specialist healthcare recruiters, provides practical, real-world insight into what employers are genuinely looking for in graduate and early-career Audiologists. Attendees will gain expert guidance on crafting a competitive resume, performing confidently in interviews, understanding employment contracts (including KPIs and restraint clauses), and preparing for a successful transition into the workplace. Drawing on current market trends and recruitment data within the hearing health sector, this session equips students and emerging clinicians with the knowledge and strategies needed to make informed career decisions and stand out in a competitive employment landscape. | Amy Frain & Pierre Ymalay (ACM Healthcare) |
7.55-8pm | Closing | Audiology Australia |
SPEAKERS
Meet Hayley
Hayley has been an audiologist for 31 years. A product of rural Queensland, Hayley has lived in and provided services to large rural centres, used DIDO (drive in, drive out) and FIFO (fly in, fly out) service delivery models to provide clinical visits to smaller, more distant communities, and explored teleaudiology options during and after the COVID lockdowns. Her most recent clinical roles have focused on improving Hearing Health in remote Indigenous populations. Currently she is a trainer with the EarTrain program, teaching primary health clinicians to identify hearing health problems in children under the age of six years.
EarTrain
Meet Hayley
Hayley has been an audiologist for 31 years. A product of rural Queensland, Hayley has lived in and provided services to large rural centres, used DIDO (drive in, drive out) and FIFO (fly in, fly out) service delivery models to provide clinical visits to smaller, more distant communities, and explored teleaudiology options during and after the COVID lockdowns. Her most recent clinical roles have focused on improving Hearing Health in remote Indigenous populations. Currently she is a trainer with the EarTrain program, teaching primary health clinicians to identify hearing health problems in children under the age of six years.
Meet Ruby
Ruby is based in Alice Springs and works as an Ear and Hearing Health Coordinator for the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory. This role focuses on building the capacity of primary health care to deliver quality ear and hearing care. Her role includes training and mentoring staff in rural and remote clinics, developing resources, strengthening referral pathways, and advocating for sustainable funding and policy. She also
works clinically one day a week in an Aboriginal Medical Service on a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment team, ensuring hearing is consistently considered in assessment, diagnosis and care planning.
Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance
Meet Ruby
Ruby is based in Alice Springs and works as an Ear and Hearing Health Coordinator for the Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory. This role focuses on building the capacity of primary health care to deliver quality ear and hearing care. Her role includes training and mentoring staff in rural and remote clinics, developing resources, strengthening referral pathways, and advocating for sustainable funding and policy. She also
works clinically one day a week in an Aboriginal Medical Service on a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment team, ensuring hearing is consistently considered in assessment, diagnosis and care planning.
Meet Chris
Chris commenced his clinical career at Hearing Australia before moving into research at the National Acoustic Laboratories, where he worked on researching speech in noise algorithms and perception, and Cochlear dead regions. After a few years he went out to start his own clinical practice, building it up before selling it to a large chain joining them as their first Head of Audiology. Establishing clinical protocols, government compliance, sales and counselling training occupied his time in that role. He then transitioned into Clinical Operations manager of a team of 70 clinicians across Australia before moving on to a Business Development Role. Spending significant time away from family forced another change in direction with Chris going back to clinical work close to home. Within the first year, he doubled the profitability of the clinic. After 9 years at that location, an opportunity to work at GN Hearing was too good to refuse. As Head of Sales ANZ, Chris is proud to lead GN Hearing’s amazing sales and support teams.
GN Hearing
Meet Chris
Chris commenced his clinical career at Hearing Australia before moving into research at the National Acoustic Laboratories, where he worked on researching speech in noise algorithms and perception, and Cochlear dead regions. After a few years he went out to start his own clinical practice, building it up before selling it to a large chain joining them as their first Head of Audiology. Establishing clinical protocols, government compliance, sales and counselling training occupied his time in that role. He then transitioned into Clinical Operations manager of a team of 70 clinicians across Australia before moving on to a Business Development Role. Spending significant time away from family forced another change in direction with Chris going back to clinical work close to home. Within the first year, he doubled the profitability of the clinic. After 9 years at that location, an opportunity to work at GN Hearing was too good to refuse. As Head of Sales ANZ, Chris is proud to lead GN Hearing’s amazing sales and support teams.
Meet Amy
Amy Frain is a Recruitment Consultant at ACM Healthcare, specialising in allied health recruitment across Australia. She works closely with healthcare professionals and organisations to connect talented clinicians with meaningful career opportunities. Amy is passionate about supporting candidates through every stage of the recruitment process, from preparing for interviews to navigating employment contracts and workplace expectations. Her
collaborative approach and industry insight help healthcare professionals confidently transition into roles where they can thrive and make a difference.
ACM Healthcare
Meet Amy
Amy Frain is a Recruitment Consultant at ACM Healthcare, specialising in allied health recruitment across Australia. She works closely with healthcare professionals and organisations to connect talented clinicians with meaningful career opportunities. Amy is passionate about supporting candidates through every stage of the recruitment process, from preparing for interviews to navigating employment contracts and workplace expectations. Her
collaborative approach and industry insight help healthcare professionals confidently transition into roles where they can thrive and make a difference.
Meet Melanie
Melanie Gibson, MA, is the instructional designer and program manager for the Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology program at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. With over 20 years in higher education, she leads program operations, curriculum development, faculty coordination, recruitment, marketing, and budget management for a global online doctoral program. Gibson collaborates with academic leadership on strategic planning, accreditation, and compliance while building efficient academic systems and strengthening instructional quality. She also designs accessible, evidence-based online learning experiences, co-teaches doctoral coursework, mentors faculty and students, and supports innovation in health sciences education, including the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.
A.T. Still University
Meet Melanie
Melanie Gibson, MA, is the instructional designer and program manager for the Post-Professional Doctor of Audiology program at A.T. Still University’s Arizona School of Health Sciences. With over 20 years in higher education, she leads program operations, curriculum development, faculty coordination, recruitment, marketing, and budget management for a global online doctoral program. Gibson collaborates with academic leadership on strategic planning, accreditation, and compliance while building efficient academic systems and strengthening instructional quality. She also designs accessible, evidence-based online learning experiences, co-teaches doctoral coursework, mentors faculty and students, and supports innovation in health sciences education, including the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies.
Meet Catherine
Catherine is an audiologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the hearing care and rehabilitation of adults and children, including clinic management and clinical quality and compliance roles. As the Adult Specialist Clinical Leader at Hearing Australia, she is responsible for supporting clinical training, service
delivery, practice standards and outcomes for adults with complex hearing and communication needs, including those with poor communication ability or other disabilities in addition to hearing loss. Her primary areas of interest include aural rehabilitation for adults with significant hearing loss, clinical quality and governance, tinnitus and hyperacusis management, clinical learning and development, NDIS services and supports, supporting clients living with
dementia, and designing individual communication training programs based on client needs.
Hearing Australia
Meet Catherine
Catherine is an audiologist with more than 30 years’ experience in the hearing care and rehabilitation of adults and children, including clinic management and clinical quality and compliance roles. As the Adult Specialist Clinical Leader at Hearing Australia, she is responsible for supporting clinical training, service
delivery, practice standards and outcomes for adults with complex hearing and communication needs, including those with poor communication ability or other disabilities in addition to hearing loss. Her primary areas of interest include aural rehabilitation for adults with significant hearing loss, clinical quality and governance, tinnitus and hyperacusis management, clinical learning and development, NDIS services and supports, supporting clients living with
dementia, and designing individual communication training programs based on client needs.
Meet Katrina
Katrina Hudson is an accomplished Audiology professional with more than two decades of experience spanning across clinical practice, leadership, sales and training, and organisational development. She has held key roles across Hearing Australia, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Oticon, and Bloom Hearing Specialists, and now serves as Professional Services Manager in the Audiology team at Specsavers. Katrina holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Monash University and a Master of Clinical Audiology from the University of Melbourne. Katrina is deeply committed to developing the next generation of
clinicians and has extensive experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting students, graduates, and internationally trained audiologists as they
transition into clinical practice.
Specsavers
Meet Katrina
Katrina Hudson is an accomplished Audiology professional with more than two decades of experience spanning across clinical practice, leadership, sales and training, and organisational development. She has held key roles across Hearing Australia, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Oticon, and Bloom Hearing Specialists, and now serves as Professional Services Manager in the Audiology team at Specsavers. Katrina holds a Bachelor of Science (Honours) from Monash University and a Master of Clinical Audiology from the University of Melbourne. Katrina is deeply committed to developing the next generation of
clinicians and has extensive experience in coaching, mentoring, and supporting students, graduates, and internationally trained audiologists as they
transition into clinical practice.
Meet Kathryn
Kathryn Launchbury completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne graduating in 2006. During her career she has practiced in adult rehabilitation and Workcover for both Hearing Australia and a smaller independent practice. Kathryn has experience working as a hearing aid rep and sales manager for both GN Resound and Widex for over six years prior to moving to Specsavers in 2017. During her time at Specsavers, she has been involved with rollout of Specsavers stores across Australia and New Zealand, the development of clinical processes, procedures and product for the Specsavers business as well as facilitating training and development for stores and clinicians. Her current role at Specsavers is in support office as Senior Professional Services Manager.
Specsavers
Meet Kathryn
Kathryn Launchbury completed a Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Clinical Audiology at the University of Melbourne graduating in 2006. During her career she has practiced in adult rehabilitation and Workcover for both Hearing Australia and a smaller independent practice. Kathryn has experience working as a hearing aid rep and sales manager for both GN Resound and Widex for over six years prior to moving to Specsavers in 2017. During her time at Specsavers, she has been involved with rollout of Specsavers stores across Australia and New Zealand, the development of clinical processes, procedures and product for the Specsavers business as well as facilitating training and development for stores and clinicians. Her current role at Specsavers is in support office as Senior Professional Services Manager.
Meet Brian
Brian is a Clinical Audiologist with Specsavers, currently based in Mandurah, WA. He has been a Qualified Practitioner under Audiology Australia for four years with a clinical focus on adult rehabilitation. Brian is strongly committed to providing evidence-based, patient‑centred care and is passionate about improving outcomes for people with hearing difficulties.
Specsavers
Meet Brian
Brian is a Clinical Audiologist with Specsavers, currently based in Mandurah, WA. He has been a Qualified Practitioner under Audiology Australia for four years with a clinical focus on adult rehabilitation. Brian is strongly committed to providing evidence-based, patient‑centred care and is passionate about improving outcomes for people with hearing difficulties.
Meet Dr Signe
Dr. Signe Steers, Au.D. is an audiologist and the owner of The Audiology Place, a community-focused independent audiology practice dedicated to evidence-based, patient-centred hearing care. She holds a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science and a Master of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University, and a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University in Arizona, bringing both Australian and international training perspectives to her work. Signe has a strong interest in paediatric audiology, auditory processing and hearing rehabilitation across the lifespan. Alongside clinical practice, she is passionate about education and has been involved in lecturing within the field. She is committed to early identification, family-centred care and strengthening clinical standards within the profession.
The Audiology Place
Meet Dr Signe
Dr. Signe Steers, Au.D. is an audiologist and the owner of The Audiology Place, a community-focused independent audiology practice dedicated to evidence-based, patient-centred hearing care. She holds a Bachelor of Speech and Hearing Science and a Master of Clinical Audiology from Macquarie University, and a Doctor of Audiology from A.T. Still University in Arizona, bringing both Australian and international training perspectives to her work. Signe has a strong interest in paediatric audiology, auditory processing and hearing rehabilitation across the lifespan. Alongside clinical practice, she is passionate about education and has been involved in lecturing within the field. She is committed to early identification, family-centred care and strengthening clinical standards within the profession.
Meet Tabitha
Tabitha Parent-Buck, AuD, is a tenured full professor and founding chair of the Department of Audiology at A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences. After obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audiology from Purdue University, Dr. Parent-Buck received AuD from Baylor College of Medicine. She has published and presented on hearing aid technology, otoacoustic emissions, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, and the AuD movement. Dr. Parent-Buck is a past president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and former board member of the Audiology Foundation of America.
A.T. Still University
Meet Tabitha
Tabitha Parent-Buck, AuD, is a tenured full professor and founding chair of the Department of Audiology at A.T. Still University-Arizona School of Health Sciences. After obtaining her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in audiology from Purdue University, Dr. Parent-Buck received AuD from Baylor College of Medicine. She has published and presented on hearing aid technology, otoacoustic emissions, pharmacology, neuroanatomy, and the AuD movement. Dr. Parent-Buck is a past president of the Academy of Doctors of Audiology and former board member of the Audiology Foundation of America.
Meet Tamara
Tamara completed her PhD research with the Ear and Hearing Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Tamara works as Clinical Research Fellow in the Ear and Hearing Health team and clinical audiologist part of the Djaalinj Waakinj Centre of Ear and Hearing Health. Tamara has public appointment as a paediatric audiologist at Perth Children’s Hospital. Tamara’s clinical interests are in paediatric audiology, which is complimented by her research which aims to improve the prevention, treatment and long-term outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with otitis media (OM).
Perth Children's Hospital
Meet Tamara
Tamara completed her PhD research with the Ear and Hearing Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia. Tamara works as Clinical Research Fellow in the Ear and Hearing Health team and clinical audiologist part of the Djaalinj Waakinj Centre of Ear and Hearing Health. Tamara has public appointment as a paediatric audiologist at Perth Children’s Hospital. Tamara’s clinical interests are in paediatric audiology, which is complimented by her research which aims to improve the prevention, treatment and long-term outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with otitis media (OM).
Meet Paysh
Paysh Wijesinghe is the Professional Recruitment Consultant for Specsavers Audiology ANZ, specialising in attracting and supporting audiology professionals throughout their career journey with Specsavers. With a strong people-centred approach, Paysh focuses on aligning individual career goals with business needs to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Passionate about working with both early-career clinicians and qualified professionals, Paysh regularly represents Specsavers at industry events and collaborates with professional bodies and stakeholders to build impactful pathways that support emerging clinicians and the future of the audiology profession.
Meet Paysh
Paysh Wijesinghe is the Professional Recruitment Consultant for Specsavers Audiology ANZ, specialising in attracting and supporting audiology professionals throughout their career journey with Specsavers. With a strong people-centred approach, Paysh focuses on aligning individual career goals with business needs to create meaningful and sustainable outcomes. Passionate about working with both early-career clinicians and qualified professionals, Paysh regularly represents Specsavers at industry events and collaborates with professional bodies and stakeholders to build impactful pathways that support emerging clinicians and the future of the audiology profession.
Meet Pierre
Pierre Ymalay is an Allied Health Recruiter at ACM Healthcare, where he specialises in connecting healthcare professionals with meaningful roles across Australia. With years of experience in healthcare recruitment, Pierre works closely with clinicians and employers to understand their needs and create the right match between talent and opportunity. Known for his relationship-driven approach, he supports candidates through the entire recruitment journey, from career advice and interview preparation to placement and onboarding within the healthcare sector.
ACM Healthcare
Meet Pierre
Pierre Ymalay is an Allied Health Recruiter at ACM Healthcare, where he specialises in connecting healthcare professionals with meaningful roles across Australia. With years of experience in healthcare recruitment, Pierre works closely with clinicians and employers to understand their needs and create the right match between talent and opportunity. Known for his relationship-driven approach, he supports candidates through the entire recruitment journey, from career advice and interview preparation to placement and onboarding within the healthcare sector.
PARTNERS
