Our History
For more than 35 years, Professional Speakers Australia has gathered, up-skilled and represented Australia’s leading professional speakers. What started as two small groups meeting over drinks at the local pub has grown into a nation-wide, thriving and vibrant community.
Inspired by the National Speakers Association in the USA, the founding members were eager to see a similar body developed in Australia that would benefit members individually, as well as help to advance the wider speaking industry.
1986 – The NSW Chapter, convened by John Nevin and the Victoria Chapter, convened by Gary Glenn, were both formed at meetings in October 1986, and formally commenced in January 1987.
1987 – The Queensland Chapter commenced in 1987. After a brief recess it recommenced in 1993.
1993 – The ACT Chapter is launched, co-founded by Ann Villiers and Kerry Nairn with support from the NSW Chapter.
1994 – The South Australian Chapter commenced under the leadership of David Griggs PM, with the zeal of Robyn Henderson CSP as driver and supporter. In the same year, also with Robyn’s support the West Australian Chapter launched under the leadership of David Julian Price (CSP)
2015 – The association changed its name from National Speakers Association of Australia to Professional Speakers Australia.
National Presidents
- 2026 Sally Foley-Lewis CSP
- 2025 Sally Foley-Lewis CSP
- 2024 Gary Edwards CSP
- 2023 Gary Edwards CSP
- 2023 Julie Garland McLellan CSP
- 2022 Neryl East CSP
- 2021 Jon Yeo CSP
- 2020 Tony Eades CSP
- 2019 Russell Pearson CSP
- 2018 Tarran Deane
- 2017 Warwick Merry CSP
- 2016 Michael McQueen CSP
- 2015 Winston Marsh CSP
- 2014 Winston Marsh CSP
- 2013 Michael Neaylon
- 2012 Margo Halbert CSP
- 2011 Tony Ryan CSP
- 2010 David Koutsoukis CSP
- 2009 Brad Tonini CSP
- 2008 Kevin Ryan CSP
- 2007 Rodney Marks CSP
- 2006 Lindsay Adams CSP
- 2005 Helen Macdonald
- 2004 Charles Kovess CSP
- 2003 Ian Berry
- 2002 Candy Tymson CSP
- 2001 Sarah Cornally CSP
- 2000 Sarah Cornally CSP
- 1999 David Griggs
- 1998 David Griggs
- 1997 David Price CSP
- 1996 David Price CSP
- 1995 Max Hitchins
- 1994 Catherine Palin-Brinkworth CSP
- 1993 Catherine Palin-Brinkworth CSP
- 1992 Winston Marsh CSP
- 1991 Winston Marsh CSP
- 1990 Lisa McInnes-Smith CSP CPAE
- 1989 Lisa McInnes-Smith CSP CPAE
- 1988 John Nevin (dec)
- 1987 John Nevin (dec)
Life Members
- John Nevin (dec)
- Joan Saxton (dec)
- Doug Malouf CSP (dec)
- Walter Dickman CSP (dec)
- Lisa McInnes-Smith CSP CPAE
- Winston Marsh CSP
- Catherine Palin-Brinkworth CSP
- David Griggs
- David Julian Price CSP
- Lindsay Adams CSP
- Allan Pease CSP
- Glenn Capelli CSP
- Amanda Gore CSP CPAE Global Speaking Fellow
- Ian Stephens CSP
- David Penglase CSP
- Kevin Ryan CSP
- Steve Simpson CSP
