Program
Exclusive Pre-Conference Event - 14th October All Day
Neighbourhood Centres Queensland Gathering (Neighbourhood Centres Only)
Day One - Les Halliwell Address - 14th October, 5pm Sugar Wharf
We're excited that the speaker for the Les Halliwell Address at the 2025 Queensland Community Development Conference in Port Douglas is Professor Allan Dale.
Les Halliwell was a pioneer of community development in the state, dating back to his appointment as Head of the UQ School of Social Work in 1956. The Les Halliwell Address is held on the first night of the conference in his honour, and we're fortunate to have Allan present this year as a champion of community-led work in Far North Queensland.
Capturing the conference theme of "Reimagining the past, shaping our future", Allan is passionate about expressions of community development through integrated societal governance in the tropics of northern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Allan is Professor of Tropical Regional Development at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, and the Chief Scientist for the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). He is also a University Fellow with Charles Darwin University’s Northern Institute. He leads JCU’s contributions to Queensland’s Rural Economies Centre of Excellence (RECoE), the Clean Growth Choices Program, the Human Dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Development agenda, and emerging approaches to Collective Impact.
Allan gave a TED Talk at JCU Cairns called "If you have a pulse, you're a politician."
The Les Halliwell Address is a free event on Tuesday 14th October at the fantastic Sugar Wharf. If you wish to attend it is to be booked separately from conference tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-queensland.../tickets
We're excited that the speaker for the Les Halliwell Address at the 2025 Queensland Community Development Conference in Port Douglas is Professor Allan Dale.
Les Halliwell was a pioneer of community development in the state, dating back to his appointment as Head of the UQ School of Social Work in 1956. The Les Halliwell Address is held on the first night of the conference in his honour, and we're fortunate to have Allan present this year as a champion of community-led work in Far North Queensland.
Capturing the conference theme of "Reimagining the past, shaping our future", Allan is passionate about expressions of community development through integrated societal governance in the tropics of northern Australia and the Great Barrier Reef.
Allan is Professor of Tropical Regional Development at The Cairns Institute, James Cook University, and the Chief Scientist for the Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). He is also a University Fellow with Charles Darwin University’s Northern Institute. He leads JCU’s contributions to Queensland’s Rural Economies Centre of Excellence (RECoE), the Clean Growth Choices Program, the Human Dimensions of the Great Barrier Reef, the Northern Development agenda, and emerging approaches to Collective Impact.
Allan gave a TED Talk at JCU Cairns called "If you have a pulse, you're a politician."
The Les Halliwell Address is a free event on Tuesday 14th October at the fantastic Sugar Wharf. If you wish to attend it is to be booked separately from conference tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/2025-queensland.../tickets
Conference Program 15th - 16th October
Day One - 15th October
Day One Concurrent Sessions 11:00am – 12:30pm
1. Town Hall A: Birthing a National Institute for Participatory Community Development: where we started and where we are now – Patricia Ferrier
Bio: The workshop will be presented by members of the CDII Steering Committee, including Carmel Daveson (Convenor), Bea Rogan, Helen Betts and Trish Ferrier. The Steering Committee of the CDII have been meeting since 2022 following a Colloquium of CD practitioners who made the decision to establish a Community Development Institute. The Steering Committee is made up of community development practitioners with over 300 years of experience working and training in Community Development.
Abstract: This workshop will provide background to conference participants about the work of the Community Development Institute Initiative (CDII) and how it has led to the decision to establish a new national body with the mission to enhance the practice of Participatory Community Development.
This historic decision has been the result of three years work by the many people involved in the CDII.
The workshop will inform participants about:
1. What we have heard in our engagement process.
2. What are the key issues for the establishment of a New Body?
3. An introduction to the structure?
4. How you can participate?
The workshop will provide participants with more detailed information about the development of the new National Body and will empower them to be involved in its future development, whether as an individual, or representing either a registered or unregistered an organisation at the locality, regional or state level etc.
2. Town Hall B: Unpacking “place-based”: Is everything old new again? – Chris Mundy
Bio: Chris Mundy is the Sector Lead: Policy and Research for Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ). He's worked in the Neighbourhood Centre sector for over 12 years, as well as in schools, post adoption support and faith-based contexts. He has a Master of International and Community Development, Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Ministry.
Abstract: An overview of new place-based intiatives will be firstly presented from a state and national perspective, highlighting the various approaches, features and practices. Following an overview, a number of defintions of CD will be offered. It will be explained that in this session, participants will explore whether place-based initiatives are the modern day equivalent of community development or whether there are major differences. The way this will be explored is by presenting place-based terms one by one, and discussing each one's relationship with CD in small groups. Terms to unpack will include co-design, co-production, community-led, collective impact and co-delivery. Summaries of each table discussion will be shared to the broader group
3. Clink Theatre: Collaborative living: Where to start – Andrea Chamberlain & Darren Finlay
Bio: Community Engagement - Atherton Team - PeoplePurposePlace. Andrea has worked in various settings to bring people together, working through change, introducing new ideas and building group capacity. Presenting to groups through face to face and conversations, listening and responding to the groups dynamics and understanding. Leading meetings and organising events across the Tableland
Abstract: Collaborative Housing - Designing for the future with consideration of the challenges faced when people live together. We recognise that living with others is an economic and resources preferred style, but it creates the questions around how to live together. PeoplePurposePlace has been developing a framework of workshops to support and empower people to find their place. Our focus is on People - this is the heart of our work, being responsive and aware of the regions we live in. Purpose - a safe home with a secure future that accommodates various groups and needs. Place - the physical building in which to make a home with others.
4. HUB inside: Past echoes and future spaces: Designing for belonging – Tanya Stevenson
Bio: Tanya Stevenson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Tanya has over two decades of experience in working in the NFP sector. Tanya has an undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Education. Tanya has led the strategic expansion of the HBNC to include the implementation of the Neighbourhood Collective, the development of the Neighbourhood Hive (Youth & Innovation Centre) and Urangan Wellness Centre as well as their first social enterprise, The Wandering Teapot. Tanya is committed to partnerships across our region and improving the social outcomes for everyone through social innovation and development.
Abstract: This immersive workshop explores how communities across the globe foster belonging through “hardware” (infrastructure) and “software” (programs). Drawing on insights from recent visits to Dubai, Amsterdam, London, Iceland, Toronto, and Nepal, participants will be guided through global stories and invited to reimagine inclusive, thriving neighbourhoods. Through storytelling, placemaking, and collaborative design, the session bridges past and future honouring community memory while inspiring new possibilities. Participants will engage in group discussions and creative exercises to spark ideas for their own neighbourhoods. Led by Tanya Stevenson, recipient of the SILA Scholarship, this workshop blends lived experience with international research to spark future thinking for building connected communities.
5. HUB outside: The beauty of timing – Kylie Murphy, Angela Turvey, Joselle Griffin, John Flack, Helen Montgomery & Fiona Miller
Bio: Kylie has spent over 20 years championing Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), believing that every community holds the keys to its own success. As Community Development Officer at Brighton Council, she works shoulder-to-shoulder with young people, community, local groups, and organisations to uncover strengths, spark ideas, and turn them into action. Her Master’s thesis explored how ABCD in Tasmanian councils can transform health and wellbeing outcomes. From the Brighton Youth Action Group to the Community Creators program and a youth-led recruitment initiative, Kylie’s projects share one thing in common; putting people at the heart of change and proving that great things grow from the ground up.
Growing up in a small Tasmanian community, Angela knows the strength of people coming together to solve challenges, celebrate wins, and support each other through tough times. She has naturally gravitated toward community development, inspired by grassroots action that showcases the strengths of local people and places. After graduating from the University of Tasmania in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) and a Graduate Diploma in Social Research, Angela built a career as a marketing and research consultant in Melbourne. In 2013, she returned home to be near family and has since worked in local government across governance, communications, and community development.
Joselle Griffin is a proud Palawa woman with a big heart for small moments that spark lasting change. As a Project Officer for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, she’s happiest sitting in a circle with young people, sharing stories and dreaming up better futures. Known for blending creativity with practicality, Joselle helps communities uncover their strengths and run with them. She has worked across youth spaces, Aboriginal rights advocacy, and grassroots projects, always making sure every voice is heard. Whether launching new ideas or working quietly behind the scenes, she’s driven by connection, culture, and keeping it real while getting things done.
Since leaving high school in 1985, John has worked in retail, manufacturing, and community services. He has a Master of Social Work and has worked as a family support worker, school social worker and an intensive family practitioner. He has had many volunteering roles over the years including with the Foster Care and Kinship Care Association of Tasmania. John currently work as the youth engagement officer with the Brighton Council supporting the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG).
Fiona is a passionate ABCD practitioner and facilitator. She loves creativity and finding stories with community for making change. Community development and building capacity so everyone finds purpose and belonging keeps her happy and busy. Her background includes local government, youth, early years, education, community leadership, inclusion poking the bear! Systems change and strategy is everyone’s role. She is always looking for ways to bring people together and loves that. Art and food cross all languages and brings joy and connection. Coffee anyone?
Abstract: In a world where collaboration can be complex, the right partners at the right moment can transform possibilities into impact. The Beauty of Timing brings together five key partners, Local Government, State Government, Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Services, the Jeder Institute, and community itself: each with distinct visions, yet united by a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for young people.
Through courage, trust, and a willingness to embrace participatory practice, our collective has discovered the power of “trusting the process.” This presentation will explore the tools and approaches that have shaped our journey; storytelling, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, blending diverse community development practices, developing governance processes from the bottom up, and amplifying the quiet voices too often left unheard.
Join us as we share real-world examples of how timing, collaboration, and community-led approaches have worked hand in hand to create meaningful, lasting change for young people.
6. NC Back Deck: A values-based approach to working with First Peoples (45 mins) – Lesley Shuttleworth
Bio: Originally from South Africa Lesley learned about community from the Zulu and Mpondo peoples and her practice is still shaped by this early learning. She managed Neighbourhood Houses in Narrm (Melbourne) for 25 years. Later moving to Borderlands Cooperative, she developed programs and projects also contributing to the revitalisation of the organisation. Now working for the NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) Foundation she supports community-based projects which explore, engage and enable local communities to contribute to social change and ecological development.
Lesley holds a Masters in Sustainability and Social Change (formerly Integrative and Transformative Practice)
Abstract: Lesley will share her experience of learning about the concept of uBuntu (the philosophy of Humanity) in South Africa and how this has assisted her practice in Australia.
In this session we’ll explore:
* what constitutes different worldviews and why an appreciation of our shared humanity and our cultural differences matters.
* how we can integrate the United Nations Charters on the Right of Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and the Rights of the Child into our practice with First Peoples.
* Some of the principles we can use to guide us
* How the use of community compacts can provide an agreed foundation for our work.
* The ‘location’ of community work with First Peoples
* Working toward regenerative work which is underpinned by a commitment to ‘walking together.
A Conversation Café will allow for the further exploration of these ideas and encourage participants to develop their own approach and commitments to this work
7. NC Back Deck: It’s our birthday! 40 years and Benarrawa is still flowing… (45 mins) – Paula Callaghan & Sandiellen Black
Bio: My name is Sandiellen Black, and since November 2016 I’ve loved coming to Benarrawa each Tuesday and Thursday to work with John and Paula, strengthen relationships, and bring Benarrawa’s strategic directions and community development framework to life. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of NSW and began my career as a sole community development worker in a Neighbourhood Centre in Western Sydney, where I grew up. My broad experience spans disability, maternity reform, government, not-for-profit, and health sectors. In recent years, I’ve especially valued working alongside residents and partners to build neighbourhood resilience to natural disasters and emergencies.
My name is Paula Callaghan, and I’ve been a Community Development Coordinator at Benarrawa since 2012. I hold a Social Work and Social Policy degree from the University of Queensland (2000) and have over 20 years’ experience in diverse organisational settings, with a passion for community development approaches that connect people and build relationships. At Benarrawa, I’ve seen growing attendance at our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group events, reflecting increased community awareness of First Nations issues. Working alongside cultural workers, Elders, and auspice groups, I value creating safe, collaborative spaces for people and groups to work alongside each other, in solidarity.
Abstract: Join us to celebrate Benarrawa’s 40-year journey of intentional community development through a Reflective Team process. Facilitator Sandiellen will guide the session, explaining the process before interviewing Paula to uncover how Benarrawa has sustained a successful culture of connection, a flat structure, and strong strategic guidance where relationships and “taking time” matters. Paula will share key turning points—both planned and unexpected—that have shaped practice, including solidarity with First Nations Peoples, intergenerational relationships, and the integration of art, dance, music, food, and ceremony. She will also explore how “doorstep visits” have become a core outreach strategy for disaster resilience and neighbourhood connection. Participants will listen, then share reflections on what resonated, how it connects to their experiences, and future practice possibilities. Paula will respond with her reflections and new insights. Each participant will take home a one-page Reflective Team guide to explore the process further.
Cancelled: 8. Clink Outside: Finding strength in numbers: The power of collective healing in communities (1.5 hrs) – Alan Blackshaw
Bio: Alan Blackshaw is the founder of Herding Together. He is a community builder working from an Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) perspective. He has spent his career working to serve and build community. He has experience as an educator, public servant, disability support worker, local government officer and in community development – both as a frontline worker and as a manager of a team of community development workers. He has over 30 years experience in working with the community, the last 16 in local government. He has experience in building community from the grassroots up. He is now continuing to serve the community by working to create strong communities and organisations.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Masters Regional and Community Development. At the core of his practice are social justice principles.
Alan is currently based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract: This workshop is based on two decades of experience of working in community to build strong and supportive places to be. The answer to any issue or perceived problem is community. Community is where we heal from trauma. It is when we are in relationship with others that we heal. This is not to neglect the important role of medical advice and therapy but without living in community we can never truly heal.
Day One Concurrent Sessions 1:30pm – 3:00pm
9. Town Hall: A Local government supporting community development practice – Gail Price
Bio: I’ve worked in community development in the community and local government sectors for around 45 years, with adventures in Victoria, Darwin and now in South East Queensland.
An inner-city high-rise public housing estate near Melbourne was my most significant role and place of learning. The community welcomed me and taught me about place-based work, acting on the systems that disadvantage us, and the strength of communities in maintaining and improving conditions and opportunities. We gathered and connected through celebrations, social enterprises, community gardening, education and recreation programs, public art and so much more.
Abstract: The City of Moreton Bay, situated between Brisbane City Council and the Sunshine Coast, has been providing community development training to residents and workers in human services sectors since 1999. The range of training opportunities continues to develop.
We’ll talk about the City of Moreton Bay experience as a transferable example of how we can extend community development practice. Please bring your questions, information and experience to add to the learning, so that together we can create a list of suggested actions for people wondering how they can get their local Council involved.
Within this topic, we’ll also talk about working in community development within the large bureaucracy of local government. How do we get to do the work? What are the simple questions to ask ourselves to help stay on track, working with community to achieve sustainable outcomes? We’ll have activities to prompt us, that you can add to your resources.
10. Town Hall B: Uncomplicating community development: A simple 4 step framework – Sally Foreman, Chris Mundy, Natalie Saroglia & Natasha Odgers
Bio: Sally Foreman - Sector Projects Officer, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland
Sally holds a Master's degree in Development Practice and has 14 years of community development experience, both internationally and in Australia. She has been with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland for just over a year, contributing to multiple projects. Sally is the lead developer of NCQ's micro-credentials, including one focused on community development in Neighbourhood Centres.
Chris Mundy, Sector Lead: Policy and Research, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland.
Chris has worked in the Neighbourhood Centre sector for over 12 years, as well as in schools, post adoption support and faith-based contexts. He holds a Master of International and Community Development, Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Ministry.
Natasha holds an honours degree in community development and has over 15 years of experience as a community development practitioner. She has taught community development to community members, practitioners, and university students. For the past six years, she has worked with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland, applying a developmental approach, and is co-author of the Enhancing Community Development in Neighbourhood Centres report.
Abstract: This interactive workshop and presentation introduces a practical 4-step framework developed by Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Centre sector and Queensland Government partners. Designed to foster a shared understanding of community development across diverse roles within Neighbourhood Centres, the framework is grounded in theory but communicated in clear, accessible language. Its flexible design allows each Centre to reflect its unique identity and community needs. While created specifically for Neighbourhood Centres, the adaptable framework holds strong potential for broader application by local community organisations, groups, and councils. Its versatile structure supports various community development approaches, ensuring relevance across contexts while maintaining core principles and outcomes. The session will demonstrate how the framework can enhance community engagement, planning, and collaboration across the wider community services landscape, with participants actively exploring its practical application through discussion.
11. Clink Theatre: Community connection through music (15mins) – Emma Heard
Bio: Emma is a health and arts-based researcher with a passion for social equity. Emma’s research experience has focused on sexual violence prevention, and as a health promotion practitioner she has worked with a range of communities implementing strengths-based approaches to health and wellbeing. Emma is interested in understanding and shifting the social power structures that create inequity within our society. Emma led the Creative Change Project's West End case study, where this research was conducted.
Abstract: Participatory music-making by, for and with a community has great potential to support personal, community and societal transformations towards social equity. The Australian Research Council funded, Creative Change Project, based at Griffith University's Creative Arts Research Institute, is a national project investigating this potential. In this story circle, we share findings from three community music programs conducted in partnership with our local neighbourhood centre, West End Community House, Community Plus+ and social sector organisation Micah Projects. The programs involved community members with diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together to engage in live music events, play music together, and participate in songwriting workshops. We identified positive health and well-being implications for participants including joy, healing and a sense of purpose, creative self-expression, confidence, social connection and contribution. Importantly, outcomes extended to the broader community as activities supported community ties, promoted safety and contributed to the shaping and sharing of collective identity. This research demonstrates how the arts can play an important role in strengthening health, community and social sector efforts to address inequity.
12: Clink Theatre: A Human centred, locally led and culturally informed approach to disaster recovery – learnings for community development. Chantal Devereaux Larkin, Kate Hams & Brett Matthews
Bio: Kate Hams, Principal Community Recovery Officer – Far North Queensland. Kate has work extensively across the sectors of Community Development, Local and State Government across norther Australia but has been working in Cape York for over a decade. Kate was part of the Community Recovery Team that were brought together to lead the Human and Social Recovery of the Wujal Wujal community after Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the region that resulted in the displacement of the entire Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council area.
Brett Matthews is the Director, Statewide Service Delivery for Community Recovery, in Queensland, with Community Recovery being the state lead for Human and Social Recovery Services. Brett leads the provision of critical front-line services to support Queenslanders impacted by incidents, crises and disasters. Brett and his team work closely with a broad range of government and non-government stakeholders to provide financial, emotional and wellbeing support when communities are impacted by a disaster or crisis. This support is provided across all parts of the state, with overlapping events, ranging in size from very small communities to disasters impacting large parts of the state, ranging from bushfires to flooding through to supporting community responses to serious crimes. Brett’s passion is to build partnerships and work collaboratively within and across Government and service providers to meet community needs. Prior to working in Community Recovery, Brett had an extensive career in State and Federal Government roles. Brett is a strong supporter of the national principles for Disaster Management including locally led recovery and continues to refine how services are delivered to be responsive to local needs.
Abstract: Community Recovery will deliver a 15-Minute Story Circle to highlighting the key roles, how these roles interfaced between Traditional Owners, community and agency, and learnings that support ongoing community development.
13. HUB inside: Women’s voices from the waitlist: Storytelling, systems and the practice we found along the way – Kylie Lowe & Ashley Campbell
Bio: Kylie has spent the last two decades working alongside communities to create change, with a focus on women’s health, youth programs, and social impact. Now leading Community Engagement and Partnerships within the Housing Older Women’s Support Service at Footprints Community, she’s passionate about working in genuine collaboration with those who are often unheard. At the conference, she’s sharing Women’s Voices from the Waitlist — a storytelling project that shines a light on the real experiences of women experiencing housing stress. She believes in the power of lived experience to drive better systems, stronger communities, and more compassionate responses.
Ashley has been with the Housing Older Women Support Service since July 2024 as Community Education Facilitator, working at Footprints Community to provide women with support and information through coffee catch up/drop ins, workshops & events, assertive outreach. Also, focusing on building relationships and connections with service providers to wrap around older women experiencing housing stress and homelessness. Ashley prides herself in creating safe and welcoming space for women to express themselves, feel heard and supported in continuing their housing journey.
Abstract: Women’s Voices from the Waitlist honours the lived experiences of women impacted by intake and case management waitlists. Through a series of in-person and online consultations, women courageously shared stories of waiting for housing support—revealing fear, uncertainty, strength, and resilience. The project created a safe and inclusive space for reflection, validation, and an opportunity to gather feedback to inform future approaches for better supporting women on the waitlist, particularly around housing insecurity and barriers to accessing services.
While not formally trained in community development, we were guided by values of equity, collaboration, and shared power. In this Story Circle, we’ll share our process, learnings, and stories—and open up a conversation. What community development frameworks or practices do you see in this work?
This session speaks to People-Led Change, Resilience Through Reflection, Storytelling for Change, and Sustainable Futures. You’re invited to listen, reflect, and join a collective exploration of how the lived experience and courage shared through this process has the power to influence conversations and inspire progress.
14. Hub outside: Human Library
15. NC Back Deck: Sustaining yourself in the work – Helen Betts & Milly Nixon
Bio: Milly Nixon is a community development worker who is passionate about creating transformational change in our communities. Milly is currently working in the homelessness sector with The Salvation Army and is involved in projects that aim at building the capacity of our communities in responding to homelessness as well as creating responsive service delivery that is directly informed by listening. Milly's interests include communal self-care (a wholistic focus on self-care that centres relationships, accountability and moral commitments to our wider social fabric) as well as building compassionate communities around death and dying.
Helen and Milly, have experience in conducting and being part of peer learning, supervision and mentoring. Through our experience of working in range of contexts in community facing roles, we are interested in the exploration of what sustains people in this work for the long term. We are interested in how people look after themselves in front-line work, remembering that we have a social responsibility to the people in the communities we serve.
Abstract: We would like to challenge current assumptions around self-care and wellbeing as practitioners. We feel like this dialogue has an individualised approach that is not sustainable; we suggest that having a holistic approach, which includes connection with community, having a clear framework and critical reflection, is how we will create sustainable practice.
16. Clink Outside: Cultural safety: Why does it matter? (1.5 hrs) – Anna Rolandsen & Naome Rusera
Bio: Anna: Manager of Community Development and Engagement at ECCQ and has worked in the multicultural sector since 2011, after having worked as a teacher in Australia and overseas.
Naome: Executive Officer at ECCQ, currently works with young CALD people through the ECCQ youth network. Naome comes from a settlement sector and policy background.
Abstract: This presentation explores the transformative potential of culturally-safe practice in community development, guided by the central question: “How can we create culturally safe spaces to ensure inclusion, equity, participation, and access for all—and why does it matter?” It highlights the importance of intentional engagement with culturally diverse communities, emphasizing proactive rather than reactive approaches.
The workshop will include a brief overview of three projects delivered by Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland:
1. Youth Connections project with the Banyamulenge community
2. Empowering Queensland’s Leaders mental health resource co-design project
3. Speak My Language (Disability) podcast project – interviews facilitated by multicultural people with a disability
Followed by a space for discussions on how to work alongside multicultural community members, how to facilitate community-led initiatives and strategies to overcome some of the challenges that emerge when engaging with CALD communities.
Day One Concurrent Sessions 3:30pm – 5:00pm
17. Town Hall A: The circles of ownership in participatory community development practice – Carmel Daveson & Bea Rogan
Bio: Carmel and Bea are experienced in community development and have unwavering dedication to social change.
Carmel Daveson is an experienced trainer, coach, action-based researcher and practitioner with over 40 years of experience in the Community Service, Health, Arts and Local Government sectors.
Bea is a skilled and experienced trainer and practitioner who has co-authored and conducted numerous training sessions on the subject of community development, project management, governance, strategic planning and, most recently, community development approach to planning in small communities.
Abstract: This workshop will focus on the skills of building ownership in PCD practice - the movement from private concern to public action. In particular we will explore together the important micro layer and the skill of dialogue in building ownership.
18. Town Hall B: Community pantry: A different lens on traditional emergency relief provision (15mins) – Nadia O’Donnell
Bio: Nadia O'Donnell - Better Together Support Services, Atherton - Manager of the NC and Co-ordinator of the Community Support and Development Team. Currently managing Pantry weekly and seeing 80-90 families accessing.
Abstract:
Why Pantry is crucial to local community members
What it takes to make a successful Pantry work
The Journey of Better Together Community Pantry
The importance working with other community-based organisations and networks
19. Town Hall B: From Relief to Resilience (1.25hrs) – Sharon Gingell & Caroline Cuckson
Bio: Sharon Gingell has over 30 years' experience in the community sector, having worked across a number of areas including family support, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health and community development.
In her current role as Coordinator of Northside Connect, Sharon is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the organisations 3 program areas, Nundah Neighbourhood Centre, The Domestic Violence Program and the Brisbane North Community Legal Service.
Caroline Cuckson: Master of Management in Community Management, Advanced Diploma of Business Management
Caroline Cuckson is a community development practitioner with over 25 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, government, and commercial sectors, with deep expertise in change management, strategic planning, and resilience-building.
In her role as Director of Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Caroline has focused on reviewing programs through a Community Development lens and working to shift delivery models from transactional assistance to approaches that build resilience and strengthen local capacity.
She is passionate about co-designing solutions with community, leading teams that actively listen and respond to local needs, and creating service models that centre dignity, choice, and connection.
20. Clink Theatre: Resilience in action – Melinda McInturff & Sandiellen Black
Bio: Community development in disasters is paramount to ensure that all voices are heard and that preparedness, response, and recovery is community-led. The presentation will show examples of community development across several disaster areas such as floods, fire, cyclones, and heatwaves. We will showcase critical conversations across these areas in Queensland.
Abstract: Melinda McInturff is a community development professional with over 14 years of experience at Community Plus Queensland -Yeronga Community Centre, a key initiative of Community Plus Queensland Inc. Throughout her career, Melinda has played a pivotal role in leading community-led disaster recovery and resilience initiatives in response to major events, including the 2011 and 2022 Brisbane floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renowned for her innovative and inclusive approach to community development and engagement, Melinda has spearheaded award-nominated projects such as Food With Thought and mental health-focused craftivism initiatives. Her work has been recognised through accolades like the Resilient Australia Award, highlighting her commitment to fostering connected, empowered, and resilient communities.
Melinda brings deep expertise in grassroots leadership, crisis response, and long-term community resilience planning. Her work continues to inspire collaborative action and strengthen the social fabric of communities across Queensland.
21: Hub Inside: They’re not just here to eat pizza: backing young people in local government – Jenna Williams, Etuina Suavai, Shalane Anderson, Elisa McFadzan & Katrina Morrissey
Bio: Jenna Williams - Queensland Program Manager, Young Mayors Foundation for Young Australians. With more than 15 years of experience in not-for-profit, social enterprise, and health promotion, Jenna loves working with local communities to create meaningful impact. Throughout her career, she has been privileged to work alongside passionate activists, artists, and young people in communities across Victoria and Queensland, leveraging her strong project management and programming skills to drive collaborative, place-based community initiatives. Jenna is continually inspired by young people's passion and drive to create positive social change, and their naturally generous and inclusive approach to achieving it.
Etuina Suavai - Cairns Program Assistant, Young Mayors Foundation for Young Australians. Etuina is a proud Torres Strait / Samoan woman living and working on Gimuy Country. She is the Young Mayors Program Assistant based in Cairns. Her primary responsibility is to guide and empower the young individuals through the nomination and campaign phase, and to support them in fulfilling a term in office. From organising events to running workshops, Etuina is the young people’s first point of contact for all matters FYA related.
Shalane Anderson - Community Development Officer - Wellbeing, Cairns Regional Council Relatively new to local government, Shalane has spent her career working with young people. With a passion for community, communication and understanding what makes people thrive, she has held roles in the community development and health communication fields. Shalane joined Cairns Regional Council as the Young Mayors Program was being established locally and has learned about the world of local government alongside the young people. Inspired by young people, their sense of fun, willingness to think outside the box and challenge norms, she regularly asks herself if she is too old to still be working with young people and dreads the day the answer is yes.
Elisa McFadzan - Community & Youth Development Officer, Community Lifestyle Mackay Regional Council Elisa McFadzen is a passionate community and youth development practitioner whose journey began long before she understood what those words meant. Growing up in rural Queensland, she was the young person who believed her ideas and actions mattered—and now, in a full-circle moment, she works to make sure others feel the same. At Mackay Regional Council, Elisa supports the Mackay Youth Council and works alongside community leaders to turn grassroots ideas into meaningful change. A social enterprise founder, disaster recovery facilitator, and strengths-based practitioner, she brings compassion, curiosity, and what her colleagues call “golden retriever energy” to every space she’s in.
Katrina Morrissey - Community & Youth Development Officer, Community Lifestyle Mackay Regional Council. Katrina Morrissey joined the Community Programs team at Mackay Regional Council in early 2024 where she plays a key role in supporting the Young Mayors program and a range of youth-focused initiatives across the region. With a career spanning the energy, health and education sectors, Katrina brings a broad and balanced perspective to her work with young people. She is inspired by their creativity and honesty (although sometimes brutal) and finds great fulfilment in witnessing young people realise their own potential. Her cross-sector experience informs her strengths in fostering youth leadership and civic engagement—equipping young people with the tools and support to drive meaningful change in their communities
Abstract: Local councils and young people have a shared experience of feeling youth advisory groups are ineffective. For Council there can be a sense that the young people hang out and do a lot of talking but never get any outcomes ("they just eat pizza and talk about things that they never deliver"). While young people feel they are again being asked what they think, only to find little comes of it. The Mackay and Cairns Youth Councils are among the first in Australia to be established through the Young Mayors program. The program backs young people to create a better future for their region through democratically elected youth councils. Join us to explore the factors that enable young people to have influence on the
decisions that affect them. And the challenges and learnings that come with backing young people to lead on their vision, while also building institutions’ trust and capabilities to listen.
22. Hub outside: Turning up the volume – Maggie Shambrook
Bio: As a founding participant of the Housing Older Women Movement in early 2020, Maggie brings over 40 years of community sector work as a community development practitioner to expressing and actioning a shared vision of a voice for women in creating new housing choices.
This means skills, experience, and expertise in working alongside community members and other people at all levels in public, community, and private systems and structures to collaborate and create change that results in a fairer, more equitable, and kinder community and society.
Abstract: How do we build momentum for direct citizen participation that truly influences public systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and just? This session explores the power of community-led advocacy, particularly in addressing critical issues such as access to affordable housing. Together we will unpack what makes “advocacy by the people, for the people” effective, and what barriers continue to mute community voices. Through small group activities and shared dialogue, participants will explore who is in the room and why, identify common and divergent themes, and consider the history and possibilities of community-led housing in Queensland. Using participatory processes, we will frame key questions, generate responses, and capture shared insights. The session will conclude with a summary of key takeaways and opportunities for alliances. By reimagining how advocacy can be done, we move from cycles of exclusion toward pathways of transformation led by those most affected.
23. NC Back Deck: Bridging generations: Connecting past wisdom with future innovation – Rucy Rusera & Sahba Hamid
Bio: Rucy Rusera combines her youthfulness and facilitation skills to drive future-focused problem solving. Coming from a CALD background, she brings both lived experience and insight into the challenges of reconnecting with culture while navigating third-culture identities, alongside the need for culturally appropriate support services. She has facilitated workshops and trainings across Queensland and Australia on Culturally Responsive Practice and the National Youth Settlement Framework. With a strong focus on youth engagement, Rucy is passionate about empowering young people with the skills and confidence to initiate meaningful conversations with their parents, strengthening family connections and fostering mutual understanding across generations.
Sahba Hamid brings extensive experience in facilitating community engagement and leadership development with a focus on intergenerational and women dialogue. Having worked with diverse groups across cultural and professional sectors. As the Community Relations Manager at SSI, she is passionate about empowering communities through capacity building, women’s engagement, and leadership development. With a background in fostering partnerships between diverse stakeholders, she works to create opportunities where women can lead, influence, and drive positive change. Her initiatives emphasize skill-building, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring communities have the tools and confidence to thrive.
Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is often driven by new technologies and fresh ideas. However, true progress emerges when we combine the lessons of the past with the vision of the future. This workshop, Bridging Generations: Connecting Past Wisdom with Future Innovation, explores the dynamic relationship between historical knowledge and contemporary creativity. Participants will discover how intergenerational dialogue can spark new solutions, strengthen communities, and inspire more sustainable decision-making. Through interactive discussions, practical activities, and real-world examples, we will uncover ways to integrate timeless principles into modern problem-solving. Whether you are a leader, educator, entrepreneur, or community member, you will gain strategies to foster meaningful connections between age groups, harness diverse perspectives, and create shared visions for progress. Join us in reimagining the future—not by leaving the past behind, but by carrying its wisdom forward into a world of possibility.
24: Clink Outside: Mapping my community: Community activities & community voices – Geoff Higgins
Bio: Geoff Higgins (he/him) is doing a PhD in community development at CQUniversity. Geoff is a volunteer and practitioner in CD through his boutique consulting firm. Geoff lives on Darumbal country in Rockhampton Queensland. He is curious about what brings us to the work of CD, and what sustains us in the work. Geoff takes great joy in facilitating progress towards a group’s imagined and desired future.
Abstract: There is a lot of talk about ‘community voices’ in community development, especially when we talk about ‘people led change’. But much of the work is done and led by people employed in service delivery roles or in government; and sometimes we struggle to find and involve the people who can be the authentic voice of the community. Grassroots voices are a necessity, not an aspiration. This session is about how and where we find the people who bring the voice of community into community development. You will map out community activities, and see where community voices can be found among them.
Conference dinner 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Hemmingway's Brewery Port Douglas
Day Two - 16th October
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 9:00am – 10:30pm
1. Town Hall A: Keeping it real: Disability, power and practice in everyday community work – Bailey Wemyss
Bio: Bailey is a proud Wurundjeri person living on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi lands, a neurodivergent and disabled consultant and senior educator, disability advocate, and social work student and research assistant, currently completing their social work placement in a neighbourhood centre. They have decades of lived experience, policy engagement, and public speaking. Their work is grounded in intersectional ethics and the lived reality of navigating systems designed without disabled people in mind.
Abstract: This yarning circle unpacks the ethics and realities of disability-inclusive practice in community development. With a focus on everyday actions and values, we’ll explore what real inclusion looks like – beyond buzzwords and compliance. Through critical dialogue (and an intersectional lens), we’ll consider how power, access, and systemic ableism shape our work, using both personal experience and sector-based critique. The session will incorporate the Community Work Australia Code of Ethics (CWA, 2024) and Ife’s (2009) ethical principles to guide grounded, values-driven discussion.
2. Clink Theatre: Charge Up! Learning practices for sustainable futures (1.5 hr) – Deanna Borland-Sentinella, Sally Foreman, Kristy Madden & Melanie Maher
Bio: Deanna enjoys the work of representing sector issues and supporting sector needs with a peak organisation. Prior to working at QCOSS Deanna has been a consultant for teams and organisations who are looking to integrate a Community Development approach into their work, and also taught at universities in Maganjin/ Brisbane on Community Development. Deanna’s PhD explored Community Development in the context of Futures Thinking, utilising creative approaches. Deanna can also be found performing in playback theatre, choirs and community bands.
Sally Foreman - Sector Projects Officer, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. Sally holds a Master's degree in Development Practice and has 14 years of community development experience, both internationally and in Australia. She has been with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland for just over a year, contributing to multiple projects. Sally is the lead developer of NCQ's micro-credentials, including one focused on community development in Neighbourhood Centres.
Melanie is a designer, strategist and educator living and working in Meanjin/Brisbane. Her practice explores the application of strategic design and visual communication to advance social justice and environmental sustainability. Her work has contributed to significant change — it’s informed government policy, influenced funding, grown public awareness and shaped educational programs. Melanie has over 15 years experience as a designer and strategist, both internationally and in Australia. She has been working with peak body Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) for the past 4 years, leading and contributing to a broad range of projects. Melanie has 10 years experience as a design lecturer, has been internationally recognised for lecturing, and teaches within UQ’s school of Architecture, Design and Planning.
Abstract: How can people transition to more environmentally sustainable ways of being in the world, now and into the future? What role do community conversations, peer learning practices and community development approaches play in creating more sustainable futures? In this presentation and workshop, we will share stories, learnings and insights from the Charge Up! Project, which is seeing 20 community development workers from across Queensland connect with their community members as they begin to adapt to a changing climate and shifting resource needs.
Energy is a need in our lives. Yet for too long, the energy system has been complex and inaccessible, leaving many without the knowledge or support to take control of their energy use. The Project aims to change this by building a peers-network who share the concern for supporting the community to navigate the energy system, through the practice of banding or mezzo level work. Through community education, Energy Educators are shifting power back to the people - literally, by making energy information engaging, accessible and actionable. Hear stories from both the community workers who became Energy Educators and the project coordinators about how they have applied CD approaches, including the 0 1 3 approach, Elicitive approach and the Spiral Method. Engage in an interactive workshop and walk away with fresh ideas for how you can apply community development approaches to contribute to building more sustainable and equitable futures.
3. Hub Inside: Measuring what matters – using social media data and collaboration to shape young futures – Belinda Tessieri & Maria Leebeek
Bio: Belinda Tessieri, Youth Engagement Officer at GCYS empowers young people through projects and workshops that amplify their voices and foster meaningful engagement. Belinda plays a key role in strengthening the youth sector by supporting professional development initiatives, student placements, and fostering collaboration to enhance services and opportunities for young people.
Abstract: Gold Coast Youth Service (GCYS) will share how we embed social impact data and collaboration into our practice to better support young people aged 12–25. Drawing on over 40 years of community-based work, we'll explore how data can be effectively captured to demonstrate social impact and used not just for reporting, but to inform service design, improve outcomes, and advocate for systemic change.
4. Back Deck: Built by the people (kitchen table conversation) – Mandy Stone, Jane Simpson & Julia Leu
Bio: Mandy Stone initially came to Port Douglas last century to work at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre as the Community Development Worker.
Mandy has had a number of roles in the organisation since then, including Manager, Nic Nak Shed Volunteer, Playgroup coordinator, group participant and now Management Committee member. Mandy is a Social Worker who still works with James Cook University as a Social Work Educator. Her passion is community development and education. Mandy has high regard for the role of Neighbourhood Centres within community and the valuable contribution to community made by local paid and unpaid staff. Jane Simpson moved to the Far North 40 years ago and has spent the past 20 years as a Social Worker and social justice advocate, specialising in DFV, housing, homelessness, and family support. In the Eighties, she and her partner launched one of Port Douglas’s first outer reef snorkelling companies, promoting reef conservation. When her first child arrived, Jane noticed the lack of activities and support for families. She joined with local women to start playgroups, build playgrounds, and attract resources. These grassroots efforts grew into the Neighbourhood Centre and today’s Port Douglas Community Services Network.
Abstract: Exploring the grassroots origins and community-driven development of the Port Douglas Community Service Network Inc. This presentation will highlight how a group of local women sitting around a kitchen table, established a vital community service organisation, driven by strong stakeholder engagement, effective networking, and broad-based local support. It will also showcase the collective efforts that led to securing the financial and community backing necessary to design and construct a purpose-built Centre—tailored to the unique needs and climate of the Port Douglas region.
This will be an informal, story-driven session held around a kitchen table on the back deck of the Neighbourhood Centre, creating a relaxed and reflective space that encourages open conversation and shared memories. The session will feature past staff and committee members who were directly involved in the grassroots collaboration that led to the establishment of the Port Douglas Community Service Network Inc.
5. Clink Outside How do we listen to and honour First Nations people after the referendum – Stephen Corporal and Emily McConochie & Kylie Deen
Bio: Dr Stephen Corporal is an Eastern Arrernte man with close family connections to many other First Nations people, born in Townsville and lives in Jagera Country southeast Queensland. Stephen completed a PhD in 2020 titled “Identity, roles, and expectations influence on Indigenous university students when building the Indigenous health workforce” and a Grad Cert in Indigenous Leadership and Research. He is a board member of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and IAHA NT WD. Stephen is a visiting Research Fellow at QUT and is employed the University of Melbourne as a Senior Research Fellow in the Indigenous Data Network. He is passionate about CD work with the Indigenous Community.
Emily McConochie: Emily is a Wakka Wakka woman living on Jagara/Ugarapul Country. She is based at the University of Queensland in the School of Social Science. She is currently involved in two projects: one, Indigenising the Curriculum for the School of Social Science across their five disciplines and a second project led by Allanah Hunt, Katelyn Barney and Tracey Bunda, with an incredible multi-disciplinary team reviewing their curricula across Science, Engineering, Music, Geography, Veterinary Studies, Biomedical Science and Science. Emily has previously been the General Manager for Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation and has worked in previous roles as a Community Development practitioner and trainer. She is a Director on the Board of the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation.
Kylie Deen is a Proud Gubbi Gubbi Woman who is employed as the First Nations Lead for Community Plus and has worked from West End Community House. Kylie has over 26 years of experience in community organisations
Abstract: The Critical Conversation will be a follow on of the discussions about which way shall we as Indigenous and non-Indigenous (Allies) community development workers proceed or have proceeded after the referendum. Indigenous methods including deep listening and a yarning circle will used to engage with each other to hear and listen to each other about how we have engaged and worked beside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities over the last couple of years. Outcomes of this critical conversation will contribute to better engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 11:00am – 12:30pm
6. Town Hall A: Local answers to global questions: Neighbourhood Centre community food project – Leah Sanderson
Bio: Leah has lived in Ipswich / Tulmur for four years, and currently works on the Community Food Program with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. In 2024 she completed a master's in Narrative Therapy & Community Work (Dulwich Centre & Melbourne University) and had worked across sectors and projects, including facilitating the Shakespeare Prison Project (Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble) and co-producing the award-winning podcast ‘Birds Eye View’ (StoryProjects) in the Darwin women’s prison.
7. Town Hall B Our journey towards culturally responsive practice (45mins) – Dan Dwyer, Julie Theakson & Miriam Fejo
Bio: Dan Dwyer is a Pitjantjatjara man originating from the Northern Territory, holds a Bachelor of Education and has worked for MCC for five years in the roles of Cultural Practice Advisor, Senior Intensive Family Support Worker and Family and Child Connect Worker. He has been working in the sector for twelve years with several organisation across the region cairns to the Tablelands and lived in Mareeba for eight years.
Julie Theakston is a Social Worker by profession and has been CEO of Mareeba Community Centre for ten years. She has been working in the community services sector for twenty-five years and has lived in Mareeba for twenty-seven years.
Miriam Fejo is a proud Yidinji and Larrakia woman with several qualifications in education. She has worked at MCC for six years in the roles of Cultural Practice Advisor, Community Programs Coordinator, Family Programs Coordinator, and Intensive Family Support Worker and has been working in the sector for nine years. Miriam was born and raised on the Atherton Tablelands, moved away to work in several other Indigenous communities and has lived in Mareeba for ten years.
Abstract: The Journey – We will reflect on the origins of our service and offer insights into the growth and evolution of MCC over the years, highlighting the significant milestones that have shaped our community engagement.
The Now – We will explore the development of the Cultural Practice Advisor (CPA) role and how it has enhanced support for community members accessing services. This section will also outline the strategic thinking that led to a deeper organisational commitment to genuine support for First Nations peoples. We will share the key foundations that have reshaped our approach and strengthened our cultural awareness.
Where to from here – Looking ahead, we consider what is required to meet the needs of our community into the future. This includes aligning our ongoing cultural responsiveness with MCC’s strategic goals and embedding cultural practice into our daily operations and service delivery, featuring a cultural resource created by the First Nations staff at MCC.
In conversation with Louise Judge and Virginia Wacker:
Sharing our learnings around CD in regional Queensland (45mins)
– Louise Judge & Virginia Wacker
8. Town Hall B: In conversation with Louise Judge and Virginia Wacker: Sharing our learnings around CD in regional Queensland
Bio: Louise Judge is an experienced and passionate community worker, currently managing the Chinchilla Community Centre. Louise has worked in both the South Burnett and the Western Downs. In Chinchilla, Louise works with community members to bring together their ideas and interests to address community challenges. This has led Down many varied paths, not always with predicted outcomes but always with incidental learnings and people.
Virginia Wacker is a dedicated Community Development Officer whose career spans both the Toowoomba and Blackall-Tambo regions of Queensland. In her current role with the Toowoomba Regional Council via Millmerran Community Support Service, she collaborates with community groups, not-for-profit organizations and individuals to enhance access to human and social services, council programs, funding opportunities, and engages with people to support and develop local initiatives. Virginia's commitment to community development is further exemplified by her involvement in the "Dress the Central West" project, a regional arts initiative that utilized wearable art to tell the stories of the community. This project not only showcased and enhanced the skills and abilities of local people but also fostered a sense of pride, unity and hope among participants and the wider community during a period of prolonged drought in Central West Qld. Known for her ability to connect people with essential services and initiatives that meet the unique and diverse needs of communities she is connected to, Virginia is passionate about building strong, connected communities that are not reliant on others to shape their futures.
Abstract: What CD looks like in real life in smaller regional Qld towns and districts. The importance of wider community relationships and how sometimes we have to 'do what we have to do, to get the job done'! A short snippet of a wider CD project that took place in Central West Qld - Dress the Central West, will be played and there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask Q's at the end of the Q & A presentation.
9. Clink Theatre: Crafting community development into everyday practice – Heather Ellis, Helen Betts & Susan Allan
Bio: With extensive experience of working in and with communities, Helen, Heather, and Susan bring diverse practice perspectives, from rural, urban, international, educational and community-based settings. We all share a passion for community led change and how to work with the limitations of current practice environments. We want to explore with you how to sustain your developmental practice, wherever you are working for change.
Abstract: This workshop has its origins in the current practice dilemmas facing people working with and in communities. People are seeking support to renovate their practice and their organisations to have a greater focus on community development. People in practice have expressed the desire to engage more deeply with their community, to explore other ways of working to connect, act on local issues, and create spaces that welcome change. Those with a mandate for community-facing work identify the limitations of existing tools and structural barriers and are curious about what a developmental community centred method can offer. Drawing on current practice examples, the workshop will discuss what we have learned when working together to elevate community voice. The workshop process is shaped by our work alongside Queensland (Australia) community based and community development practitioners, rural and remote Local Government Community Development workers and a Neighbourhood Community Centre emerging from a corporate focus. People will have the opportunity to share the complexities of their own practice and leave the workshop with key practical approaches to insert developmental work into everyday work.
10. Hub Outside Seeking to be better allies: Whitefella collective trauma and the need for healing – David Tutty
Bio: Dr David Tutty is the Executive Officer of the Toowoomba Catholic Social Justice Commission. This work includes advocacy and education for justice focusing on issues that are raised by First Nations peoples, refugees and asylum seekers and care of our common home – planet earth. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, he has also lived for many years in South Africa and Australia. His doctorate is from the University of South Africa and looks at what contributes to Anglo Celtic Christians taking social justice more seriously.
Abstract: This critical conversation seeks to explore what might contribute to Whitefellas better hearing First Nations voices and concerns and better walking alongside them. Looking at the centuries before invasion and colonisation, events in the British Isles left the majority of people wounded from ongoing structural violence and disconnected from land and place, from community and ancestors, from the divine and healthy spiritualities, from their own bodies and from the rest of creation. These disconnections live on as a collective trauma that limits our ability for empathy, our willingness to face the truth of history and our basic moral compass. In order to better hear First Nations voices we need to do our own work and our own healing.
11. Hub Inside Weaving connections: Learning from the culturally diversity network model in Toowoomba (15mins) – Fatima-Zahra Blila
Bio: In her role as Community Development Officer at Toowoomba Regional Council, Fatima-Zahra (first name) Blila combines innovation, engagement, and participatory practice to address social issues and strengthen outcomes for culturally diverse communities. She draws on evaluation and co-design to create inclusive, impactful solutions.
Her passion and advocacy for culturally marginalised individuals are deeply rooted in her own migration experience from Morocco to Australia nearly a decade ago. Fatima-Zahra’s work is further informed by academic studies in linguistics, development practice, and program evaluation, which together shape her approach to fostering equity, belonging, and social cohesion.
Abstract: This story explores the evolution—and ongoing reinvention—of the Toowoomba Regional Council's Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) as a collaborative platform advancing inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness. Rooted in a logic model shaped by community consultation and sector needs analysis, the CDN seeks to bridge gaps between culturally diverse communities and service providers. Guided by a human development approach, the network creates a dynamic space where individuals and systems can engage meaningfully, fostering mutual learning and trust.
The presentation reflects on both the successes—such as increased sector connectedness and community agency—and the challenges, including structural barriers to participation, and the evolving role of Council in community-led models.
12. Hub Inside: Bridging generations: Supporting young people for a brighter future (15mins) – Miatta Wighton & Kate Marian Rose
Bio: Miatta Wighton is the Community Support Worker (Social Work) at Pomona and District Community House. She works individually with community members in her support role as well as facilitating Adolescent Allies – Parenting Beyond Childhood and co-facilitating The Social for young people. With five years’ experience co-facilitating youth spaces at PCH, she holds a Bachelor of Learning Management and a Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Miatta’s background includes early childhood teaching, AOD support, mentoring young parents, and supporting new mothers. Drawing on her lived experience raising four children through adolescence, she is passionate about working relationally and fostering social connection to build strong, resilient communities.
Kate Marian Rose joined Pomona and District Community House (PCH) in 2023, and facilitates the weekly youth program, The Social. Kate is the event producer of PCH’s signature youth-led multi-generational community engagement events, Pomonapalooza, Palooza Unplugged and Pride Party. In 2025, Kate was the project coordinator for PCH Youth Initiative ‘NextGen Creatives’, mentoring young people in community events. Kate has a background in education (Associate Degree Learning Management), forest school, community news journalism, music performance, and event production. Kate’s approach to community work is to empower people by amplifying their voices, encouraging talents and aspirations and strengthening community connections.
Abstract: In this story circle presentation, Pomona & District Community House shares insights from their community engagement projects, including the complementary programs The Social and Adolescent Allies. These initiatives foster intergenerational connection through intentional and organic community engagement. The Social brings young peopletogether through shared meals, creative expression, life skills, and community engagement events. Adolescent Allies supports parents, grandparents, and caregivers of adolescents, promoting empathy, shared learning, and resilience. Youth and community workers Miatta Wighton and Kate Marian Rose will reflect on designing inclusive, social spaces where mutual respect, co-learning, and collaboration thrive. Their project stories will explore how relationship-building, co-creation, and shared responsibility, underpin their intergenerational initiatives. Pomona & District Community House programs embody community development in action—demonstrating how diverse age groups can collaborate, learn from one another, and foster social cohesion to build a brighter future.
13. Hub Inside: Digital connectivity: How to embrace community connections, life-long learning and health (15mins) – Nicole Carroll
Bio: As FNQ Regional Development & Engagement Manager for NBN, Nic Carroll helps lift digital capabilities through collaboration, advocacy and helping people do great things with resilient, fast and reliable internet. Nic brings over 25 years' experience in corporate communications, strategic planning, community and economic development roles to facilitate better outcomes for regional and remote communities.
Abstract: As a critical digital infrastructure provider, NBN is uniquely positioned to deliver significant improvements to virtually every aspect of our lives with faster, more reliable broadband, enhancing social inclusion, economic outcomes, workforce participation, education and healthcare. What role do we each play to lift digital abilities and provide a safe online presence for social and economic benefits.
14. NC Back Deck : A story about changing ageism in place (15mins) – Isabel Stankiewicz
Bio: Isabel Stankiewicz is an experienced community development practitioner and holds a Master of Development Practice majoring in Community Development, Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion, and Bachelor of Arts. Currently, Isabel is a community development officer with Brisbane City Council, her work focuses on Seniors.
Abstract: Join Isabel for a story about challenging ageism in Brisbane. The story will focus on a project in collaboration with ADA, Celebrating Ageing and Brisbanites. It shares how they unite to spread the powerful message that Old is Beautiful.
15. NC Back Deck: Stories for change through the amplification of older voices (1.25hrs) – Karen K Wilson & Celsie Mead & Isabel Stankiewicz
Bio: Karen Wilson is the Executive Officer of the newly established Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Body, led by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland. This initiative supports older Queenslanders to age well and remain socially connected. Karen holds an Honours degree in Psychology and brings nearly a decade of experience in co-designing, delivering, and evaluating community education and engagement programs, as well as managing volunteers. Celsie Mead has been a valued volunteer with Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland for over five years. With more than two decades’ experience in public service communications, she ran workshops, campaigns, and seminars to help organisations develop and implement best-practice safety systems. Since retiring, Celsie has generously shared her time across several community roles, including as a Telecross caller with the Red Cross, a residential aged care visitor, and a dedicated Council on the Ageing Queensland volunteer. She first joined us as a Volunteer Community Peer Navigator on our Wellbeing pilot program, later becoming an aged care mentor on our Home Care Workforce Support Program, where she also contributed to our SNACK podcasts. More recently, she has been part of the Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Services program. Outside of COTA, Celsie volunteers at her local neighbourhood centre, supporting activities such as morning teas, community education, and book club, and is currently organising their Seniors Month celebrations. She is passionate about sharing her lived experience to help others age well, stay connected, and live their best lives, as well as influencing government policy to support positive ageing.
Isabel Stankiewicz is an experienced community development practitioner and holds a Master of Development Practice majoring in Community Development, Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion, and Bachelor of Arts. Currently, Isabel is a community development officer with Brisbane City Council, her work focuses on Seniors.
Abstract: Delivered in collaboration with the Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Services Program (led by Council on the Ageing Queensland) and Brisbane City Council. You’re invited to an engaging and interactive workshop exploring community development through the lens of ageing well.
During this interactive workshop, we will journey together through three powerful Stories for Change, shining a light on age-friendly communities, ageism, and strengthening social connection. Through a narrative process, participants will share stories to connect to your own experiences of community development practices and principles. This rich conversation will inspire new insights, celebrate community strengths, and spark shared wisdom.
At the end of the workshop you will have a deeper understanding of how community development approaches support resilience, inclusion, and meaningful connection in later life.
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 1:30pm – 3:00pm
16. Town Hall A: It takes a village: Community development in death, dying and grief – Cara Doherty
Bio: Cara Doherty is a Community Development Practitioner at Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice. With over 20 years’ experience across palliative care, aged care, refugee settlement, family support, local government, and international development, her work now focuses on strengthening community capacity to care through illness, dying, death, and grief. She is passionate about helping people feel confident and equipped to support one another and about building networks that honour our shared humanity. Cara’s practice is rooted in the belief that connection and strong community are vital for all of us to feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Abstract: Care for those who are ill, dying and grieving was once a shared responsibility, woven into everyday community life. As dying became medicalised and death outsourced to professional industries, much of this collective knowledge and care has been lost. While this shift is prominent in countries with highly medicalised health systems, many cultures around the world continue to uphold communal and relational approaches to end-of-life care.
This interactive workshop explores how community development approaches can help reclaim and reweave these roles across the lifespan and across place. Drawing on local Queensland stories, the Compassionate Communities movement, and global insights, we’ll reflect on how end-of-life care can once again become a shared, community-held experience. Participants will engage in storytelling, reflective prompts, and group discussion to explore the role of community in supporting people through illness, dying, death, and grief. Attendees will leave with practical tools and insights for personal, community, and professional practice.
17. Town Hall B: Intergenerational approach to CD – Breaking the service provision mould CD (15mins AV) – Kellie Griffiths
Bio: Kellie Griffiths is the Neighbourhood Centre CEO at St David's Neighbourhood Centre.
Abstract: Exploration of the multicultural and intergenerational 'Ageless Play' program at St David's Neighbourhood Centre from it's development to now, discussing challenges and outcomes. Discussion regarding how a CD approach to intergenerational activities can break down barriers and shift traditional service provision along the Developmental Continuum.
18. Town Hall B: The Read Bears Effect (15mins) – Tanya Stevenson
Bio: Tanya Stevenson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Tanya has over two decades of experience in working in the NFP sector. Tanya has an undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Education. Tanya has led the strategic expansion of the HBNC to include the implementation of the Neighbourhood Collective, the development of the Neighbourhood Hive (Youth & Innovation Centre) and Urangan Wellness Centre as well as their first social enterprise, The Wandering Teapot. Tanya is committed to partnerships across our region and improving the social outcomes for everyone through social innovation and development.
Abstract: The HBNC Read Bears project brings literacy to life by pairing Year 1 children (ages 6–7) with lovingly hand-knitted teddy bears, each uniquely crafted by knitting volunteers and personalised with a nametag. The program is delivered across 25 Queensland Schools and looking to continue to grow, fostering reading motivation, language development, and emotional connection. Children are encouraged to read to their furry companions every weeknight, turning bedtime into a joyful, self‑directed literacy ritual. This playful approach also invites family participation, strengthening support for reading at home. The Read Bears project blends comfort, storytelling, and community spirit to spark imagination and build early literacy with lasting impact.
19: Town Hall B: Peer led workshops (45mins) – Gillian Marshall
Bio: Gillian has been working hard with community in various forms for over 25 years including working in an Aboriginal community. Gillian is passionate about building strength and positive social change in communities.
Abstract: Completing a skills audit of regulars and community members and then crafting the space, time support with facilitation and resources to deliver a workshop or series to share. E.g. cartooning, clothing alterations, mosaics, etc.
20. Town Hall B: An open space for all (15mins) – Peter Hogg & Ana Greenfield
Bio: Peter is a social worker and community development worker who passionately believes in and works for equity and justice for all human and non-human beings. As a community worker at Nambour Community Centre, and managing the Centre’s Open Space, Peter works directly with a diverse cross-section of the local community, including those most disadvantaged and vulnerable. Peter bases his practice on the Love Ethic and believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. He models this in his practice through kindness and the offering of respect and care to all people he works with.
Ana has been working across not for profit and local government sectors for over 25 years. She has been at Nambour Community Centre since 2017 where she has worked in different roles including community development worker, multicultural worker and since 2022 as Manager. She has ‘walked alongside’ the work of activating the OpenSpace at NCC and has many stories to share.
Abstract: Nambour Community Centre’s Open Space is a vibrant, changeable space where all people are welcomed. Facilitating this space requires the constant holding of tension between inclusivity, openness and the need to be a welcoming and safe space for all, with solid boundaries around behaviours. Operating as both a place to facilitate social connection and a drop-in space providing essential services and individual support, our Open Space is increasingly accessed by those in need of an emergency response.
The space also holds activity-based groups and is a doorway to other Community Centre groups. Negotiating the competing needs of those who frequent the Open Space and ensuring the well-being of those accessing our Centre requires intentional work. Intention is also required to attempt developmental work in a space often associated with crisis responses. Our session aims to explore these competing priorities and tensions.
21. Clink Theatre: Local Government as a connector for Domestic Violence – Jo Dawson
Bio: Jo Dawson has worked for the LGAQ since October 2024, prior to this Jo worked with the Queensland State Government. Starting her career through the Premiers Policy Futures Graduate Program, Jo has worked with many different state departments over her 5 years in State Government. Coming from humble beginnings and not finding her passion until later in life, Jo uses her lived experience and her passion for social justice for all in everything she does.
Abstract: Presentation to share insights into what local communities need to create meaningful change in relation to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) works with the 77 local governments in Queensland to assist them to raise awareness of DFV and work with their local communities to create meaningful change. As part of this work the LGAQ is developing a support resource for councils who are working in this space.
22. Hub inside: How might we change the narrative on suicide? A critical conversation grounded in community – Gill Townsend & Stephanie Coleman
Bio: Gill Townsend, Senior Manager – Suicide Prevention, Beacon Strategies Gill has over 40 years of experience in direct social services management, design, and delivery. Commencing her career as a residential social worker in London, Gill has worked in disability advocacy, as Coordinator of a women's refuge, and in both the Human Rights Commission and Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission. For the past 15 years, Gill has worked in the mental health arena with a particular focus on person-led service delivery and design. She has also held positions as President of Queensland Alliance for Mental Health and Deputy Chair of Queensland Domestic Violence Council.
Stephanie Coleman, Project Coordinator – Suicide Prevention, Beacon Strategies, Stephanie is a seasoned professional in the social services industry with extensive operational leadership experience in not-for-profit organisations. She excels in designing and implementing innovative models, coordinating complex projects, and fostering collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes. Stephanie drives initiatives that promote social inclusion, connection and participation, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing human rights and social justice principles.
Abstract: How Might We Change the Narrative on Suicide? This participatory session explores how dominant narratives about suicide shape the way our communities understand and respond to distress, and how community development practice can help reimagine more connected, collective and life-affirming approaches. Rather than framing suicide solely as an individual or clinical issue, the conversation will examine its social, cultural and systemic roots. Drawing on community-based work in Far North Queensland, we will explore the shift from “what’s wrong with the individual?” to “what does our community need to thrive?”. Through storytelling and reflective dialogue, participants will consider:
· What narratives currently dominate?
· Who is left out?
· What would a new, community-rooted story sound like?
The aim is not to arrive at one answer, but to create space for diverse voices, wisdom and grounded hope that can spark possibilities for narrative change in each participant’s context.
23. NC Back Deck A Bama Story – Captain Cook’s Journey to Reconciliation – Alberta Hornsby, Loretta Sullivan, and Cynthia Gordon
Bio: Loretta Sullivan - President Cooktown Reenactment
Alberta Hornsby - Previous Vice-President Cooktown Reenactment and First Nations representative and voice
The Cooktown Reenactment Association is a dedicated community-based group committed to preserving and reinterpreting the historical events surrounding the 1770 landing of Lieutenant James Cook in Cooktown, Queensland. For over 50 years, the Association has played a central role in staging the annual Cooktown Discovery Festival’s signature event, the Reenactment of Cook’s landing, bringing history to life through theatre, storytelling, and local participation. In recent years, the Association has worked closely with local Bama Elders and cultural leaders to evolve the Reenactment into a more truthful, balanced, and respectful portrayal of first contact. The focus has shifted from a colonial narrative to one that recognises the courage and sovereignty of the Bama people, whose actions during the original encounter demonstrate strength, humanity, and cultural continuity.
Today, the Cooktown Reenactment Association continues to foster understanding, reflection, and healing through its performances and community engagement. It is a living example of how local history, when told inclusively, can challenge stereotypes, honour Indigenous perspectives, and inspire meaningful community development.
Abstract: This engaging and reflective session explores the story of the first encounter between Captain Cook’s crew and the Bama people through First Nations perspectives, inspired by Elder Alberta Hornsby’s “Two Cultures, One People.” Through storytelling, guided reflection, and open dialogue, participants are invited to examine the impact of colonial narratives, uncover personal and societal biases, and experience truth-telling as an act of reconciliation and healing. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify conscious and unconscious bias, understand the influence of systemic racism on historical and contemporary narratives, and appreciate the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing. The session encourages cultural humility, respectful listening, and practical reflection on how these insights can be applied in community development.
24. Clink outside: Sharing community stories which make us stronger – Leah Sanderson
Bio: Leah has lived in Ipswich / Tulmur for four years, and currently works on the Community Food Program with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. In 2024 she completed a master's in Narrative Therapy & Community Work (Dulwich Centre & Melbourne University) and had worked across sectors and projects, including facilitating the Shakespeare Prison Project (Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble) and co-producing the award-winning podcast ‘Birds Eye View’ (StoryProjects) in the Darwin women’s prison.
Abstract: What do you call the fire in the pit of your belly that drives you to do the work you do? Who in your community has influenced you most in your journey, or who might be proud to see how far you’ve come? When people think of your community, what themes jump to mind? And what is it about your home that you really want others to understand? Drawing on narrative practices Leah (MA Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 2024) will facilitate a workshop with small group conversations to reimagine some of the stories we tell ourselves, and some of the stories told about us and our communities.
Day Two Final Plenary 3:15pm – 4:00pm
- Welcome to Country
- “Reimaging the past, shaping the future” Video Presentation & Group Dialogue
- Launch of Community Development Institute Initiative
Day One Concurrent Sessions 11:00am – 12:30pm
1. Town Hall A: Birthing a National Institute for Participatory Community Development: where we started and where we are now – Patricia Ferrier
Bio: The workshop will be presented by members of the CDII Steering Committee, including Carmel Daveson (Convenor), Bea Rogan, Helen Betts and Trish Ferrier. The Steering Committee of the CDII have been meeting since 2022 following a Colloquium of CD practitioners who made the decision to establish a Community Development Institute. The Steering Committee is made up of community development practitioners with over 300 years of experience working and training in Community Development.
Abstract: This workshop will provide background to conference participants about the work of the Community Development Institute Initiative (CDII) and how it has led to the decision to establish a new national body with the mission to enhance the practice of Participatory Community Development.
This historic decision has been the result of three years work by the many people involved in the CDII.
The workshop will inform participants about:
1. What we have heard in our engagement process.
2. What are the key issues for the establishment of a New Body?
3. An introduction to the structure?
4. How you can participate?
The workshop will provide participants with more detailed information about the development of the new National Body and will empower them to be involved in its future development, whether as an individual, or representing either a registered or unregistered an organisation at the locality, regional or state level etc.
2. Town Hall B: Unpacking “place-based”: Is everything old new again? – Chris Mundy
Bio: Chris Mundy is the Sector Lead: Policy and Research for Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ). He's worked in the Neighbourhood Centre sector for over 12 years, as well as in schools, post adoption support and faith-based contexts. He has a Master of International and Community Development, Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Ministry.
Abstract: An overview of new place-based intiatives will be firstly presented from a state and national perspective, highlighting the various approaches, features and practices. Following an overview, a number of defintions of CD will be offered. It will be explained that in this session, participants will explore whether place-based initiatives are the modern day equivalent of community development or whether there are major differences. The way this will be explored is by presenting place-based terms one by one, and discussing each one's relationship with CD in small groups. Terms to unpack will include co-design, co-production, community-led, collective impact and co-delivery. Summaries of each table discussion will be shared to the broader group
3. Clink Theatre: Collaborative living: Where to start – Andrea Chamberlain & Darren Finlay
Bio: Community Engagement - Atherton Team - PeoplePurposePlace. Andrea has worked in various settings to bring people together, working through change, introducing new ideas and building group capacity. Presenting to groups through face to face and conversations, listening and responding to the groups dynamics and understanding. Leading meetings and organising events across the Tableland
Abstract: Collaborative Housing - Designing for the future with consideration of the challenges faced when people live together. We recognise that living with others is an economic and resources preferred style, but it creates the questions around how to live together. PeoplePurposePlace has been developing a framework of workshops to support and empower people to find their place. Our focus is on People - this is the heart of our work, being responsive and aware of the regions we live in. Purpose - a safe home with a secure future that accommodates various groups and needs. Place - the physical building in which to make a home with others.
4. HUB inside: Past echoes and future spaces: Designing for belonging – Tanya Stevenson
Bio: Tanya Stevenson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Tanya has over two decades of experience in working in the NFP sector. Tanya has an undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Education. Tanya has led the strategic expansion of the HBNC to include the implementation of the Neighbourhood Collective, the development of the Neighbourhood Hive (Youth & Innovation Centre) and Urangan Wellness Centre as well as their first social enterprise, The Wandering Teapot. Tanya is committed to partnerships across our region and improving the social outcomes for everyone through social innovation and development.
Abstract: This immersive workshop explores how communities across the globe foster belonging through “hardware” (infrastructure) and “software” (programs). Drawing on insights from recent visits to Dubai, Amsterdam, London, Iceland, Toronto, and Nepal, participants will be guided through global stories and invited to reimagine inclusive, thriving neighbourhoods. Through storytelling, placemaking, and collaborative design, the session bridges past and future honouring community memory while inspiring new possibilities. Participants will engage in group discussions and creative exercises to spark ideas for their own neighbourhoods. Led by Tanya Stevenson, recipient of the SILA Scholarship, this workshop blends lived experience with international research to spark future thinking for building connected communities.
5. HUB outside: The beauty of timing – Kylie Murphy, Angela Turvey, Joselle Griffin, John Flack, Helen Montgomery & Fiona Miller
Bio: Kylie has spent over 20 years championing Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), believing that every community holds the keys to its own success. As Community Development Officer at Brighton Council, she works shoulder-to-shoulder with young people, community, local groups, and organisations to uncover strengths, spark ideas, and turn them into action. Her Master’s thesis explored how ABCD in Tasmanian councils can transform health and wellbeing outcomes. From the Brighton Youth Action Group to the Community Creators program and a youth-led recruitment initiative, Kylie’s projects share one thing in common; putting people at the heart of change and proving that great things grow from the ground up.
Growing up in a small Tasmanian community, Angela knows the strength of people coming together to solve challenges, celebrate wins, and support each other through tough times. She has naturally gravitated toward community development, inspired by grassroots action that showcases the strengths of local people and places. After graduating from the University of Tasmania in 1994 with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) and a Graduate Diploma in Social Research, Angela built a career as a marketing and research consultant in Melbourne. In 2013, she returned home to be near family and has since worked in local government across governance, communications, and community development.
Joselle Griffin is a proud Palawa woman with a big heart for small moments that spark lasting change. As a Project Officer for the Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Service, she’s happiest sitting in a circle with young people, sharing stories and dreaming up better futures. Known for blending creativity with practicality, Joselle helps communities uncover their strengths and run with them. She has worked across youth spaces, Aboriginal rights advocacy, and grassroots projects, always making sure every voice is heard. Whether launching new ideas or working quietly behind the scenes, she’s driven by connection, culture, and keeping it real while getting things done.
Since leaving high school in 1985, John has worked in retail, manufacturing, and community services. He has a Master of Social Work and has worked as a family support worker, school social worker and an intensive family practitioner. He has had many volunteering roles over the years including with the Foster Care and Kinship Care Association of Tasmania. John currently work as the youth engagement officer with the Brighton Council supporting the Brighton Youth Action Group (BYAG).
Fiona is a passionate ABCD practitioner and facilitator. She loves creativity and finding stories with community for making change. Community development and building capacity so everyone finds purpose and belonging keeps her happy and busy. Her background includes local government, youth, early years, education, community leadership, inclusion poking the bear! Systems change and strategy is everyone’s role. She is always looking for ways to bring people together and loves that. Art and food cross all languages and brings joy and connection. Coffee anyone?
Abstract: In a world where collaboration can be complex, the right partners at the right moment can transform possibilities into impact. The Beauty of Timing brings together five key partners, Local Government, State Government, Tasmanian Aboriginal Legal Services, the Jeder Institute, and community itself: each with distinct visions, yet united by a shared commitment to achieving the best outcomes for young people.
Through courage, trust, and a willingness to embrace participatory practice, our collective has discovered the power of “trusting the process.” This presentation will explore the tools and approaches that have shaped our journey; storytelling, Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) principles, blending diverse community development practices, developing governance processes from the bottom up, and amplifying the quiet voices too often left unheard.
Join us as we share real-world examples of how timing, collaboration, and community-led approaches have worked hand in hand to create meaningful, lasting change for young people.
6. NC Back Deck: A values-based approach to working with First Peoples (45 mins) – Lesley Shuttleworth
Bio: Originally from South Africa Lesley learned about community from the Zulu and Mpondo peoples and her practice is still shaped by this early learning. She managed Neighbourhood Houses in Narrm (Melbourne) for 25 years. Later moving to Borderlands Cooperative, she developed programs and projects also contributing to the revitalisation of the organisation. Now working for the NED (Nurturing Evolutionary Development) Foundation she supports community-based projects which explore, engage and enable local communities to contribute to social change and ecological development.
Lesley holds a Masters in Sustainability and Social Change (formerly Integrative and Transformative Practice)
Abstract: Lesley will share her experience of learning about the concept of uBuntu (the philosophy of Humanity) in South Africa and how this has assisted her practice in Australia.
In this session we’ll explore:
* what constitutes different worldviews and why an appreciation of our shared humanity and our cultural differences matters.
* how we can integrate the United Nations Charters on the Right of Indigenous Peoples, Human Rights and the Rights of the Child into our practice with First Peoples.
* Some of the principles we can use to guide us
* How the use of community compacts can provide an agreed foundation for our work.
* The ‘location’ of community work with First Peoples
* Working toward regenerative work which is underpinned by a commitment to ‘walking together.
A Conversation Café will allow for the further exploration of these ideas and encourage participants to develop their own approach and commitments to this work
7. NC Back Deck: It’s our birthday! 40 years and Benarrawa is still flowing… (45 mins) – Paula Callaghan & Sandiellen Black
Bio: My name is Sandiellen Black, and since November 2016 I’ve loved coming to Benarrawa each Tuesday and Thursday to work with John and Paula, strengthen relationships, and bring Benarrawa’s strategic directions and community development framework to life. I hold a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of NSW and began my career as a sole community development worker in a Neighbourhood Centre in Western Sydney, where I grew up. My broad experience spans disability, maternity reform, government, not-for-profit, and health sectors. In recent years, I’ve especially valued working alongside residents and partners to build neighbourhood resilience to natural disasters and emergencies.
My name is Paula Callaghan, and I’ve been a Community Development Coordinator at Benarrawa since 2012. I hold a Social Work and Social Policy degree from the University of Queensland (2000) and have over 20 years’ experience in diverse organisational settings, with a passion for community development approaches that connect people and build relationships. At Benarrawa, I’ve seen growing attendance at our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group events, reflecting increased community awareness of First Nations issues. Working alongside cultural workers, Elders, and auspice groups, I value creating safe, collaborative spaces for people and groups to work alongside each other, in solidarity.
Abstract: Join us to celebrate Benarrawa’s 40-year journey of intentional community development through a Reflective Team process. Facilitator Sandiellen will guide the session, explaining the process before interviewing Paula to uncover how Benarrawa has sustained a successful culture of connection, a flat structure, and strong strategic guidance where relationships and “taking time” matters. Paula will share key turning points—both planned and unexpected—that have shaped practice, including solidarity with First Nations Peoples, intergenerational relationships, and the integration of art, dance, music, food, and ceremony. She will also explore how “doorstep visits” have become a core outreach strategy for disaster resilience and neighbourhood connection. Participants will listen, then share reflections on what resonated, how it connects to their experiences, and future practice possibilities. Paula will respond with her reflections and new insights. Each participant will take home a one-page Reflective Team guide to explore the process further.
Cancelled: 8. Clink Outside: Finding strength in numbers: The power of collective healing in communities (1.5 hrs) – Alan Blackshaw
Bio: Alan Blackshaw is the founder of Herding Together. He is a community builder working from an Assets Based Community Development (ABCD) perspective. He has spent his career working to serve and build community. He has experience as an educator, public servant, disability support worker, local government officer and in community development – both as a frontline worker and as a manager of a team of community development workers. He has over 30 years experience in working with the community, the last 16 in local government. He has experience in building community from the grassroots up. He is now continuing to serve the community by working to create strong communities and organisations.
He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences and a Masters Regional and Community Development. At the core of his practice are social justice principles.
Alan is currently based in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
Abstract: This workshop is based on two decades of experience of working in community to build strong and supportive places to be. The answer to any issue or perceived problem is community. Community is where we heal from trauma. It is when we are in relationship with others that we heal. This is not to neglect the important role of medical advice and therapy but without living in community we can never truly heal.
Day One Concurrent Sessions 1:30pm – 3:00pm
9. Town Hall: A Local government supporting community development practice – Gail Price
Bio: I’ve worked in community development in the community and local government sectors for around 45 years, with adventures in Victoria, Darwin and now in South East Queensland.
An inner-city high-rise public housing estate near Melbourne was my most significant role and place of learning. The community welcomed me and taught me about place-based work, acting on the systems that disadvantage us, and the strength of communities in maintaining and improving conditions and opportunities. We gathered and connected through celebrations, social enterprises, community gardening, education and recreation programs, public art and so much more.
Abstract: The City of Moreton Bay, situated between Brisbane City Council and the Sunshine Coast, has been providing community development training to residents and workers in human services sectors since 1999. The range of training opportunities continues to develop.
We’ll talk about the City of Moreton Bay experience as a transferable example of how we can extend community development practice. Please bring your questions, information and experience to add to the learning, so that together we can create a list of suggested actions for people wondering how they can get their local Council involved.
Within this topic, we’ll also talk about working in community development within the large bureaucracy of local government. How do we get to do the work? What are the simple questions to ask ourselves to help stay on track, working with community to achieve sustainable outcomes? We’ll have activities to prompt us, that you can add to your resources.
10. Town Hall B: Uncomplicating community development: A simple 4 step framework – Sally Foreman, Chris Mundy, Natalie Saroglia & Natasha Odgers
Bio: Sally Foreman - Sector Projects Officer, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland
Sally holds a Master's degree in Development Practice and has 14 years of community development experience, both internationally and in Australia. She has been with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland for just over a year, contributing to multiple projects. Sally is the lead developer of NCQ's micro-credentials, including one focused on community development in Neighbourhood Centres.
Chris Mundy, Sector Lead: Policy and Research, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland.
Chris has worked in the Neighbourhood Centre sector for over 12 years, as well as in schools, post adoption support and faith-based contexts. He holds a Master of International and Community Development, Graduate Diploma in Psychology and Bachelor of Ministry.
Natasha holds an honours degree in community development and has over 15 years of experience as a community development practitioner. She has taught community development to community members, practitioners, and university students. For the past six years, she has worked with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland, applying a developmental approach, and is co-author of the Enhancing Community Development in Neighbourhood Centres report.
Abstract: This interactive workshop and presentation introduces a practical 4-step framework developed by Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) in collaboration with the Neighbourhood Centre sector and Queensland Government partners. Designed to foster a shared understanding of community development across diverse roles within Neighbourhood Centres, the framework is grounded in theory but communicated in clear, accessible language. Its flexible design allows each Centre to reflect its unique identity and community needs. While created specifically for Neighbourhood Centres, the adaptable framework holds strong potential for broader application by local community organisations, groups, and councils. Its versatile structure supports various community development approaches, ensuring relevance across contexts while maintaining core principles and outcomes. The session will demonstrate how the framework can enhance community engagement, planning, and collaboration across the wider community services landscape, with participants actively exploring its practical application through discussion.
11. Clink Theatre: Community connection through music (15mins) – Emma Heard
Bio: Emma is a health and arts-based researcher with a passion for social equity. Emma’s research experience has focused on sexual violence prevention, and as a health promotion practitioner she has worked with a range of communities implementing strengths-based approaches to health and wellbeing. Emma is interested in understanding and shifting the social power structures that create inequity within our society. Emma led the Creative Change Project's West End case study, where this research was conducted.
Abstract: Participatory music-making by, for and with a community has great potential to support personal, community and societal transformations towards social equity. The Australian Research Council funded, Creative Change Project, based at Griffith University's Creative Arts Research Institute, is a national project investigating this potential. In this story circle, we share findings from three community music programs conducted in partnership with our local neighbourhood centre, West End Community House, Community Plus+ and social sector organisation Micah Projects. The programs involved community members with diverse backgrounds and experiences coming together to engage in live music events, play music together, and participate in songwriting workshops. We identified positive health and well-being implications for participants including joy, healing and a sense of purpose, creative self-expression, confidence, social connection and contribution. Importantly, outcomes extended to the broader community as activities supported community ties, promoted safety and contributed to the shaping and sharing of collective identity. This research demonstrates how the arts can play an important role in strengthening health, community and social sector efforts to address inequity.
12: Clink Theatre: A Human centred, locally led and culturally informed approach to disaster recovery – learnings for community development. Chantal Devereaux Larkin, Kate Hams & Brett Matthews
Bio: Kate Hams, Principal Community Recovery Officer – Far North Queensland. Kate has work extensively across the sectors of Community Development, Local and State Government across norther Australia but has been working in Cape York for over a decade. Kate was part of the Community Recovery Team that were brought together to lead the Human and Social Recovery of the Wujal Wujal community after Tropical Cyclone Jasper caused widespread damage to the region that resulted in the displacement of the entire Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire Council area.
Brett Matthews is the Director, Statewide Service Delivery for Community Recovery, in Queensland, with Community Recovery being the state lead for Human and Social Recovery Services. Brett leads the provision of critical front-line services to support Queenslanders impacted by incidents, crises and disasters. Brett and his team work closely with a broad range of government and non-government stakeholders to provide financial, emotional and wellbeing support when communities are impacted by a disaster or crisis. This support is provided across all parts of the state, with overlapping events, ranging in size from very small communities to disasters impacting large parts of the state, ranging from bushfires to flooding through to supporting community responses to serious crimes. Brett’s passion is to build partnerships and work collaboratively within and across Government and service providers to meet community needs. Prior to working in Community Recovery, Brett had an extensive career in State and Federal Government roles. Brett is a strong supporter of the national principles for Disaster Management including locally led recovery and continues to refine how services are delivered to be responsive to local needs.
Abstract: Community Recovery will deliver a 15-Minute Story Circle to highlighting the key roles, how these roles interfaced between Traditional Owners, community and agency, and learnings that support ongoing community development.
- Human and Social Recovery
- Culturally Informed Framework
- State Human and Social Functional Recovery and Resilience Group
- Sub committee 60-day plan
- 5 functional recovery pillars
- Exploring the pivotal roles in Community Recovery
- Creating a shared understanding of the complexities of the community
- Immersion in the cultural context of a community during recovery
- Adapting the focus to lead the rebuild of a community from a Human and Social lens
- Inclusion of community in the decision-making process
13. HUB inside: Women’s voices from the waitlist: Storytelling, systems and the practice we found along the way – Kylie Lowe & Ashley Campbell
Bio: Kylie has spent the last two decades working alongside communities to create change, with a focus on women’s health, youth programs, and social impact. Now leading Community Engagement and Partnerships within the Housing Older Women’s Support Service at Footprints Community, she’s passionate about working in genuine collaboration with those who are often unheard. At the conference, she’s sharing Women’s Voices from the Waitlist — a storytelling project that shines a light on the real experiences of women experiencing housing stress. She believes in the power of lived experience to drive better systems, stronger communities, and more compassionate responses.
Ashley has been with the Housing Older Women Support Service since July 2024 as Community Education Facilitator, working at Footprints Community to provide women with support and information through coffee catch up/drop ins, workshops & events, assertive outreach. Also, focusing on building relationships and connections with service providers to wrap around older women experiencing housing stress and homelessness. Ashley prides herself in creating safe and welcoming space for women to express themselves, feel heard and supported in continuing their housing journey.
Abstract: Women’s Voices from the Waitlist honours the lived experiences of women impacted by intake and case management waitlists. Through a series of in-person and online consultations, women courageously shared stories of waiting for housing support—revealing fear, uncertainty, strength, and resilience. The project created a safe and inclusive space for reflection, validation, and an opportunity to gather feedback to inform future approaches for better supporting women on the waitlist, particularly around housing insecurity and barriers to accessing services.
While not formally trained in community development, we were guided by values of equity, collaboration, and shared power. In this Story Circle, we’ll share our process, learnings, and stories—and open up a conversation. What community development frameworks or practices do you see in this work?
This session speaks to People-Led Change, Resilience Through Reflection, Storytelling for Change, and Sustainable Futures. You’re invited to listen, reflect, and join a collective exploration of how the lived experience and courage shared through this process has the power to influence conversations and inspire progress.
14. Hub outside: Human Library
15. NC Back Deck: Sustaining yourself in the work – Helen Betts & Milly Nixon
Bio: Milly Nixon is a community development worker who is passionate about creating transformational change in our communities. Milly is currently working in the homelessness sector with The Salvation Army and is involved in projects that aim at building the capacity of our communities in responding to homelessness as well as creating responsive service delivery that is directly informed by listening. Milly's interests include communal self-care (a wholistic focus on self-care that centres relationships, accountability and moral commitments to our wider social fabric) as well as building compassionate communities around death and dying.
Helen and Milly, have experience in conducting and being part of peer learning, supervision and mentoring. Through our experience of working in range of contexts in community facing roles, we are interested in the exploration of what sustains people in this work for the long term. We are interested in how people look after themselves in front-line work, remembering that we have a social responsibility to the people in the communities we serve.
Abstract: We would like to challenge current assumptions around self-care and wellbeing as practitioners. We feel like this dialogue has an individualised approach that is not sustainable; we suggest that having a holistic approach, which includes connection with community, having a clear framework and critical reflection, is how we will create sustainable practice.
16. Clink Outside: Cultural safety: Why does it matter? (1.5 hrs) – Anna Rolandsen & Naome Rusera
Bio: Anna: Manager of Community Development and Engagement at ECCQ and has worked in the multicultural sector since 2011, after having worked as a teacher in Australia and overseas.
Naome: Executive Officer at ECCQ, currently works with young CALD people through the ECCQ youth network. Naome comes from a settlement sector and policy background.
Abstract: This presentation explores the transformative potential of culturally-safe practice in community development, guided by the central question: “How can we create culturally safe spaces to ensure inclusion, equity, participation, and access for all—and why does it matter?” It highlights the importance of intentional engagement with culturally diverse communities, emphasizing proactive rather than reactive approaches.
The workshop will include a brief overview of three projects delivered by Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland:
1. Youth Connections project with the Banyamulenge community
2. Empowering Queensland’s Leaders mental health resource co-design project
3. Speak My Language (Disability) podcast project – interviews facilitated by multicultural people with a disability
Followed by a space for discussions on how to work alongside multicultural community members, how to facilitate community-led initiatives and strategies to overcome some of the challenges that emerge when engaging with CALD communities.
Day One Concurrent Sessions 3:30pm – 5:00pm
17. Town Hall A: The circles of ownership in participatory community development practice – Carmel Daveson & Bea Rogan
Bio: Carmel and Bea are experienced in community development and have unwavering dedication to social change.
Carmel Daveson is an experienced trainer, coach, action-based researcher and practitioner with over 40 years of experience in the Community Service, Health, Arts and Local Government sectors.
Bea is a skilled and experienced trainer and practitioner who has co-authored and conducted numerous training sessions on the subject of community development, project management, governance, strategic planning and, most recently, community development approach to planning in small communities.
Abstract: This workshop will focus on the skills of building ownership in PCD practice - the movement from private concern to public action. In particular we will explore together the important micro layer and the skill of dialogue in building ownership.
18. Town Hall B: Community pantry: A different lens on traditional emergency relief provision (15mins) – Nadia O’Donnell
Bio: Nadia O'Donnell - Better Together Support Services, Atherton - Manager of the NC and Co-ordinator of the Community Support and Development Team. Currently managing Pantry weekly and seeing 80-90 families accessing.
Abstract:
Why Pantry is crucial to local community members
What it takes to make a successful Pantry work
The Journey of Better Together Community Pantry
The importance working with other community-based organisations and networks
19. Town Hall B: From Relief to Resilience (1.25hrs) – Sharon Gingell & Caroline Cuckson
Bio: Sharon Gingell has over 30 years' experience in the community sector, having worked across a number of areas including family support, homelessness, domestic violence, mental health and community development.
In her current role as Coordinator of Northside Connect, Sharon is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management of the organisations 3 program areas, Nundah Neighbourhood Centre, The Domestic Violence Program and the Brisbane North Community Legal Service.
Caroline Cuckson: Master of Management in Community Management, Advanced Diploma of Business Management
Caroline Cuckson is a community development practitioner with over 25 years’ experience across the not-for-profit, government, and commercial sectors, with deep expertise in change management, strategic planning, and resilience-building.
In her role as Director of Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Caroline has focused on reviewing programs through a Community Development lens and working to shift delivery models from transactional assistance to approaches that build resilience and strengthen local capacity.
She is passionate about co-designing solutions with community, leading teams that actively listen and respond to local needs, and creating service models that centre dignity, choice, and connection.
20. Clink Theatre: Resilience in action – Melinda McInturff & Sandiellen Black
Bio: Community development in disasters is paramount to ensure that all voices are heard and that preparedness, response, and recovery is community-led. The presentation will show examples of community development across several disaster areas such as floods, fire, cyclones, and heatwaves. We will showcase critical conversations across these areas in Queensland.
Abstract: Melinda McInturff is a community development professional with over 14 years of experience at Community Plus Queensland -Yeronga Community Centre, a key initiative of Community Plus Queensland Inc. Throughout her career, Melinda has played a pivotal role in leading community-led disaster recovery and resilience initiatives in response to major events, including the 2011 and 2022 Brisbane floods and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Renowned for her innovative and inclusive approach to community development and engagement, Melinda has spearheaded award-nominated projects such as Food With Thought and mental health-focused craftivism initiatives. Her work has been recognised through accolades like the Resilient Australia Award, highlighting her commitment to fostering connected, empowered, and resilient communities.
Melinda brings deep expertise in grassroots leadership, crisis response, and long-term community resilience planning. Her work continues to inspire collaborative action and strengthen the social fabric of communities across Queensland.
21: Hub Inside: They’re not just here to eat pizza: backing young people in local government – Jenna Williams, Etuina Suavai, Shalane Anderson, Elisa McFadzan & Katrina Morrissey
Bio: Jenna Williams - Queensland Program Manager, Young Mayors Foundation for Young Australians. With more than 15 years of experience in not-for-profit, social enterprise, and health promotion, Jenna loves working with local communities to create meaningful impact. Throughout her career, she has been privileged to work alongside passionate activists, artists, and young people in communities across Victoria and Queensland, leveraging her strong project management and programming skills to drive collaborative, place-based community initiatives. Jenna is continually inspired by young people's passion and drive to create positive social change, and their naturally generous and inclusive approach to achieving it.
Etuina Suavai - Cairns Program Assistant, Young Mayors Foundation for Young Australians. Etuina is a proud Torres Strait / Samoan woman living and working on Gimuy Country. She is the Young Mayors Program Assistant based in Cairns. Her primary responsibility is to guide and empower the young individuals through the nomination and campaign phase, and to support them in fulfilling a term in office. From organising events to running workshops, Etuina is the young people’s first point of contact for all matters FYA related.
Shalane Anderson - Community Development Officer - Wellbeing, Cairns Regional Council Relatively new to local government, Shalane has spent her career working with young people. With a passion for community, communication and understanding what makes people thrive, she has held roles in the community development and health communication fields. Shalane joined Cairns Regional Council as the Young Mayors Program was being established locally and has learned about the world of local government alongside the young people. Inspired by young people, their sense of fun, willingness to think outside the box and challenge norms, she regularly asks herself if she is too old to still be working with young people and dreads the day the answer is yes.
Elisa McFadzan - Community & Youth Development Officer, Community Lifestyle Mackay Regional Council Elisa McFadzen is a passionate community and youth development practitioner whose journey began long before she understood what those words meant. Growing up in rural Queensland, she was the young person who believed her ideas and actions mattered—and now, in a full-circle moment, she works to make sure others feel the same. At Mackay Regional Council, Elisa supports the Mackay Youth Council and works alongside community leaders to turn grassroots ideas into meaningful change. A social enterprise founder, disaster recovery facilitator, and strengths-based practitioner, she brings compassion, curiosity, and what her colleagues call “golden retriever energy” to every space she’s in.
Katrina Morrissey - Community & Youth Development Officer, Community Lifestyle Mackay Regional Council. Katrina Morrissey joined the Community Programs team at Mackay Regional Council in early 2024 where she plays a key role in supporting the Young Mayors program and a range of youth-focused initiatives across the region. With a career spanning the energy, health and education sectors, Katrina brings a broad and balanced perspective to her work with young people. She is inspired by their creativity and honesty (although sometimes brutal) and finds great fulfilment in witnessing young people realise their own potential. Her cross-sector experience informs her strengths in fostering youth leadership and civic engagement—equipping young people with the tools and support to drive meaningful change in their communities
Abstract: Local councils and young people have a shared experience of feeling youth advisory groups are ineffective. For Council there can be a sense that the young people hang out and do a lot of talking but never get any outcomes ("they just eat pizza and talk about things that they never deliver"). While young people feel they are again being asked what they think, only to find little comes of it. The Mackay and Cairns Youth Councils are among the first in Australia to be established through the Young Mayors program. The program backs young people to create a better future for their region through democratically elected youth councils. Join us to explore the factors that enable young people to have influence on the
decisions that affect them. And the challenges and learnings that come with backing young people to lead on their vision, while also building institutions’ trust and capabilities to listen.
22. Hub outside: Turning up the volume – Maggie Shambrook
Bio: As a founding participant of the Housing Older Women Movement in early 2020, Maggie brings over 40 years of community sector work as a community development practitioner to expressing and actioning a shared vision of a voice for women in creating new housing choices.
This means skills, experience, and expertise in working alongside community members and other people at all levels in public, community, and private systems and structures to collaborate and create change that results in a fairer, more equitable, and kinder community and society.
Abstract: How do we build momentum for direct citizen participation that truly influences public systems to be more inclusive, equitable, and just? This session explores the power of community-led advocacy, particularly in addressing critical issues such as access to affordable housing. Together we will unpack what makes “advocacy by the people, for the people” effective, and what barriers continue to mute community voices. Through small group activities and shared dialogue, participants will explore who is in the room and why, identify common and divergent themes, and consider the history and possibilities of community-led housing in Queensland. Using participatory processes, we will frame key questions, generate responses, and capture shared insights. The session will conclude with a summary of key takeaways and opportunities for alliances. By reimagining how advocacy can be done, we move from cycles of exclusion toward pathways of transformation led by those most affected.
23. NC Back Deck: Bridging generations: Connecting past wisdom with future innovation – Rucy Rusera & Sahba Hamid
Bio: Rucy Rusera combines her youthfulness and facilitation skills to drive future-focused problem solving. Coming from a CALD background, she brings both lived experience and insight into the challenges of reconnecting with culture while navigating third-culture identities, alongside the need for culturally appropriate support services. She has facilitated workshops and trainings across Queensland and Australia on Culturally Responsive Practice and the National Youth Settlement Framework. With a strong focus on youth engagement, Rucy is passionate about empowering young people with the skills and confidence to initiate meaningful conversations with their parents, strengthening family connections and fostering mutual understanding across generations.
Sahba Hamid brings extensive experience in facilitating community engagement and leadership development with a focus on intergenerational and women dialogue. Having worked with diverse groups across cultural and professional sectors. As the Community Relations Manager at SSI, she is passionate about empowering communities through capacity building, women’s engagement, and leadership development. With a background in fostering partnerships between diverse stakeholders, she works to create opportunities where women can lead, influence, and drive positive change. Her initiatives emphasize skill-building, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving, ensuring communities have the tools and confidence to thrive.
Abstract: In today’s rapidly evolving world, innovation is often driven by new technologies and fresh ideas. However, true progress emerges when we combine the lessons of the past with the vision of the future. This workshop, Bridging Generations: Connecting Past Wisdom with Future Innovation, explores the dynamic relationship between historical knowledge and contemporary creativity. Participants will discover how intergenerational dialogue can spark new solutions, strengthen communities, and inspire more sustainable decision-making. Through interactive discussions, practical activities, and real-world examples, we will uncover ways to integrate timeless principles into modern problem-solving. Whether you are a leader, educator, entrepreneur, or community member, you will gain strategies to foster meaningful connections between age groups, harness diverse perspectives, and create shared visions for progress. Join us in reimagining the future—not by leaving the past behind, but by carrying its wisdom forward into a world of possibility.
24: Clink Outside: Mapping my community: Community activities & community voices – Geoff Higgins
Bio: Geoff Higgins (he/him) is doing a PhD in community development at CQUniversity. Geoff is a volunteer and practitioner in CD through his boutique consulting firm. Geoff lives on Darumbal country in Rockhampton Queensland. He is curious about what brings us to the work of CD, and what sustains us in the work. Geoff takes great joy in facilitating progress towards a group’s imagined and desired future.
Abstract: There is a lot of talk about ‘community voices’ in community development, especially when we talk about ‘people led change’. But much of the work is done and led by people employed in service delivery roles or in government; and sometimes we struggle to find and involve the people who can be the authentic voice of the community. Grassroots voices are a necessity, not an aspiration. This session is about how and where we find the people who bring the voice of community into community development. You will map out community activities, and see where community voices can be found among them.
Conference dinner 6:30pm – 8:30pm, Hemmingway's Brewery Port Douglas
Day Two - 16th October
- Town Hall Introducing day two
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 9:00am – 10:30pm
1. Town Hall A: Keeping it real: Disability, power and practice in everyday community work – Bailey Wemyss
Bio: Bailey is a proud Wurundjeri person living on Gubbi Gubbi/Kabi Kabi lands, a neurodivergent and disabled consultant and senior educator, disability advocate, and social work student and research assistant, currently completing their social work placement in a neighbourhood centre. They have decades of lived experience, policy engagement, and public speaking. Their work is grounded in intersectional ethics and the lived reality of navigating systems designed without disabled people in mind.
Abstract: This yarning circle unpacks the ethics and realities of disability-inclusive practice in community development. With a focus on everyday actions and values, we’ll explore what real inclusion looks like – beyond buzzwords and compliance. Through critical dialogue (and an intersectional lens), we’ll consider how power, access, and systemic ableism shape our work, using both personal experience and sector-based critique. The session will incorporate the Community Work Australia Code of Ethics (CWA, 2024) and Ife’s (2009) ethical principles to guide grounded, values-driven discussion.
2. Clink Theatre: Charge Up! Learning practices for sustainable futures (1.5 hr) – Deanna Borland-Sentinella, Sally Foreman, Kristy Madden & Melanie Maher
Bio: Deanna enjoys the work of representing sector issues and supporting sector needs with a peak organisation. Prior to working at QCOSS Deanna has been a consultant for teams and organisations who are looking to integrate a Community Development approach into their work, and also taught at universities in Maganjin/ Brisbane on Community Development. Deanna’s PhD explored Community Development in the context of Futures Thinking, utilising creative approaches. Deanna can also be found performing in playback theatre, choirs and community bands.
Sally Foreman - Sector Projects Officer, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. Sally holds a Master's degree in Development Practice and has 14 years of community development experience, both internationally and in Australia. She has been with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland for just over a year, contributing to multiple projects. Sally is the lead developer of NCQ's micro-credentials, including one focused on community development in Neighbourhood Centres.
Melanie is a designer, strategist and educator living and working in Meanjin/Brisbane. Her practice explores the application of strategic design and visual communication to advance social justice and environmental sustainability. Her work has contributed to significant change — it’s informed government policy, influenced funding, grown public awareness and shaped educational programs. Melanie has over 15 years experience as a designer and strategist, both internationally and in Australia. She has been working with peak body Neighbourhood Centres Queensland (NCQ) for the past 4 years, leading and contributing to a broad range of projects. Melanie has 10 years experience as a design lecturer, has been internationally recognised for lecturing, and teaches within UQ’s school of Architecture, Design and Planning.
Abstract: How can people transition to more environmentally sustainable ways of being in the world, now and into the future? What role do community conversations, peer learning practices and community development approaches play in creating more sustainable futures? In this presentation and workshop, we will share stories, learnings and insights from the Charge Up! Project, which is seeing 20 community development workers from across Queensland connect with their community members as they begin to adapt to a changing climate and shifting resource needs.
Energy is a need in our lives. Yet for too long, the energy system has been complex and inaccessible, leaving many without the knowledge or support to take control of their energy use. The Project aims to change this by building a peers-network who share the concern for supporting the community to navigate the energy system, through the practice of banding or mezzo level work. Through community education, Energy Educators are shifting power back to the people - literally, by making energy information engaging, accessible and actionable. Hear stories from both the community workers who became Energy Educators and the project coordinators about how they have applied CD approaches, including the 0 1 3 approach, Elicitive approach and the Spiral Method. Engage in an interactive workshop and walk away with fresh ideas for how you can apply community development approaches to contribute to building more sustainable and equitable futures.
3. Hub Inside: Measuring what matters – using social media data and collaboration to shape young futures – Belinda Tessieri & Maria Leebeek
Bio: Belinda Tessieri, Youth Engagement Officer at GCYS empowers young people through projects and workshops that amplify their voices and foster meaningful engagement. Belinda plays a key role in strengthening the youth sector by supporting professional development initiatives, student placements, and fostering collaboration to enhance services and opportunities for young people.
Abstract: Gold Coast Youth Service (GCYS) will share how we embed social impact data and collaboration into our practice to better support young people aged 12–25. Drawing on over 40 years of community-based work, we'll explore how data can be effectively captured to demonstrate social impact and used not just for reporting, but to inform service design, improve outcomes, and advocate for systemic change.
4. Back Deck: Built by the people (kitchen table conversation) – Mandy Stone, Jane Simpson & Julia Leu
Bio: Mandy Stone initially came to Port Douglas last century to work at the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre as the Community Development Worker.
Mandy has had a number of roles in the organisation since then, including Manager, Nic Nak Shed Volunteer, Playgroup coordinator, group participant and now Management Committee member. Mandy is a Social Worker who still works with James Cook University as a Social Work Educator. Her passion is community development and education. Mandy has high regard for the role of Neighbourhood Centres within community and the valuable contribution to community made by local paid and unpaid staff. Jane Simpson moved to the Far North 40 years ago and has spent the past 20 years as a Social Worker and social justice advocate, specialising in DFV, housing, homelessness, and family support. In the Eighties, she and her partner launched one of Port Douglas’s first outer reef snorkelling companies, promoting reef conservation. When her first child arrived, Jane noticed the lack of activities and support for families. She joined with local women to start playgroups, build playgrounds, and attract resources. These grassroots efforts grew into the Neighbourhood Centre and today’s Port Douglas Community Services Network.
Abstract: Exploring the grassroots origins and community-driven development of the Port Douglas Community Service Network Inc. This presentation will highlight how a group of local women sitting around a kitchen table, established a vital community service organisation, driven by strong stakeholder engagement, effective networking, and broad-based local support. It will also showcase the collective efforts that led to securing the financial and community backing necessary to design and construct a purpose-built Centre—tailored to the unique needs and climate of the Port Douglas region.
This will be an informal, story-driven session held around a kitchen table on the back deck of the Neighbourhood Centre, creating a relaxed and reflective space that encourages open conversation and shared memories. The session will feature past staff and committee members who were directly involved in the grassroots collaboration that led to the establishment of the Port Douglas Community Service Network Inc.
5. Clink Outside How do we listen to and honour First Nations people after the referendum – Stephen Corporal and Emily McConochie & Kylie Deen
Bio: Dr Stephen Corporal is an Eastern Arrernte man with close family connections to many other First Nations people, born in Townsville and lives in Jagera Country southeast Queensland. Stephen completed a PhD in 2020 titled “Identity, roles, and expectations influence on Indigenous university students when building the Indigenous health workforce” and a Grad Cert in Indigenous Leadership and Research. He is a board member of the Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) and IAHA NT WD. Stephen is a visiting Research Fellow at QUT and is employed the University of Melbourne as a Senior Research Fellow in the Indigenous Data Network. He is passionate about CD work with the Indigenous Community.
Emily McConochie: Emily is a Wakka Wakka woman living on Jagara/Ugarapul Country. She is based at the University of Queensland in the School of Social Science. She is currently involved in two projects: one, Indigenising the Curriculum for the School of Social Science across their five disciplines and a second project led by Allanah Hunt, Katelyn Barney and Tracey Bunda, with an incredible multi-disciplinary team reviewing their curricula across Science, Engineering, Music, Geography, Veterinary Studies, Biomedical Science and Science. Emily has previously been the General Manager for Jinibara People Aboriginal Corporation and has worked in previous roles as a Community Development practitioner and trainer. She is a Director on the Board of the Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation.
Kylie Deen is a Proud Gubbi Gubbi Woman who is employed as the First Nations Lead for Community Plus and has worked from West End Community House. Kylie has over 26 years of experience in community organisations
Abstract: The Critical Conversation will be a follow on of the discussions about which way shall we as Indigenous and non-Indigenous (Allies) community development workers proceed or have proceeded after the referendum. Indigenous methods including deep listening and a yarning circle will used to engage with each other to hear and listen to each other about how we have engaged and worked beside Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities over the last couple of years. Outcomes of this critical conversation will contribute to better engagement with Indigenous Peoples and communities.
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 11:00am – 12:30pm
6. Town Hall A: Local answers to global questions: Neighbourhood Centre community food project – Leah Sanderson
Bio: Leah has lived in Ipswich / Tulmur for four years, and currently works on the Community Food Program with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. In 2024 she completed a master's in Narrative Therapy & Community Work (Dulwich Centre & Melbourne University) and had worked across sectors and projects, including facilitating the Shakespeare Prison Project (Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble) and co-producing the award-winning podcast ‘Birds Eye View’ (StoryProjects) in the Darwin women’s prison.
7. Town Hall B Our journey towards culturally responsive practice (45mins) – Dan Dwyer, Julie Theakson & Miriam Fejo
Bio: Dan Dwyer is a Pitjantjatjara man originating from the Northern Territory, holds a Bachelor of Education and has worked for MCC for five years in the roles of Cultural Practice Advisor, Senior Intensive Family Support Worker and Family and Child Connect Worker. He has been working in the sector for twelve years with several organisation across the region cairns to the Tablelands and lived in Mareeba for eight years.
Julie Theakston is a Social Worker by profession and has been CEO of Mareeba Community Centre for ten years. She has been working in the community services sector for twenty-five years and has lived in Mareeba for twenty-seven years.
Miriam Fejo is a proud Yidinji and Larrakia woman with several qualifications in education. She has worked at MCC for six years in the roles of Cultural Practice Advisor, Community Programs Coordinator, Family Programs Coordinator, and Intensive Family Support Worker and has been working in the sector for nine years. Miriam was born and raised on the Atherton Tablelands, moved away to work in several other Indigenous communities and has lived in Mareeba for ten years.
Abstract: The Journey – We will reflect on the origins of our service and offer insights into the growth and evolution of MCC over the years, highlighting the significant milestones that have shaped our community engagement.
The Now – We will explore the development of the Cultural Practice Advisor (CPA) role and how it has enhanced support for community members accessing services. This section will also outline the strategic thinking that led to a deeper organisational commitment to genuine support for First Nations peoples. We will share the key foundations that have reshaped our approach and strengthened our cultural awareness.
Where to from here – Looking ahead, we consider what is required to meet the needs of our community into the future. This includes aligning our ongoing cultural responsiveness with MCC’s strategic goals and embedding cultural practice into our daily operations and service delivery, featuring a cultural resource created by the First Nations staff at MCC.
In conversation with Louise Judge and Virginia Wacker:
Sharing our learnings around CD in regional Queensland (45mins)
– Louise Judge & Virginia Wacker
8. Town Hall B: In conversation with Louise Judge and Virginia Wacker: Sharing our learnings around CD in regional Queensland
Bio: Louise Judge is an experienced and passionate community worker, currently managing the Chinchilla Community Centre. Louise has worked in both the South Burnett and the Western Downs. In Chinchilla, Louise works with community members to bring together their ideas and interests to address community challenges. This has led Down many varied paths, not always with predicted outcomes but always with incidental learnings and people.
Virginia Wacker is a dedicated Community Development Officer whose career spans both the Toowoomba and Blackall-Tambo regions of Queensland. In her current role with the Toowoomba Regional Council via Millmerran Community Support Service, she collaborates with community groups, not-for-profit organizations and individuals to enhance access to human and social services, council programs, funding opportunities, and engages with people to support and develop local initiatives. Virginia's commitment to community development is further exemplified by her involvement in the "Dress the Central West" project, a regional arts initiative that utilized wearable art to tell the stories of the community. This project not only showcased and enhanced the skills and abilities of local people but also fostered a sense of pride, unity and hope among participants and the wider community during a period of prolonged drought in Central West Qld. Known for her ability to connect people with essential services and initiatives that meet the unique and diverse needs of communities she is connected to, Virginia is passionate about building strong, connected communities that are not reliant on others to shape their futures.
Abstract: What CD looks like in real life in smaller regional Qld towns and districts. The importance of wider community relationships and how sometimes we have to 'do what we have to do, to get the job done'! A short snippet of a wider CD project that took place in Central West Qld - Dress the Central West, will be played and there will be an opportunity for the audience to ask Q's at the end of the Q & A presentation.
9. Clink Theatre: Crafting community development into everyday practice – Heather Ellis, Helen Betts & Susan Allan
Bio: With extensive experience of working in and with communities, Helen, Heather, and Susan bring diverse practice perspectives, from rural, urban, international, educational and community-based settings. We all share a passion for community led change and how to work with the limitations of current practice environments. We want to explore with you how to sustain your developmental practice, wherever you are working for change.
Abstract: This workshop has its origins in the current practice dilemmas facing people working with and in communities. People are seeking support to renovate their practice and their organisations to have a greater focus on community development. People in practice have expressed the desire to engage more deeply with their community, to explore other ways of working to connect, act on local issues, and create spaces that welcome change. Those with a mandate for community-facing work identify the limitations of existing tools and structural barriers and are curious about what a developmental community centred method can offer. Drawing on current practice examples, the workshop will discuss what we have learned when working together to elevate community voice. The workshop process is shaped by our work alongside Queensland (Australia) community based and community development practitioners, rural and remote Local Government Community Development workers and a Neighbourhood Community Centre emerging from a corporate focus. People will have the opportunity to share the complexities of their own practice and leave the workshop with key practical approaches to insert developmental work into everyday work.
10. Hub Outside Seeking to be better allies: Whitefella collective trauma and the need for healing – David Tutty
Bio: Dr David Tutty is the Executive Officer of the Toowoomba Catholic Social Justice Commission. This work includes advocacy and education for justice focusing on issues that are raised by First Nations peoples, refugees and asylum seekers and care of our common home – planet earth. Originally from Aotearoa New Zealand, he has also lived for many years in South Africa and Australia. His doctorate is from the University of South Africa and looks at what contributes to Anglo Celtic Christians taking social justice more seriously.
Abstract: This critical conversation seeks to explore what might contribute to Whitefellas better hearing First Nations voices and concerns and better walking alongside them. Looking at the centuries before invasion and colonisation, events in the British Isles left the majority of people wounded from ongoing structural violence and disconnected from land and place, from community and ancestors, from the divine and healthy spiritualities, from their own bodies and from the rest of creation. These disconnections live on as a collective trauma that limits our ability for empathy, our willingness to face the truth of history and our basic moral compass. In order to better hear First Nations voices we need to do our own work and our own healing.
11. Hub Inside Weaving connections: Learning from the culturally diversity network model in Toowoomba (15mins) – Fatima-Zahra Blila
Bio: In her role as Community Development Officer at Toowoomba Regional Council, Fatima-Zahra (first name) Blila combines innovation, engagement, and participatory practice to address social issues and strengthen outcomes for culturally diverse communities. She draws on evaluation and co-design to create inclusive, impactful solutions.
Her passion and advocacy for culturally marginalised individuals are deeply rooted in her own migration experience from Morocco to Australia nearly a decade ago. Fatima-Zahra’s work is further informed by academic studies in linguistics, development practice, and program evaluation, which together shape her approach to fostering equity, belonging, and social cohesion.
Abstract: This story explores the evolution—and ongoing reinvention—of the Toowoomba Regional Council's Cultural Diversity Network (CDN) as a collaborative platform advancing inclusion, equity, and cultural responsiveness. Rooted in a logic model shaped by community consultation and sector needs analysis, the CDN seeks to bridge gaps between culturally diverse communities and service providers. Guided by a human development approach, the network creates a dynamic space where individuals and systems can engage meaningfully, fostering mutual learning and trust.
The presentation reflects on both the successes—such as increased sector connectedness and community agency—and the challenges, including structural barriers to participation, and the evolving role of Council in community-led models.
12. Hub Inside: Bridging generations: Supporting young people for a brighter future (15mins) – Miatta Wighton & Kate Marian Rose
Bio: Miatta Wighton is the Community Support Worker (Social Work) at Pomona and District Community House. She works individually with community members in her support role as well as facilitating Adolescent Allies – Parenting Beyond Childhood and co-facilitating The Social for young people. With five years’ experience co-facilitating youth spaces at PCH, she holds a Bachelor of Learning Management and a Master of Social Work (Qualifying). Miatta’s background includes early childhood teaching, AOD support, mentoring young parents, and supporting new mothers. Drawing on her lived experience raising four children through adolescence, she is passionate about working relationally and fostering social connection to build strong, resilient communities.
Kate Marian Rose joined Pomona and District Community House (PCH) in 2023, and facilitates the weekly youth program, The Social. Kate is the event producer of PCH’s signature youth-led multi-generational community engagement events, Pomonapalooza, Palooza Unplugged and Pride Party. In 2025, Kate was the project coordinator for PCH Youth Initiative ‘NextGen Creatives’, mentoring young people in community events. Kate has a background in education (Associate Degree Learning Management), forest school, community news journalism, music performance, and event production. Kate’s approach to community work is to empower people by amplifying their voices, encouraging talents and aspirations and strengthening community connections.
Abstract: In this story circle presentation, Pomona & District Community House shares insights from their community engagement projects, including the complementary programs The Social and Adolescent Allies. These initiatives foster intergenerational connection through intentional and organic community engagement. The Social brings young peopletogether through shared meals, creative expression, life skills, and community engagement events. Adolescent Allies supports parents, grandparents, and caregivers of adolescents, promoting empathy, shared learning, and resilience. Youth and community workers Miatta Wighton and Kate Marian Rose will reflect on designing inclusive, social spaces where mutual respect, co-learning, and collaboration thrive. Their project stories will explore how relationship-building, co-creation, and shared responsibility, underpin their intergenerational initiatives. Pomona & District Community House programs embody community development in action—demonstrating how diverse age groups can collaborate, learn from one another, and foster social cohesion to build a brighter future.
13. Hub Inside: Digital connectivity: How to embrace community connections, life-long learning and health (15mins) – Nicole Carroll
Bio: As FNQ Regional Development & Engagement Manager for NBN, Nic Carroll helps lift digital capabilities through collaboration, advocacy and helping people do great things with resilient, fast and reliable internet. Nic brings over 25 years' experience in corporate communications, strategic planning, community and economic development roles to facilitate better outcomes for regional and remote communities.
Abstract: As a critical digital infrastructure provider, NBN is uniquely positioned to deliver significant improvements to virtually every aspect of our lives with faster, more reliable broadband, enhancing social inclusion, economic outcomes, workforce participation, education and healthcare. What role do we each play to lift digital abilities and provide a safe online presence for social and economic benefits.
14. NC Back Deck : A story about changing ageism in place (15mins) – Isabel Stankiewicz
Bio: Isabel Stankiewicz is an experienced community development practitioner and holds a Master of Development Practice majoring in Community Development, Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion, and Bachelor of Arts. Currently, Isabel is a community development officer with Brisbane City Council, her work focuses on Seniors.
Abstract: Join Isabel for a story about challenging ageism in Brisbane. The story will focus on a project in collaboration with ADA, Celebrating Ageing and Brisbanites. It shares how they unite to spread the powerful message that Old is Beautiful.
15. NC Back Deck: Stories for change through the amplification of older voices (1.25hrs) – Karen K Wilson & Celsie Mead & Isabel Stankiewicz
Bio: Karen Wilson is the Executive Officer of the newly established Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Body, led by Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland. This initiative supports older Queenslanders to age well and remain socially connected. Karen holds an Honours degree in Psychology and brings nearly a decade of experience in co-designing, delivering, and evaluating community education and engagement programs, as well as managing volunteers. Celsie Mead has been a valued volunteer with Council on the Ageing (COTA) Queensland for over five years. With more than two decades’ experience in public service communications, she ran workshops, campaigns, and seminars to help organisations develop and implement best-practice safety systems. Since retiring, Celsie has generously shared her time across several community roles, including as a Telecross caller with the Red Cross, a residential aged care visitor, and a dedicated Council on the Ageing Queensland volunteer. She first joined us as a Volunteer Community Peer Navigator on our Wellbeing pilot program, later becoming an aged care mentor on our Home Care Workforce Support Program, where she also contributed to our SNACK podcasts. More recently, she has been part of the Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Services program. Outside of COTA, Celsie volunteers at her local neighbourhood centre, supporting activities such as morning teas, community education, and book club, and is currently organising their Seniors Month celebrations. She is passionate about sharing her lived experience to help others age well, stay connected, and live their best lives, as well as influencing government policy to support positive ageing.
Isabel Stankiewicz is an experienced community development practitioner and holds a Master of Development Practice majoring in Community Development, Graduate Certificate of Disability and Inclusion, and Bachelor of Arts. Currently, Isabel is a community development officer with Brisbane City Council, her work focuses on Seniors.
Abstract: Delivered in collaboration with the Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Peak Services Program (led by Council on the Ageing Queensland) and Brisbane City Council. You’re invited to an engaging and interactive workshop exploring community development through the lens of ageing well.
During this interactive workshop, we will journey together through three powerful Stories for Change, shining a light on age-friendly communities, ageism, and strengthening social connection. Through a narrative process, participants will share stories to connect to your own experiences of community development practices and principles. This rich conversation will inspire new insights, celebrate community strengths, and spark shared wisdom.
At the end of the workshop you will have a deeper understanding of how community development approaches support resilience, inclusion, and meaningful connection in later life.
Day Two Concurrent Sessions 1:30pm – 3:00pm
16. Town Hall A: It takes a village: Community development in death, dying and grief – Cara Doherty
Bio: Cara Doherty is a Community Development Practitioner at Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice. With over 20 years’ experience across palliative care, aged care, refugee settlement, family support, local government, and international development, her work now focuses on strengthening community capacity to care through illness, dying, death, and grief. She is passionate about helping people feel confident and equipped to support one another and about building networks that honour our shared humanity. Cara’s practice is rooted in the belief that connection and strong community are vital for all of us to feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.
Abstract: Care for those who are ill, dying and grieving was once a shared responsibility, woven into everyday community life. As dying became medicalised and death outsourced to professional industries, much of this collective knowledge and care has been lost. While this shift is prominent in countries with highly medicalised health systems, many cultures around the world continue to uphold communal and relational approaches to end-of-life care.
This interactive workshop explores how community development approaches can help reclaim and reweave these roles across the lifespan and across place. Drawing on local Queensland stories, the Compassionate Communities movement, and global insights, we’ll reflect on how end-of-life care can once again become a shared, community-held experience. Participants will engage in storytelling, reflective prompts, and group discussion to explore the role of community in supporting people through illness, dying, death, and grief. Attendees will leave with practical tools and insights for personal, community, and professional practice.
17. Town Hall B: Intergenerational approach to CD – Breaking the service provision mould CD (15mins AV) – Kellie Griffiths
Bio: Kellie Griffiths is the Neighbourhood Centre CEO at St David's Neighbourhood Centre.
Abstract: Exploration of the multicultural and intergenerational 'Ageless Play' program at St David's Neighbourhood Centre from it's development to now, discussing challenges and outcomes. Discussion regarding how a CD approach to intergenerational activities can break down barriers and shift traditional service provision along the Developmental Continuum.
18. Town Hall B: The Read Bears Effect (15mins) – Tanya Stevenson
Bio: Tanya Stevenson is the Chief Executive Officer of the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Tanya has over two decades of experience in working in the NFP sector. Tanya has an undergraduate in Psychology and a Masters in Education. Tanya has led the strategic expansion of the HBNC to include the implementation of the Neighbourhood Collective, the development of the Neighbourhood Hive (Youth & Innovation Centre) and Urangan Wellness Centre as well as their first social enterprise, The Wandering Teapot. Tanya is committed to partnerships across our region and improving the social outcomes for everyone through social innovation and development.
Abstract: The HBNC Read Bears project brings literacy to life by pairing Year 1 children (ages 6–7) with lovingly hand-knitted teddy bears, each uniquely crafted by knitting volunteers and personalised with a nametag. The program is delivered across 25 Queensland Schools and looking to continue to grow, fostering reading motivation, language development, and emotional connection. Children are encouraged to read to their furry companions every weeknight, turning bedtime into a joyful, self‑directed literacy ritual. This playful approach also invites family participation, strengthening support for reading at home. The Read Bears project blends comfort, storytelling, and community spirit to spark imagination and build early literacy with lasting impact.
19: Town Hall B: Peer led workshops (45mins) – Gillian Marshall
Bio: Gillian has been working hard with community in various forms for over 25 years including working in an Aboriginal community. Gillian is passionate about building strength and positive social change in communities.
Abstract: Completing a skills audit of regulars and community members and then crafting the space, time support with facilitation and resources to deliver a workshop or series to share. E.g. cartooning, clothing alterations, mosaics, etc.
20. Town Hall B: An open space for all (15mins) – Peter Hogg & Ana Greenfield
Bio: Peter is a social worker and community development worker who passionately believes in and works for equity and justice for all human and non-human beings. As a community worker at Nambour Community Centre, and managing the Centre’s Open Space, Peter works directly with a diverse cross-section of the local community, including those most disadvantaged and vulnerable. Peter bases his practice on the Love Ethic and believes in the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. He models this in his practice through kindness and the offering of respect and care to all people he works with.
Ana has been working across not for profit and local government sectors for over 25 years. She has been at Nambour Community Centre since 2017 where she has worked in different roles including community development worker, multicultural worker and since 2022 as Manager. She has ‘walked alongside’ the work of activating the OpenSpace at NCC and has many stories to share.
Abstract: Nambour Community Centre’s Open Space is a vibrant, changeable space where all people are welcomed. Facilitating this space requires the constant holding of tension between inclusivity, openness and the need to be a welcoming and safe space for all, with solid boundaries around behaviours. Operating as both a place to facilitate social connection and a drop-in space providing essential services and individual support, our Open Space is increasingly accessed by those in need of an emergency response.
The space also holds activity-based groups and is a doorway to other Community Centre groups. Negotiating the competing needs of those who frequent the Open Space and ensuring the well-being of those accessing our Centre requires intentional work. Intention is also required to attempt developmental work in a space often associated with crisis responses. Our session aims to explore these competing priorities and tensions.
21. Clink Theatre: Local Government as a connector for Domestic Violence – Jo Dawson
Bio: Jo Dawson has worked for the LGAQ since October 2024, prior to this Jo worked with the Queensland State Government. Starting her career through the Premiers Policy Futures Graduate Program, Jo has worked with many different state departments over her 5 years in State Government. Coming from humble beginnings and not finding her passion until later in life, Jo uses her lived experience and her passion for social justice for all in everything she does.
Abstract: Presentation to share insights into what local communities need to create meaningful change in relation to Domestic and Family Violence (DFV). The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) works with the 77 local governments in Queensland to assist them to raise awareness of DFV and work with their local communities to create meaningful change. As part of this work the LGAQ is developing a support resource for councils who are working in this space.
22. Hub inside: How might we change the narrative on suicide? A critical conversation grounded in community – Gill Townsend & Stephanie Coleman
Bio: Gill Townsend, Senior Manager – Suicide Prevention, Beacon Strategies Gill has over 40 years of experience in direct social services management, design, and delivery. Commencing her career as a residential social worker in London, Gill has worked in disability advocacy, as Coordinator of a women's refuge, and in both the Human Rights Commission and Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission. For the past 15 years, Gill has worked in the mental health arena with a particular focus on person-led service delivery and design. She has also held positions as President of Queensland Alliance for Mental Health and Deputy Chair of Queensland Domestic Violence Council.
Stephanie Coleman, Project Coordinator – Suicide Prevention, Beacon Strategies, Stephanie is a seasoned professional in the social services industry with extensive operational leadership experience in not-for-profit organisations. She excels in designing and implementing innovative models, coordinating complex projects, and fostering collaboration to achieve impactful outcomes. Stephanie drives initiatives that promote social inclusion, connection and participation, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing human rights and social justice principles.
Abstract: How Might We Change the Narrative on Suicide? This participatory session explores how dominant narratives about suicide shape the way our communities understand and respond to distress, and how community development practice can help reimagine more connected, collective and life-affirming approaches. Rather than framing suicide solely as an individual or clinical issue, the conversation will examine its social, cultural and systemic roots. Drawing on community-based work in Far North Queensland, we will explore the shift from “what’s wrong with the individual?” to “what does our community need to thrive?”. Through storytelling and reflective dialogue, participants will consider:
· What narratives currently dominate?
· Who is left out?
· What would a new, community-rooted story sound like?
The aim is not to arrive at one answer, but to create space for diverse voices, wisdom and grounded hope that can spark possibilities for narrative change in each participant’s context.
23. NC Back Deck A Bama Story – Captain Cook’s Journey to Reconciliation – Alberta Hornsby, Loretta Sullivan, and Cynthia Gordon
Bio: Loretta Sullivan - President Cooktown Reenactment
Alberta Hornsby - Previous Vice-President Cooktown Reenactment and First Nations representative and voice
The Cooktown Reenactment Association is a dedicated community-based group committed to preserving and reinterpreting the historical events surrounding the 1770 landing of Lieutenant James Cook in Cooktown, Queensland. For over 50 years, the Association has played a central role in staging the annual Cooktown Discovery Festival’s signature event, the Reenactment of Cook’s landing, bringing history to life through theatre, storytelling, and local participation. In recent years, the Association has worked closely with local Bama Elders and cultural leaders to evolve the Reenactment into a more truthful, balanced, and respectful portrayal of first contact. The focus has shifted from a colonial narrative to one that recognises the courage and sovereignty of the Bama people, whose actions during the original encounter demonstrate strength, humanity, and cultural continuity.
Today, the Cooktown Reenactment Association continues to foster understanding, reflection, and healing through its performances and community engagement. It is a living example of how local history, when told inclusively, can challenge stereotypes, honour Indigenous perspectives, and inspire meaningful community development.
Abstract: This engaging and reflective session explores the story of the first encounter between Captain Cook’s crew and the Bama people through First Nations perspectives, inspired by Elder Alberta Hornsby’s “Two Cultures, One People.” Through storytelling, guided reflection, and open dialogue, participants are invited to examine the impact of colonial narratives, uncover personal and societal biases, and experience truth-telling as an act of reconciliation and healing. By the end of the session, participants will be able to identify conscious and unconscious bias, understand the influence of systemic racism on historical and contemporary narratives, and appreciate the importance of intergenerational knowledge sharing. The session encourages cultural humility, respectful listening, and practical reflection on how these insights can be applied in community development.
24. Clink outside: Sharing community stories which make us stronger – Leah Sanderson
Bio: Leah has lived in Ipswich / Tulmur for four years, and currently works on the Community Food Program with Neighbourhood Centres Queensland. In 2024 she completed a master's in Narrative Therapy & Community Work (Dulwich Centre & Melbourne University) and had worked across sectors and projects, including facilitating the Shakespeare Prison Project (Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble) and co-producing the award-winning podcast ‘Birds Eye View’ (StoryProjects) in the Darwin women’s prison.
Abstract: What do you call the fire in the pit of your belly that drives you to do the work you do? Who in your community has influenced you most in your journey, or who might be proud to see how far you’ve come? When people think of your community, what themes jump to mind? And what is it about your home that you really want others to understand? Drawing on narrative practices Leah (MA Narrative Therapy and Community Work, 2024) will facilitate a workshop with small group conversations to reimagine some of the stories we tell ourselves, and some of the stories told about us and our communities.
Day Two Final Plenary 3:15pm – 4:00pm
- Final Plenary: Tying the threads
- Human Weaving Activity – Kylie Harries, Heather Ellis & Helen Betts
- “Shaping our future”: Where to from here?
The 2025 Community Development Conference is proudly organised by the Far North QLD Collective, a dedicated group of Neighbourhood Centres and Community Organisations committed to strengthening and supporting communities across the region. Our organising committee includes passionate staff and volunteers from: Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre, Mossman Community Services, Community Support Centre Innisfail, Uniting Care Australia, Neighbourhood Centres Queensland, Community Development Queensland, Blue Wren Connections, Douglas Shire Council, Mareeba Community Centre, Marlin Coast Neighbourhood Centre, Organised by Owl and Eacham Community Help Organisation.
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