A week to remember at Q Shelter
Day 1 of our biannual Regional Representatives meeting.
"We are a family country," said Uncle Jo Kirk, as he led an acknowledgement of traditional owners, "and we can be the first State to really bring ourselves together as we care for one another."
That's what this group is about: leading solutions to see our vision become a reality: where every Queenslander has a home.
On Day 1, Representatives were presented with a message stick hand-painted by Uncle Jo, with the words: "This message stick was crafted by Uncle Joe Kirk, a Wakka Wakka and Turrbal Elder.
An Aboriginal message stick was given to messengers travelling over distances to help communication and relationships.
The images centre on key themes important to Q Shelter. The Boomerang is a symbol that people will come to meet again. Feet walking toward a campfire and sharing something to drink is about making meaning.
The colour yellow is the colour of Wattle, known to bring people together. This Message Stick is a gift to each regional network. The Message Stick will be passed on to new Representatives in each place as a symbol of our relationships and our intentional work together to end homelessness and housing need."
This set an inspiring tone for the rest of the day, where Representatives workshopped solutions for Q Shelter’s 2022-23 state budget submission that reflect the needs and aspirations of our diverse housing and homelessness sector.
On Day 2, Fiona Caniglia facilitated a dialogue with Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy Queensland on issues and solutions from the collectively created communique, workshopped the previous day. Many thanks to our departmental representatives who attended, including Kathryn Cunneen, Tania Sheppard, Chantal Rain, James O'Brien, Liza Windle, Jenny Chan, Tony Wilson, Madonna Cuthbert, Chris Deighton, Stephen Hughes.
Day Two also included Innovative Pitches, where Representatives shared stories of creativity and impact in their regions.
Jessica Vidafar from Access Community Housing Company Ltd shared how they recently celebrated 30 years with a special project, Connecting Cultures, that focused on the stories of 30 different tenants and staff.
Hannah Scott from Regional Housing Limited shared the story of One Home Wide Bay, a pilot project which began in 2018. One Home includes intensive case management to support individuals to have stable housing AND whole-of-life outcomes by putting them in a house which suits their long-term journey.
Helen McGrath from Toowoomba Housing Hub shared the extraordinary story behind Winter Shelter, which saw 224 volunteers coming together to provide shelter (and, just as importantly, to build long-term friendships) with people who were sleeping rough.
Maggie Shambrook from the Housing Older Women Movement - group provided an update about the strong relationship they have been developing with the Department of Communities, Housing and Digital Economy and the way HOW M continues to provide a lived-experience voice to policy, planning reform, and new finance options.
Elvene Whitbread and Emily Mussup shared the story of Sharehouse, a Specialist Homelessness Service which provides immediate and transitional accommodation for young people aged 16-25. Cooking groups, mountain climbing, young parent play dates, beach days, and more help increase confidence, boost self-reliance and increase clients' overall wellbeing. In doing so, clients are well-equipped to maintain long-term tenancies and are surrounded by deep connections with other members of their community.
Our next event was a sector networking lunch at Victoria Park Garden Marquee, where the Hon. Leanne Enoch, MP, addressed a room full of individuals from the private sector, community sector, local and state government--all of whom are passionate about housing solutions for vulnerable Queenslanders.
In this room, conversations, connections, and encouragement were shared over incredible food. After a year with many challenges, better together was the takeaway conviction from attendees. More photos here!
From the networking lunch we moved straight into our CEO and Senior Leaders' forum. This biannual event brings together sector leaders and government to unpack the Housing and Homelessness Actions plans. It also provides the community housing and homelessness sector an opportunity to showcase its achievements and demonstrate progress on growth projects and service delivery innovations.
Representatives from the Queensland Department of Communities, Housing, and the Digital Economy--Darren Scott and Mark Wall--also provided an update on the Queensland Housing Investment Initiative and answered questions from the room. Find more photos here!
Our Q Shelter AGM kicked off with a packed room watching our Year in Review video together. A huge thanks to Ben Ashmole from Connect Creative who brought the stories from our sector to life and to Dai Gwynne Jones and his team at Portfolio for the beautifully designed Annual Report.
After a comedic address from our Treasurer, Teresa Reed, we thanked departing Management committee members Peter Bell, Michael Trotter, Joanne Bowen, and Sally Watson for their incredible contribution to Q Shelter. All our Management Committee are volunteers, and give their time and expertise so generously. We also welcomed new Committee Members Emma Whitehead, Elizabeth Brown, and Leesa Watego. We are looking forward to working with you!
Craig Brennan from Bric Housing had the pleasure of announcing the winners of the 2021 Deirdre Coghlan Professional Development Bursary. This year, there were four recipients:
We also had the enormous pleasure of inducting Q Shelter's first life members. Ross and Meredith Wiseman have spent their lives developing the community housing sector in Queensland. We honour their service. Find more photos of our AGM here.
After an AGM to remember, we enjoyed a sleep-in before the kick-off of the Dillabah Gardens Art Exhibition on Friday 26 November.
Across two-days, artists (many with lived experience of homelessness and social housing) showcased and sold their gorgeous artworks which were displayed across the walls of our office within the historic Lady Bowen precinct.
This festival event also included stall holders, live music, children's' activities, free coffee and meals, community awards, and much more! Check out the Facebook event for more photos!
At the end of a huge Celebration Week, we went home to some much-needed sleep--exhausted, but incredibly encouraged by the many people across our State who share our vision of seeing every Queenslander with a home.
It was fabulous having you there, Maggie. Thank you so much for your contribution and tireless support.
Managing Director at Community Housing Limited
3 年Great report on all the events
Consultant
3 年Great effort everyone what a fabulous series of events of learning, engaging and celebrating. Congratulations to each person who contributed to the many valuable and important outcomes achieved over this challenging year. I hope you all have a restorative break with loved ones. All the very best for the coming year. ?? Thank you for good works, ??