Giving Power to Communities

Community organisations looking to build their business skills and create sustainable futures are invited to attend an innovative and empowering conference.

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Yvette D’Ath said thePower of Communityconference (POCC) – a partnership between the Queensland Government and QUT’s Australian Centre for Philanthropy and Non-profit Studies (ACPNS) – was the first conference of its kind in the state for small to medium community organisations.

“This conference gives philanthropy, non-profit and social enterprise sector insights, strategies and ideas to make their organisations successful and sustainable,” Ms D’Ath said.

“This sector is being challenged by an increased demand for services and difficulties attracting and retaining volunteers due to people’s increasingly busy lifestyles.

“The conference aims to inspire, support and connect organisations and to equip them with the skills needed to best serve their communities.”

Featuring key speakers including Steve Austin, host of ABC Brisbane’s Drive program, Juanita Wheeler, Managing Director and founder of Full & Frank, who has delivered a TedX talk on social media for non-profits, and Jo Garner, Director of Strategic Grants, the conference provides a breadth of experience and knowledge to benefit the sector.

ACPNS Director, Associate Professor Wendy Scaife, said QUT was a university for the real world with a long commitment to helping community organisations survive and thrive.

“QUT has been teaching and researching in the non-profit and social enterprise sectors for 30 years,” Associate Professor Scaife said.

“If the leaders of our community organisations have the right practical skills and up-to-date resources, they can make the most impact for good.

“The Power of Community conference empowers members to develop all aspects of their organisations, while connecting with their peers and other leaders.

Supported by the Queensland Government’s Gambling Community Benefit Fund, the conference provides an opportunity to discuss fundraising, writing grant applications, governance, volunteer management, and marketing in a digital age.

The Power of Community Conference is being held at QUT’s Gardens Point campus on 21 November, 2019, and is open to 200 delegates. Interested organisations are invited to view the full agenda and register online at qut.edu.au/events/poc-conference.

Media contact: Richard O’Leary 0447 155 332