Thrive At Work Summit

The thrive at Work Summit brings together Community Services professionals who are committed to improving workplace and employee wellbeing, so organisations can better support our communities.

Housing and homelessness peak body Q Shelter is pleased to present this unique event and support program, featuring sector experts and frontline voices exploring what wellbeing really is, and what it means to truly thrive at work.

Expect an unforgettable experience designed to elevate the wellbeing of your people, your organisation, and yourself, through:

powerful conversations
inspiring sessions
practical tools and strategies.

The benefits continue well beyond the Summit event, as you'll receive follow-up sessions and resources to continue your wellbeing development and strengthen your workplace—all included as part of your Summit registration.

Join us to be part of something bold, future-focused and deeply needed.

Why thrive At Work?

The Community Services sector relies on compassionate, dedicated people—like you—who continually go above and beyond to support the most vulnerable in our communities.
Because we care so deeply about other people, our own care and wellbeing is often our last priority.

But as we know, we cannot support others if we don't also support ourselves.

With demand on our workforce ever increasing, and rates of absenteeism, burnout and turnover rising, the wellbeing of our people can no longer sit at the edges of organisational priorities.

thrive At Work was designed to bring our sector together to reimagine what is possible and strengthen our organisations for the better.

Thriving workplaces do not happen by accident. They are created with intention, clarity and action.

What to expect

A full day of learning, inspiration and genuine connection, that continues long after you leave the Summit:

Keynote speakers who bring fresh thinking and real-world insights
Interactive workshops with practical tools you can implement immediately
Live demonstrations of evidence-based wellbeing practices
Leadership panels featuring CEOs, frontline workers and sector innovators
Networking experiences designed for meaningful connection
Exhibitors showcasing innovative programs and workplace solutions
Follow-up sessions, resources and an online community to support you to embed what you've learned into your workplace, and support your organisation's ongoing wellbeing.

As a thank you to the organisations and leaders who have supported the thrive At Work vision from the beginning, we're offering an exclusive Early Thriver Offer in December 2025.

Become one of the first to register for the inaugural Thrive At Work Summit in 2026, and you'll enjoy Early Thriver status:

Lock in the exclusive Early Thriver ticket price for the 2026 Summit and for every Thrive At Work Summit in the future
Help shape the programme for the inaugural and future Summits by sharing your wellbeing challenges and successes with organisers
more benefits to be announced soon!

This offer will end on 8 January 2026 so don't delay: lock in our introductory price by becoming an Early Thriver now!

Michael Crossland

Michael Crossland empowers organisations with his remarkable lived experience of resilience and hope. Born with a rare life-threatening cancer and as the sole survivor of a devastating drug trial, Michael’s journey is a powerful reminder of human strength, courage, and perspective. Through his insights on mindset and purpose, he inspires teams to navigate challenges, reconnect with what matters, and bring renewed energy and compassion to their work.

Penny Gordon OAM

Penny Gordon OAM is a psychologist with more than 40 years' experience specialising in trauma, organisational wellbeing and workforce capability. As Director of Penny Gordon and Associates, she has trained, coached and supported thousands of professionals across Australia, shaping trauma-informed practice and strengthening teams across community services, justice, health and frontline sectors.

Martin Green

Martin Green helps leaders navigate rapid change, shifting expectations, and the rise of AI. Through LeadChange, he simplifies leadership, strengthens human connection, and builds confidence in complex environments. His approach is practical, experiential, and focused on clarity, connection, and real world leadership moments.

Five people talking to each other in a room in front of a screen

CEOs and Executive Leaders

Unposed group of creative business people in an open concept office brainstorming their next project.

People and Culture Teams

Wellbeing and Workforce Development Leads

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Community Services Professionals

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Frontline workers and team leaders

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Anyone committed to building a thriving, resilient and future-ready organisation.

Want to partner with us, or find out more information?

Talk to us at Q Shelter to find out more about the thrive At Work Summit, including sponsorship and partnership opportunities.

This is your chance to make your mark on Queensland's premier wellbeing event and program for the Community Services sector. As a partner or sponsor, you'll gain exposure to a wide range of organisations and individuals working to change our communities for the better, with flexible sponsorship opportunities and packages available.

An immersive one-day event to foster healthier, safer and higher-performing workplaces
in Queensland's Housing, Homelessness, and Community Services sectors.

Join us in May 2026 for the inaugural thrive At Work Summit

Why thrive At Work?

If you think wellbeing is just 'yoga mats and fruit bowls', prepare to be surprised.

Discover how operational systems and procedures in your workplace may be impacting your team's resilience and passion for work... and find out how you can manage it effectively and economically.

What to expect

Be an Early Thriver