What is the Regional Forum?
Twice each year, Q Shelter hosts Regional Representatives from our state-wide network to discuss place-based housing and homelessness challenges, and opportunities specific to their regions. These discussions are then recorded in a communiqué, which we present to the Queensland Government. The regional forum provides an important opportunity to strengthen networks and make important connections across our large state.
Regional delegates have been part of Q Shelter’s structure for more than 30 years, and it is an important network for engagement and policy development, and as a platform to amplify new initiatives and regional priority actions.
On average, Q Shelter welcomes delegates from 19 regions across Queensland, joined by 10 place-based Service Integrations Coordinators.
Get these dates in your calendar:
The June and November 2025 events can be viewed here
Logistical information for the June 2025 Regional Forum
Here are some important details to note:
Venue: QT Gold Coast, 7 Staghorn Avenue Surfers Paradise
Q Shelter will email Regional Forum delegates their access code to register.
National Homelessness Conference Drinks Reception (Supported by Q Shelter) – Wednesday, June 18 – 5:00pm: Q Shelter will host any of our regional representatives who arrive in Brisbane prior to day one of the regional representatives’ forum.
Regional Forum Day One – Thursday, June 19 – 12:00pm – 5:00pm: The Forum starts with a joint lunch with Homelessness Australia.
Day Two – Friday, June 20 – 9:00 am – 12:00 Noon: The Forum continues with a morning session, where we will be joined by executives from the Department of Housing and Public Works, followed by a session by the CEO and Senior Leaders Lunch event.
Other Events
CEO and Leaders’ Forum: Your order confirmation email for the June Regional Forum will include a link to register for FREE
National Homelessness Conference Drinks Reception: This event will be held at the conclusion of the National Homelessness Conference. Q Shelter is sponsoring the event and will host any of our regional representatives who arrive in Brisbane prior to day one of the regional representatives’ forum. Select this ticket for FREE when you register for the June Regional Forum.
Flights
If you plan to fly to Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Q Shelter will reimburse the return flights for two delegates to attend the forum.
Hotel Transfers
Transfers from the Airports or Brisbane can be booked here: https://www.con-x-ion.com/ at your own expense.
Mileage info for drivers
For those choosing to drive and not fly, Q Shelter will reimburse mileage for car travel at $0.78 per km to the limit of $300.
Accommodation
Thursday 19th June is the subsided night of accommodation.
Please note our new accommodation process:
The Regional Representative pays and books for their required nights then seeks reimbursement which is paid post event. This new process gives you peace of mind over managing your own accommodation details.
Steps to book your accommodation will be emailed to you upon registration.
Important accommodation info:
– Q Shelter will subsidise Thursday 19th June 2025 for $250.
– Under limited circumstances, an additional night may be pre-approved by Q Shelter at $250 per night. Please seek pre-approval before booking.
– Subsidised accommodation is for up to 2 regional representatives per region and those delivering a showcase.
– All reimbursement invoices are paid post event once attendance is confirmed. Please send your invoice by 31st July 2025 to policy@qshelter.asn.au.
– If you are unable to attend for any reason then please send a proxy.
Please reach out should you have any further questions policy@qshelter.asn.au.
We look forward to seeing you in June!
The June 2025 Regional Forum Agenda included:
- A recap from the June 2023 Forum. You can read the June 2023 communique to Government here.
- Discussing November 2023 priorities
- Lack of social/affordable housing supply & appropriate housing solutions for specific cohorts
- Unaffordable rentals with extremely low vacancy rates & lack of employment and accommodation for key workers
- Limited crisis options resulting in increase in rough sleepers & the number of homeless families living in hotel accommodation
- Communiqué session with Department of Housing
- 14 leaders from the Department of Housing met with Regional Delegates. Q Shelter facilitated a Q & A session with Department panellists Mark Wall, General Manager Housing Delivery; Marie Crearie, Executive Director Programs; Kelly Managan, A/Executive Director Community Housing Delivery; James O’Brien, A/Executive Director Service Delivery.
- Key Questions focussed on:
- Housing Supply
- Support & Sustaining Tenancies
- Contracts and Funding
- Integration and System Improvements
- Department of Housing Workforce locations
After the Communiqué Session with the Department of Housing, representatives joined the CEO & Senior Leaders Forum for a welcome to Country from Shannon Ruska and guest presentations from The Honourable Meaghan Scanlon, Minister for Housing, Sarah Amos, A/Deputy Director General, Department of Housing, and Christopher Aston Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government, and Planning.
Following the presentations was a report on the interim findings of the Workforce Connect Survey, and a policy workshop where Regional Representatives and CEO Forum attendees contributed to Q Shelter’s Annual Policy Document, Better Together. The latest iteration of Better Together will be published shortly.
Past Regional Forum Events
If you think you or your colleagues were featured in another photo taken over the two days and you’d like a copy, please contact the Q Shelter Communications Team with the details.
Video: Regional Forum & Queensland Peaks’ Partnership CEO and Leaders’ Forum
Learn more about the Regional Forum and CEO Forum in this video, captured during the June 2023 Forums.
