Our biannual forums bring together government and sector leaders for robust discussions on policy and solutions.
Twice a year, we host our Regional Forum and the CEO and Leaders Forum and Lunch.
Held over a sit-down lunch and book-ended by intentional space for networking, a typical agenda for our CEO and Leaders Forum includes a briefing from local or state government representative, a facilitated question and answer session, and speakers or panelists.
Each year we also aim to include a keynote address from thought leaders on topics relevant to the sector, or case studies from colleagues and organisations with innovative approaches to housing solutions.
Find out more detail and book a place at our up-coming forums through Eventbrite, or read more about past Regional Representatives Forums including case study presentations, on The Deck.
Here are some resources, links, and discount codes we’d like to share.
CEO and Leaders Forum and Lunch
Wednesday 11 November 2026
Time: 12:00 – 3:30pm
Agenda
12:00 Registration and networking
12:30 Formalities to commence
1:00pm Main course served
1:45 Dessert served
2:30 – 3:30 Networking to take place
3:30 Event concludes
Attended by multiple peak organisations, community sector, government and private sector stakeholders, our featured speakers will address housing and homelessness themes with a focus on local government.
Featured speakers
Alan Kohler, AM
Alan is one of Australia’s most trusted voices on business and the economy. For nearly 30 years he has been a familiar face on the ABC, where his nightly finance reports and signature charts have become iconic.
He has served as editor of The Australian Financial Review and The Age, co-founded the Eureka Report and Business Spectator, and today writes for the ABC and co-hosts the Money Café podcast. In 2019, he was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his contribution to financial journalism.
In November 2023, Alan authored the book The Great Divide: Australia’s Housing Mess and How to Fix It.
As a keynote speaker, Alan offers unparalleled insight into the forces shaping our financial future. He speaks on finance, the economy, stockmarkets, and the stories behind the headlines, drawing on decades of experience and an insider’s perspective on how policy, politics and global events ripple through markets and businesses.
Michelle Debert
Michelle is a qualified Social Worker, transformational leader and scallywag with extensive experience working in homelessness.
Michelle works as the Sector Capacity and Projects Lead at Q Shelter, peak body for homelessness and housing in Queensland alongside other roles such as board member for North West Youth Accommodation Service. Michelle has managed homelessness services and worked on the front line for the last decade.
Prior to this, Michelle experienced homelessness and proudly uses her lived expertise in all areas of her work. Michelle is passionate about ending homelessness, Housing First, lived experience, storytelling, collaboration, systemic change and systems reform.
Michelle aims to unite everyone to the common goal of ensuring everyone has somewhere to live, someone to love and something to do.
Sponsors November 2026
Our CEO and Leaders Forum is again generously supported by our Gold Sponsor, Bluebird Property. Bluebird is a leading consultancy specialising in strategic advisory, development, and project management services. Bluebird proudly work with leading community housing providers, developers, governments and financiers to unlock much needed housing supply for Queensland.
McCullough Robertson is one of Australia’s leading independent full-service law firms, with a century of experience providing practical, commercially focused advice across the housing lifecycle. We have a deep understanding of the community housing and homelessness sectors and work closely with providers, peak bodies, and government to support outcomes that extend beyond individual projects.
A key challenge for decision makers is navigating planning and regulatory requirements while advancing housing outcomes. McCullough Robertson can help identify clear, workable pathways, enabling projects to progress with confidence.
Bedford Built, is a privately owned Queensland construction company and an industry leader in the social and affordable housing sector. Bedford can assist across all areas of construction and are accredited with the Australian Federal Government Work Health and Safety Scheme (OFSC). If a successful building project forms part of your business strategy – Email them
Housing and homelessness providers are being asked to deliver more, evidence more and adapt faster. Crowe Australasia supports sector organisations across Queensland and nationally with external audit, grant acquittal, assurance, tax and advisory services. Crowe provide independent assurance and practical insights to help boards, executives and finance teams understand risks, strengthen accountability and make informed decisions.
To start a conversation, contact Mori Fathallah, Associate Partner, at or 07 3233 3560.
National Australia Bank (NAB) is a trusted banking partner to Australia’s housing and homelessness sector. NAB works with community housing providers, homelessness services, developers, builders, support organisations and government to deliver housing outcomes. With a focus on increasing social, affordable and specialist housing, NAB aims to provide $60 billion in housing affordability financing by 2030.
Luminary is Queensland’s only executive search and leadership advisory firm built in Queensland, for Queensland. They partner with boards, CEOs, and senior leaders across the state to identify, elevate, and connect leaders who inspire and influence, individuals brought to the forefront of the organisations and communities that need them.
Training discount
For a 15% discount on our popular self-paced course, Introducing Trauma-Informed Care, use the code CARE when you register through our online training platform.
Become a Q Shelter Member
If you’re passionate about collaborating to find real solutions to housing need and homelessness, join us by becoming a member. Members enjoy discounts to Q Shelter training, events like the CEO and Senior Leaders Forum, and sector workshops. They’re also a vital part of our sector consultation to present policy recommendations and budget submissions to all levels of government.
Members are eligible to apply for the annual Deirdre Coghlan training bursary, valued at up to $7,000. Not-for-profit organisations who are members, also have the option to access a discounted Employee Assistance Program (EAP), as well as other exclusive benefits and offers from partner organisations such as Peninsula.
Visit our Membership page to find out more and sign up today.
