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QCOSS State Conference coming to the Sunshine Coast to inspire real social change

Speakers from all walks of life will come together on the Sunshine Coast this week with the common goal of inspiring positive social change.

The Queensland Council of Social Service (QCOSS) will hold their State Conference 2019 at The Events Centre Caloundra from 12-13 September.

QCOSS is Queensland’s peak body for the social service sector and focuses on achieving equality, opportunity and wellbeing for every person in every community.

Their thought-provoking conference – Leading Change Together – is expected to attract 300 delegates to the Sunshine Coast who will be equipped with additional tools to instigate or continue change within their communities.

Event goers will hear from more than 20 speakers in different stages of their ‘change journey’, including distinguished author of the book A Resilient Life Mariam Issa, OzHarvest founder Ronni Kahn AO and Founder of For Purpose Caterina Giorgi.

“We want to encourage people to lead change in their communities,” QCOSS CEO Mark Henley said.

“This conference is about bringing people together to determine the role they play in change and what is possible when we all step up.

“We are excited to bring this conversation to delegates and be part of the journey to change communities to be the best they can be.”

Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Simon Latchford said he looked forward to welcoming the QCOSS State Conference 2019 to the Sunshine Coast.

“We are confident that the Sunshine Coast will provide an inspiring venue for the conference,” Mr Latchford said.

“Many delegates may know the region well, but for new visitors, or those who haven’t visited in some time, they will find the Sunshine Coast has evolved considerably in recent years balancing its natural attractions with its role as a dynamic, progressive regional centre.

“Attracting business events of the calibre of the QCOSS State Conference is a major target for the region, and with our quality facilities and our ‘naturally refreshing’ environment, I am sure that we will be able to deliver a successful and memorable event.”

Sunshine Coast Council Acting Mayor Cr Tim Dwyer said: “It is timely that QCOSS has chosen this year to hold its State Conference on the Sunshine Coast. Its themes align with our draft Sunshine Coast Community Strategy 2019-2041.

“Created in consultation with the community, the strategy seeks to provide a better understanding of our social fabric, and the opportunities that can be of benefit to the community, as our region grows and matures. It’s important that our region has the right policy levers and programs in place so people, places and opportunities are connected, inclusive and cohesive.

“The foundations of our draft strategy support social justice principles – equity of access, the efficacy of human dignity and equal opportunity. We know council can’t achieve this alone and we look forward to working with QCOSS, other partners and the community to achieve this.”

QCOSS State Conference 2019 has received support funding through the Business Events Assistance Program, a joint initiative of Sunshine Coast Council and Business Events Sunshine Coast.

Mariam Issa, distinguished author of the book A Resilient Life, will speak at the QCOSS State Conference 2019

Founder of OzHarvest Ronni Kahn AO will speak at the QCOSS State Conference 2019

About Business Events Sunshine Coast (BESC)

BESC is the convention bureau for the Sunshine Coast. It sits as a dedicated unit within Visit Sunshine Coast, the regional tourism organisation for the Sunshine Coast. BESC is a not-for-profit, membership based organisation.