QLD Chapter Special Interest Groups (SIG): The Modern Advancement Engine: What’s Driving Growth in 2026 and Beyond?
The QLD Chapter committee invites you to join us at our 2nd SIG event which will be held at Ballymore Stadium.
The program will open with a feature In Conversation facilitated by Helen Turner, QLD Chapter Vice-President, our panelists include:
- Sarah Campbell, Acting Director of Development, QUT
- Mikaeli Costello, Chief Community Engagement Officer, The University of Queensland
- Luke Toebelmann CFRE, Campaigns Director, DGB Global
Following this feature conversation, participants will transition into three SIG sessions:
- Admissions
- Fundraising
- MarComms
Key Takeaways
- Gain fresh perspectives on the challenges that matter most to your work right now.
- Connect with peers who understand your world and are navigating the same landscape.
- Walk away with ideas you can actually put into practice.
Registrations are essential.
Members are encouraged to attend the full program to gain maximum value from both the feature conversation and SIG discussions.
Admissions; Growing Competition & Market Saturation
Facilitators: Claire Henkey & Vanessa Saxby
With fewer students and more schooling options—including Catholic systemic schools, microschools, online schooling, and specialist programs—competition has intensified.
Impact:
• Schools can no longer rely on brand reputation alone
• Differentiation must be unique, credible, and clearly communicated
• Strengthening community engagement and parent advocacy is now essential
Schools with strong narratives and integrated marketing–admissions strategies outperform the rest.
Fundraising; Foundation Boards: To Have or Not To Have?
Facilitators: Julia McKenna
As Development Offices mature across independent schools and university colleges, and the tax rationale that drove Foundation establishment in the 1990s has shifted, many institutions are asking whether their Foundation structure is still earning its place, while others are weighing whether to establish one for the first time.
This session will examine:
• The historical and regulatory context behind Foundation Boards in Australian independent schools and university colleges, and what has changed
• The governance models available, and the conditions under which a separate Foundation adds genuine strategic value
• The critical relationship between Foundation Board engagement and Development Office capacity, and why the Chair makes or breaks the model
• How to assess whether your institution has the people, culture, and readiness to establish or sustain a Foundation that works
Whether you are questioning the value of an existing Foundation or building the case for a new one, the answer is rarely straightforward. Participants will leave with a practical decision framework and a clearer view of what the right structure looks like for their institution.
MarComms; From Chaos to Clarity: Harnessing AI for High-Impact Storytelling in Marketing
Facilitators: Brady Downes & Beth Kitson
MarComms teams often struggle with content overload while needing to create compelling narratives for alumni, donors, and prospective families.
This session will explore:
• Practical AI tools for generating, scaling, and personalising storytelling content (e.g., marketing campaigns, donor appeals, and alumni spotlights)
• Ethical guidelines and best practices to maintain authenticity and brand voice
• Real-world examples of AI-enhanced communications that boosted engagement and giving
Participants will workshop their own content challenges using AI prompts, share peer feedback, and leave with a customisable AI storytelling toolkit. Ideal for marketing, communications, and alumni relations professionals; 60 minutes with hands-on activities.
Event Details
Date: Friday 29 May 2026
Time: 9:00 – 11:00am
Arrival: 8:45am
Venue: Murrayfield Room, Ballymore Stadium, 91 Clyde Road, Herston QLD 4006
Parking: Street parking is available on Clyde Road or on Butterfield Street, which surround the stadium and the respective playing fields. Once parked, walk down John Isley Drive toward the roundabout and the National Rugby Training Centre is directly ahead of you. The entry to the function spaces is down the left-hand side of the building, once in the foyer you will be directed to your designated room. Limited parking is also available off John Isley Drive (turning right at the Koala) but is subject to availability and on a first in first served basis.
There is additional parking available at the end of Clyde Road (last driveway on the right near the blue shed) that your guests can utilise as well should the other parking location be full.
Further information can be found on the following Ballymore Access Map and Instructions document
Cost: Free for Members. $75.00 (+gst) for Non-Members
We thank our Sponsor for their Support of this event
