Connect and Thrive with Prue Hughes and Kate Johnson: how Hunter locals can learn to look after themselves and connect with support
A community event at Souths Merewether on Saturday, 26th April, 2025, 2-5 pm
Special Featured Guests - Connect and Thrive, April 2025
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Prue Hughes - Founder - The Sequel Project & CEO Family Support Newcastle
“With a career spanning more than 25 years, Prue is a highly skilled and dedicated community services professional. Her knowledge and expertise in the areas of well-being, behaviour, people management and communication are highly regarded. She is passionate about supporting others to succeed and seeks to achieve collaboration over competition. Prue is a dynamic and engaging speaker committed to leaving her audience feeling better at the end of her presentation than they did when they entered the room. Her ability to relate to people from all walks of life helps to ensure that her message is not only heard but also understood and embraced. Prue’s own story is powerful, and The Sequel Project was born out of her desire to empower those of us who feel stuck in our stories. In addition to building The Sequel Project, Prue is currently the CEO of the local nonprofit organisation Family Support Newcastle.”
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Kate Johnson JP - Community Projects Officer, Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network
“For Kate, working with the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network isn't a job; it's a calling. Living with Type 2 Bipolar and in recovery from alcohol addiction, she understands the fight. And she fights alongside others, passionately connecting with those grappling with mental health challenges. Kate's journey is a powerful reminder that out of the darkest moments, hope ignites, and we can rise to live full, vibrant lives.”
You can gain a unique community and conversation at this in-person event.
What you will gain at Connect and Thrive
Confidence
Be inspired by successful local leaders. See how anyone can overcome obstacles and thrive.
Networking
Meet the guest speakers and fellow attendees. Connect with locals who can share diverse forms of value and insight.
Leadership Strategies
Whether you have a background in leading your family or an organisation, you can gain strategies for improving outcomes
Discussion
Access opportunities to ask questions, learn from leaders, and see relatability.
Wellness
Hear unique personal and professional perspectives on mental health and general wellness.
Quality Venue
Quality is assured when gathering at the trusted Souths Merewether.
Personal Development
Learn to transform the next chapter of your life and see how you can support others’ aspirational journeys.
Support from the Organiser
Enquiries are welcome as the Motivate Collective strives to improve the event experience.
Authentic and Collaborative Insights
Prue Hughes and Kate Johnson
Learn to create your future with lessons from Prue Hughes
As the founder of The Sequel Project, Prue Hughes shares actionable steps for anyone to redefine the next chapters of their lives. Students, teachers, and all individuals can become empowered. “We don’t get to choose the story we are born into, but we can choose what happens next.” - The Sequel Project
Gain a deeper understanding of family support
As the CEO of Family Support Newcastle, Prue Hughes knows the realities of support systems in the Hunter. Individuals and providers can discuss the sector's challenges and opportunities. In the collaborative safe space of the Connect and Thrive event, everyone is welcome to explore innovative possibilities.
Become inspired by Kate Johnson’s Addiction Recovery
Addiction and other mental health conditions can impact anyone from any background. Leaders and communities can learn from Kate Johnson’s powerful recovery journey. Kate shared on social media, “I’d stopped doing much of anything at the end of my drinking. Now I continually step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there.” Confidence can be learned.
Heal Through Community Connection
Kate Johnson says, “Connection is key to happiness and the opposite of addiction... Most people are good, kind and supportive. Surround yourself with them.” Kate brings people together through the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network. The Motivate Collective can help you to find your people.
Prue Hughes
“I’m honoured to be speaking at this event hosted by Motivate Collective and also featuring Kate Johnson JP”
Examples of relevant industries that can benefit from the Connect and Thrive event
See how these industries can benefit from the conversations at the Connect and Thrive event.
Mental Health
Explore personal experiences around mental health for parents, young people, individuals with diagnosed psychological conditions, and people with any form or amount of addiction.
Medical
Mental health can be a part of any medical or health journey. This discussion session will provide unique information about the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network and general recovery solutions.
Management and Leadership
Understanding how individuals can overcome health and social barriers is crucial when managing a team, organisation, or community group.
Tech
Addiction can involve behaviours other than substances. Technology addiction is growing. All are welcome to discuss the parallels and potential of new forms of addiction.
Disabilities
People with disabilities and sector providers are encouraged to attend this event. Kate Johnson is an example of successful leadership when living with a condition - Type 2 Bipolar. Prue Hughes’ aspirational strategies are also relevant to diverse individuals.
Community Support and NFP
Not-for-profit sectors and voluntary groups can gain crucial insights into the opportunities to support their stakeholders and Hunter locals.
Education
Educators can gain valuable information about The Sequal Project to shape potential futures for themselves and students.
Personal Development
Coaches, speakers, writers, and all personal development specialists can gain strategies and collaborative opportunities when connecting with these strong thought leaders.
Events and Communications
Authentic conversations open fresh dialogue around wellness. At the Connect and Thrive event, leaders' storytelling can inspire communicators.
Thought Leaders Together
Connect and Thrive is an opportunity to explore and discuss mental health and community in the Hunter.
Essential Details
Location
Souths Merewether
Saturday, 26th April, 2025, 2-5 pm
Date and Time
Saturday, 26th April, 2025
2-5 pm
The Motivate Collective is an events and community facilitator dedicated to enhancing wellness and personal development for individuals, families, and organisations from diverse backgrounds.
— Melanie Suzanne Wilson
FAQs
Who can attend the Connect and Thrive event?
Connect and Thrive is a discussion and networking opportunity for anyone interested in personal development and wellness. Topics are relevant to individuals, organisational leaders, families, and community groups.
What will attendees gain at the Connect and Thrive event?
Guests will gain discussions, informative presentations, and networking opportunities in the quality venue of Souths Merewether. The unique benefit is the diversity of attendees. The Motivate Collective invites groups and individuals from all walks of life.
What is the Motivate Collective?
The Motivate Collective is an events and community facilitator dedicated to enhancing wellness and personal development for individuals, families, and organisations from diverse backgrounds.
What facilities are available at the venue for the Connect and Thrive event?
Connect and Thrive will be hosted at the John Flemming room at Souths Merewether, a licensed club. The room will have wheelchair access, microphone options, AV screens, and free wireless internet. Souths is accessible via taxis and nearby buses.
Host: Melanie Suzanne Wilson
Founder, Motivate Collective
Melanie Suzanne Wilson is the organiser and host of the Motivate Collective. Melanie has decades of unique public speaking experience and a personal compassion for innovative leaders.
Click through to see more information about Melanie Suzanne Wilson and the Motivate Collective.
Secure your spot by purchasing tickets through Humanitix. Don't miss this opportunity to invest in well-being and connect with like-minded individuals in the Hunter community.