From the Chapter President

Dear Members, 

For those working in schools, it may feel like a lifetime ago that we began the 2025 year, but the start of a new year always brings fresh aspirations and a pathway to achieving our goals. 

Your dedicated Chapter Committee of 17 (see below!) has planned a dynamic year of Professional Development, featuring Coffee Catch-ups across Brisbane, Toowoomba, and Townsville, our much-anticipated biennial Summit (ahead of the 2026 International Conference in Brisbane), and our strongly attended Special Interest Group sessions. We look forward to welcoming you to these events. 

I’m also thrilled to extend a warm welcome back to advancedlife, our 2025 Chapter Sponsor, and to Giving Architects and McCrindle who are both joining us as Chapter Professional Development Sponsors. Their invaluable support strengthens our Community, and I encourage you to explore the exceptional services they offer. 

A special thank you to our QLD Chapter members Nicole De Vries, David Miles, Bianca Coleborn, and to Queensland professionals Suzanne Oxford (New Word Order), and Jeff Buchanan (Fundraising Consultant), who presented at the recent Advancement Practitioner Training courses in Adelaide. We appreciate your expertise and contributions! 

Looking ahead, next week we are hosting the first QLD Chapter Coffee Catch-Ups for the year, being held in one of 6 convenient locations:

• Sunshine Coast
• Toowoomba
• Brisbane North
• Brisbane South
• Gold Coast
• Residential Colleges

I invite you to register now to join us as we take the time to reflect on the term that’s gone by, and gear up for the new term ahead. In addition, we are planning on coordinating a regional visit to Cairns in September and will be in touch with members there to gather insights on preferred topics and suitable dates. 

We’re also excited to host the Queensland Chapter’s biennial Summit on 28–29 July 2025 at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre. This not-to-be-missed event offers connection, networking, and the latest inspiration for Advancement professionals. You can read more in this Newsletter about our sponsors and delegate support packages to help you attend. 

As always, we’re here to support you in your profession, with events, and mentoring available, so please do reach out with any questions or suggestions you may have to enhance your Educate Plus membership. 

Together, let’s make 2025 a year of connection and shared success. 

Kind regards,

Claire Grlj
QLD Chapter President | Educate Plus
claire@leadingmarketingsolutions.com.au

Continued Thanks to our 2025 QLD Committee:

Welcome to Our Newest Members

We can’t wait to meet you!

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us this quarter (see below). We are thrilled to have you as part of our QLD Chapter community!

We’ve just recently held the New Member Meet-Up for Q1. If you missed it, keep on the lookout for the next available date!

Welcome to our new QLD members who joined this quarter:

Coffee Catch-Ups … Next Week!

Leap into a Coffee Catch-up before the end of Term 1!

The QLD Chapter invites you to join us next week for a Coffee Catch-Up, conveniently hosted at one of six locations. Enjoy a relaxed moment to reflect on the term gone by, and exchange insights and gain inspiration for the term ahead. A Queensland Chapter Committee member will be there to welcome you. 

Grab a coffee, spark great conversations, and build meaningful relationships. Whether you’re meeting new colleagues, or checking in with existing pals, this is the perfect way to kickstart your morning with connection, collaboration and caffeine!

It’s more than just coffee—it’s a chance to fuel your professional growth.

Event Details *NEXT WEEK*
Date: Thursday 3 April 2025
Time: 7:30am–9:30am (Please refer to your location for specific time)
Cost: Your first coffee is on us!

Venues: Indicate which venue you will be attending at the time of registration

1. SUNSHINE COAST

• 8am-9.30am
• Kunara Organic Marketplace, 330 Mons Rd, Forest Glen 

2. TOOWOOMBA

• 8am-9am
• Picnic Point Cafe and Restaurant, Top of the Range, 164 Tourist Rd, Toowoomba 

3. NORTHSIDE OF BRISBANE

• 8am-9.30am
• Farmhouse Kedron , 9 Somerset Rd, Kedron

4. SOUTHSIDE OF BRISBANE

• 7.30am-9am
• Coco & Co, 280 Newnham Rd, Wishart

5. RESIDENTIAL COLLEGES

• 7.30am-9am
• Sorelle Eatery, 242 Hawken Drv, St Lucia

6. GOLD COAST

• 7.30am-9.00am
• Le Vintage Boutique Cafe, 1 Kurilpa St, Worongary

Join us for an invaluable exchange of ideas on Fundraising, Admissions, Marketing & Communication, Alumni & Community Relations, Leadership, and People & Culture.

Register now … and start the day feeling a whole lot more connected!

Register Here / More Info | QLD Coffee Catch-Ups

Upcoming Online Events

		WEBINAR | Residential Colleges Conversations Event Details *THIS WEEK* Date: Thu 27 Mar Time: 1pm-2pm AEDT Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; This is a Member-Only Event Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE
		WEBINAR | Reputation 360 – Unlocking Data to Make Sense of Enrolments Event Details *NEXT WEEK* Date: Tue 1 Apr Time: 1pm-2pm AEDT Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; $75 (+gst) for Non-Members Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE
		WEBINAR | School-Based Sponsorship Programs Event Details  Date: Wed 30 Apr Time: 1pm-2pm AEST Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; $75 (+gst) for Non-Members Presenter: John Phillips, Senior Manager, Strategic Relationships, Brighton Grammar School Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE
		WEBINAR | Excellence Award Series –  Marketing & Communications Digital Campaign Event Details *NEW* Date: Tue 6 May Time: 1.30pm-2.15pm AEST Venue: Online via Zoom Cost: Free for Members; $75 (+gst) for Non-Members Presenter: Teya Jensen, St Augustine’s College NSW  Facilitator: Thank you to our 2024 Excellence Awards Partner, Global Philanthropic for facilitating this session. Register / Find Out More: CLICK HERE

Join us at the QLD Chapter Summit … the Premier Event of 2025

Join us at the 2025 QLD Chapter Summit!

The Educate Plus QLD Chapter is delighted to invite you to the 2025 Make Tomorrow Chapter Summit, a dynamic two-day professional development event taking place on Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 July. This inspiring gathering will bring together Advancement Practitioners from across Queensland—representing Schools, Tertiary Institutions and Residential Colleges—united by a shared commitment to shaping the future of Advancement.

With dedicated sessions in Admissions, Alumni & Community Engagement, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications, Leadership, and People & Culture, the Summit offers more than just professional learning—it’s a chance to connect, collaborate, and share insights with like-minded professionals. Through thought-provoking discussions, practical workshops, and meaningful conversations, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to drive real impact in your work, all while being supported by the vibrant QLD Chapter community.

Don’t miss this opportunity. Let’s Make Tomorrow—together.

[To apply for a QLD Chapter Summit Bursary – See below]

Event Details

Date: Monday 28 & Tuesday 29 July 2025
Venue: Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Merivale St, South Brisbane, QLD 4101
Program:  2 Full Day Program including

• Networking Drinks (End of Day 1)
• Optional Summit Soiree (Following Networking Drinks)

Registrations

Full Summit Registration: Includes the 2 Day Summit with all catering and Networking Drinks
Early Bird Tickets are available through until Friday 16 May 2025

Day Registration:

Apply for a Bursary

To ensure equity of access to the QLD Chapter Summit, the Summit Committee is offering eight needs-based bursaries for the event. A bursary amount of $500 is available, thereby reducing the cost of full registration. Applications close on Friday 30 May 2025.

Apply Here / More Information | QLD Chapter Summit Bursary

Accommodation

For your convenience we have arranged special discounted rates at the following properties:

Rydges South Bank:

Rydges Southbank, which is attached to the Brisbane Convention Centre, a special discounted rate of $249.00 per night in their Queen Room.

• To book please click the following link Educate Plus QLD Chapter Summit | Rydges Hotels & Resorts
• Contact Hotel reservations team directly on 07 3364 0800 or reservations_rydgessouthbank@evt.com, advising you are attending the Educate Plus QLD Chapter Summit (CODE:2509EDUCAT)
• Buffet Breakfast is available in the Bacchus Restaurant, Podium Level, 6:30 – 10:30am
• Please Note: That rooms are held from the 27-30 July only. Should you require additional nights, you will need to enquire directly with the reservations team by contacting them on the above details.

Cancellation Policy

• Between 30-14 days cancellations may incur 1 night’s cancellation.
• Between 14-0 days cancellations may incur a Charge up to the full amount of accommodation. 
• No shows will be charged a minimum of 1 night. 

Car Parking & Transport: Valet Car parking is available at Rydges South Bank at a charge of $55.00 per night, per vehicle. Guests may speak with our friendly concierge tea, upon arrival to organise parking. Public transport, including train, bus, CityCat and the Air Train from Brisbane’s Domestic and International Airports, is in close proximity to the Hotel. Our Concierge Team would be happy to assist with any public transport questions guests may have.

Ivy & Eve and Brisbane One Apartments by CLIX:

Ivy & Eve and Brisbane One hotels are offering a 15% Discount on advertised rates.

• To book click the following link Educate Plus QLD Chapter Summit | Ivy & Eve – Brisbane One Apartment
• Enter the promo code QLDCHAPTER25
• The discount is valid for guests who book at least 2 nights over the weekend or must follow the website’s minimum length of stay restrictions. 
• Stay Date: July 27-29, 2025
• Extended Stay: This discount can also be applied 3 days before and 3 days after the event, subject to availability. 

Thank you to our QLD Chapter Summit Sponsors:

QLD Chapter Summit Awards – Nominations Are Now Open!

QLD Chapter Summit Awards – Nominations are now open!

The QLD Summit Recognition Awards are for Members who have demonstrated excellence and/or developed a program or idea which has added value to their institution.

The Awards also provide recognition for Advancement practitioners within their institutions as outlined below:

• Recognition of Excellence in Advancement within the following fields from 2023 to 2025 – Admissions, Alumni and Community Relations, People and Culture, Fundraising plus Marketing and Communications
• Newcomer Award – recognising an outstanding newcomer to the field of Advancement. Nominees are eligible based on working in advancement for less than 2 years
• Spirit of Advancement Award – recognising consistent commitment and unwavering dedication to Advancement. Nominees are eligible after working in advancement for over 5 years
• A President’s Awards may also be presented to a member in recognition of outstanding contribution to the Queensland Chapter

All Award winners will be acknowledged on Day 1 of the Summit.

For multiple Nominations, please submit separate forms. Applications close on Friday 16 May 2025.

For further information, please contact Sona Swindley on 0432 349 250 or sona@educateplus.org.

Nominate Here / More Information | QLD CHAPTER SUMMIT AWARDS

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member

Each eNews, we introduce you to one of our wonderful Chapter Members, through question and answer type interview article.

So, in the hotseat this edition is Bethwyn Kitson, Communications Manager, Independent Schools Queensland

How long have you been in Educational Advancement?  
I have spent over 10 years in education advancement, both in schools and at Independent Schools Queensland, and have also worked in other non-profit and member-based organisations. 

What is the achievement or accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I am super proud of completing my Master of Marketing (Distinction) in 2020, which included a dissertation investigating how customer satisfaction, brand loyalty and long-term relationships can be built in an Australian school context. My dissertation explored factors influencing the return of school students as Alumni-staff members and Alumni-parents. 

What is your greatest moment of learning or a challenge that you have overcome?
Working in the aged care/seniors field during COVID was a huge challenge. The big questions were around, how could we continue to connect with seniors who were used to coming into a centre for activities, events, allied health visits and socialising? During that role, the senior leadership team worked together to stay at the forefront of new opportunities for connecting and delivering services to the aged community in Brisbane and as an organisation, it was a great reminder that there is an opportunity to learn and grow, no matter how difficult the circumstance. 

What is the most impactful book you have read, or podcast you have followed? 
The Higher Ed Marketer: It’s a weekly podcast, co-hosted by Bart Caylor and Troy Singer, featuring conversations with some of the best and brightest marketing minds in higher education. 

What are three tips or words of advice that you have for new members?

• Tip 1: Have a plan, it’s essential 
• Tip 2: Connect with others in similar roles as often as you can 
• Tip 3: Focus on staying creative 

What are three things that you enjoy doing in your spare time?

• Camping and exploring remote places in Australia (pic attached on the top of Big Red, Simpson Desert)
• Boating out on the bay (brekkie on Peel Island is a favourite!)
• Sharing special moments with family and friends. 

Thank you Beth! It has been wonderful getting to know you!

That’s a Wrap – First QLD SIG for 2025

The first Queensland Special Interest Group sessions were held on Thursday 20 February across Alumni Marketing and Communications, Fundraising and Admissions pillars.  

Marketing / Communications / Alumni: Robust conversation and peer-to-peer sharing was the name of the game as Marketing, Communications and Alumni professionals came together to discuss the topic ‘Crafting dynamic content to engage alumni and the wider community’. The session broke down the planning process and provided tips and tricks for thoughtful, relevant and relevant topics including user-generated campaigns (i.e. ‘share your first day at the school’), ‘where are they now’ and gamifying content. Thank you to everyone who attended the session. 

Admissions: The Admissions group debated the myriad challenges that arise when the admissions office is your responsibility, and the best place to start in terms of capturing the data for leadership teams, a SWOT analysis of what’s on offer at institutions and how to leverage the admissions cycles in your institution relative to its annual diary of events hosted.  

Fundraising: Our fundraisers were tasked with live ‘ask’ conversations after some best practice tips were shared and modelled. This interactive session was very well received and left members wanting more practice time.  

All in all, it was a fantastic for the over 55 members in attendance. A great start to the year!    

Engaging Alumnae Through a Milestone Anniversary

Article provided by Susan McGinley, Director of Advancement, The Women’s College within The University of Queensland 

Honouring the Past: A Legacy of Excellence 

Recently we celebrated the 100th anniversary of The Women’s College. Since its establishment in 1914, The Women’s College has stood as a cornerstone of academic excellence and community spirit. For over a century, it has provided a nurturing environment where countless university students have thrived, shaping their futures and fostering lifelong connections. In celebrating the College’s 110th anniversary in 2024, we proudly reflected on our rich history of empowering women through education. This milestone is not merely a glance backwards but a heartfelt tribute to the values and traditions that define The Women’s College, ensuring they continue to inspire generations to come. 

Celebrating Collective Achievements: Highlights of 110 Years 

Throughout 2024, The Women’s College embarked on a journey of celebration and reflection. From interstate reunions and a captivating digital exhibit to the establishment of a new bursary, hosting a Gala Ball and a Reception at Government House, each event and project was meticulously crafted to highlight our achievements and reinforce our commitment to educational excellence. These celebrations not only brought together current students, parents, and staff but also reconnected us with alumnae who have profoundly shaped our institution’s legacy. 

Setting the Stage for an Inspiring Future: Empowering the Next Generation 

Looking forward, the 110th anniversary celebrations have set a powerful precedent for the future of The Women’s College. By engaging alumnae in meaningful ways – such as through mentorship programs, career networking events, and capturing their stories in a video series – we aim to harness their collective wisdom and experience to empower current students. This forward-thinking approach strengthens our community bonds and ensures that our institution evolves to meet the changing needs of future generations of students. 

Key Takeaways for Advancement Professionals 

1. Cultivate Meaningful Connections: Utilise milestone anniversaries to reconnect with alumnae, showcasing their impact and contributions to the institution’s success. 
2. Highlight Collective Achievements: Showcase institutional milestones through diverse events and activities that resonate with both current and past members of the community. 
3. Inspire Future Generations: Implement programs that leverage alumnae expertise to support and mentor current students, fostering a sense of continuity and shared purpose. 

As we continue guided by our 110th anniversary theme, ‘Honouring the Past, Inspiring the Future,’ The Women’s College remains committed to nurturing a vibrant community that celebrates its heritage while embracing innovation and progress. Together, we look toward the next 110 years with optimism, knowing that our alumnae will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future leaders of tomorrow. 

How to Make School Photography Easy …

Thank you to advancedlife for their support of the QLD Chapter!

For more than 40 years, we’ve photographed Primary Schools and High Schools with enrolments ranging from four to 4000 students nationally. As the largest family-owned school photography company in Australia, we bring unparalleled expertise to coordinating, photographing, and delivering your school photos. At advancedlife, we are dedicated to making images and data useful and accessible, so you can focus on more important things.

We use the highest quality Canon cameras and industry leading printers to ensure every photo is crisp, clear, and professionally finished. Our advanced systems and products are designed to be easy to use, instantly available, and responsive to your evolving needs, ensuring a seamless and efficient photography process that delivers high-quality images schools and families can rely on. We capture, print, and archive stunning school photos that your community will love.

We have been a proud long term Chapter sponsor for Educate Plus in Educate Plus in Queensland, supporting the professional development of those working in school administration, admissions, marketing, and fundraising. As a Chapter sponsor, we are committed to strengthening our connection with the education sector and contributing to the success of professionals who help schools thrive.

Our free online school photography services streamline the entire process, making it easier for schools to manage student records and access high quality images. Our offerings include:

• advancedaccess, a secure image archive for schools
• advancedcapture, which allows schools to take images of newly enrolled students using a mobile device
• create & print, which enables schools to customise artwork using their own images and data
• advancedyou, a personal image archive for every student, ensuring memories are preserved and accessible

We make school photography easy so you don’t have to worry.

Want to know more? Let’s talk.
📧 contactus@advancedlife.com.au
📞 1300 728 972
🌐 www.advancedlife.com.au

Thank You To Our Valued Partners

Thank You …

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic and Chapter Partners, who support Educate Plus and the QLD Chapter in our activities and enable us to provide wonderful opportunities to our members and non-members. We ask that you please consider supporting them, so that in turn, they can continue to support us. 

 

Thank You to our QLD Chapter Sponsor

 

Thank You to our QLD Chapter Professional Development Sponsors

 

 

Thank You to our Educate Plus Strategic Partners

Connect With Colleagues

Stay Connected…

Keep in contact with your fellow Advancement professionals to keep abreast of best practice, discover new approaches and technologies and gain valuable industry insights.

To keep you to up to date with what’s happening at Educate Plus and within your sector, please connect with us on our Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn pages.