Connect and Thrive 2025
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
Meet people who prioritise wellness. Be inspired by local leaders.
Gallery
The event became an exclusive, authentic discussion for diverse locals from Lake Macquarie and Newcastle.
Included:
An introduction to The Sequel Project personal development program
Insights empowering recovery from addiction and diverse mental health
3 hours of accessible discussions for Hunter locals
Kate Johnson
“But let me tell you what recovery does to a person… ... most importantly, it makes you know that you can get through anything. If you fail, you can start again. If you succumb to darkness, you can find a way to the light.
We’re not broken – we’re rebuilt."
Prue Hughes
“There are so many things that can cause us to feel stuck in our stories.
In my case, it was the trauma and profound grief following the sudden and tragic death of my mother the week after my 18th birthday.
For others, it’s the circumstances they are born into or battles with addiction or mental health.
As hard as it was, I learned at an early age that nobody was coming to save me. I was responsible for the choices I would make that would determine the course for the rest of my life.”
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 Host
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.
Context
About the Guest Speakers’ Current Work
Family Support Newcastle
- Prue Hughes
“Family Support Newcastle provides services that promote the well-being of children and their families, of individuals, and communities.” Family Support Newcastle provides services for parents and also for women leaving violence.
The Sequel Project
- Prue Hughes
“The Sequel Project is a personal development, well-being program that is built around the idea that the story we are born into (our origin story) does not have to determine the course for the rest of our lives and that we can take responsibility for deciding what happens next..... our sequel.” The Sequel Project provides workplace programs, school programs, and corporate speaking.
Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network
- Kate Johnson JP
“LMNSPN mission is to prevent the escalation of mental illness and risk of suicide in our community by increasing awareness, improving connections, reducing stigma and walking alongside those with lived experience with compassion and understanding.”
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.
Holistic Wellness
Meet people who strive to make a difference in the world. Be encouraged on your own journey of maintaining self-care.
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
46 Llewellyn St, Merewether NSW 2291
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.
The Motivate Collective is an events and community facilitator dedicated to enhancing wellness and personal development for individuals, families, and organisations from diverse backgrounds.
Downloads
Images of Speakers
Kate Johnson
Prue Hughes
Poster
Corporate Poster for Print
News Release
A CEO and a recovery survivor: two wellness leaders to share authentic conversation at upcoming event in Merewether
Newcastle-based community wellness leaders will provide authentic conversations and achievable strategies at the Connect and Thrive event for individuals and communities in the Hunter.
Prue Hughes (Founder of The Sequel Project and CEO of Family Support Newcastle) and Kate Johnson (Community Projects Officer, Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network and author of From Hell To Hope) will be the guest speakers for accessible discussions at Souths Merewether on 26th April 2025.
Prue Hughes will introduce The Sequel Project, a personal development program available for school or workplace programs and corporate speaking.
Hughes shares the perspective of The Sequel Project: “We don’t get to choose the story we are born into, but we can choose what happens next.”
Kate Johnson, known for her work with the Lake Macquarie & Newcastle Suicide Prevention Network, will share her personal experience with Type 2 Bipolar and recovery from alcohol addiction.
Johnson reveals, "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."
Melanie Suzanne Wilson will host the event for the Motivate Collective, a community events provider.
Further details are available at https://www.motivatecollective.com/connect-and-thrive
Tickets are available now via Humanitix. https://events.humanitix.com/connect-and-thrive-with-the-motivate-collective-how-hunter-locals-can-learn-to-look-after-themselves-and-connect-with-support
Contact:
Motivate Collective