All ladders, no snakes: Transforming intergenerational disadvantage into multi-generational opportunity

Homelessness is not a momentary crisis – without the right interventions it can become endemic. Homelessness and disadvantage can span generations, passed down like an unwanted legacy. But with the right support, this cycle can be disrupted – even rewritten.

Now in its 17th year, The Lady Musgrave Trust’s Annual Forum on Women and Homelessness brings together women with lived experience, sector leaders, researchers and policymakers to spark meaningful dialogue and drive lasting change.

This year’s theme, “All ladders, no snakes,” referencing the treasured children’s game, is our call to action: to dismantle the systemic barriers that hold women and children back, and build ladders of opportunity that lead to long-term stability, independence and hope.

At the 2025 Forum, you’ll hear powerful stories from mothers who’ve reshaped their futures through secure housing and trauma-informed support. We’ll explore innovative two-generation models that combine housing, education and employment, and we’ll highlight the critical role of early intervention in breaking cycles of disadvantage before they begin.

Program highlights will explore topics such as:

The transformative power of secure housing
Education as early intervention for mother and child
Keeping families together through gender-informed housing policy
Measuring success: outcomes for individuals, services and funders State-by-state insights into women’s housing solutions

This event will be held in person, live streamed and filmed for later release.

With Queensland’s homelessness rate nearly triple the national average, this conversation is more urgent than ever.

Hosted by The Lady Musgrave Trust – in partnership with QShelter, QCOSS, Micah Projects, Brisbane Youth Service and QUT’s School of Justice – the Forum bridges frontline expertise with policy reform to ensure no child inherits homelessness as their story.

Whether you’re a service provider, researcher, policymaker, advocate, volunteer or have experienced homelessness yourself, this event will leave you informed, inspired and ready to act.

A limited number of discounted tickets for volunteers and members of the community are available on application - email office@ladymusgravetrust.org.au.

Host:

The Lady Musgrave Trust is Queensland’s oldest charity, supporting women experiencing homelessness since 1885. Through a combination of safe, long-term housing and practical resources like The Handy Guide of Women’s Support Services, the Trust empowers women and their children to break the cycle of homelessness and build brighter futures. The Annual Forum on Women and Homelessness is one of many ways the Trust advocates for systemic change and shares the voices that matter most.