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

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

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.

Get your tickets now.

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.”

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.”

Prue Hughes

“I’m honoured to be speaking at this event hosted by Motivate Collective and also featuring Kate Johnson JP”

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.

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.

Get your tickets now.

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.”

Get your tickets now.