Celebrating 50 years of Social Futures Twin Towns · Wed 2 & Thu 3 December
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land where we live and work and their continuing connection to land, water, sea and community. We pay respects to Australia’s First Peoples, to their unique and diverse cultures, and to Elders past, present and future.
Inclusion is about the actions we take every day. We welcome, support, and celebrate diversity.
This year’s SPARK is particularly special as we come together to celebrate 50 years of Social Futures.
It’s a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come, recognise the incredible people who make Social Futures what it is today, and celebrate everything we’ve achieved together.
Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to your work and the communities we support. I’m incredibly proud of our people and what we continue to achieve together.
I hope you enjoy the opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, meet some new faces and, most importantly, have some fun!
Enjoy SPARK 2026, let’s celebrate!
Tony DaviesChief Executive Officer
A message from the Board
As we gather for SPARK 2026 and celebrate 50 years of Social Futures, the Board extends its sincere thanks to every member of our team.
Your passion, care and commitment have helped shape five decades of positive impact across our communities. We are proud of what has been achieved together and excited for the future ahead.
Enjoy the celebration and thank you for being part of the Social Futures story.
The Social Futures Board
Special guests
Janelle Saffin
Longtime supporter, former Executive Officer
Hon Janelle Saffin has a long history with Social Futures. She worked as a Coordinator before becoming Executive Officer in the 1990s, when we were known as the Richmond Tweed Social Development Council. Janelle helped design and run foundational community services across the Northern Rivers and established the Far North Coast Domestic Violence Liaison Committee. She continues to support our work, often attending our launches and advocating for regional housing, youth homelessness and community connection programs.
Mandy Nolan
Comedian, commentator and advocate
A longtime friend of Social Futures, Mandy Nolan is a prominent and well-loved Northern Rivers comedian, commentator, and community advocate. She has frequently partnered with Social Futures over the years to champion social justice initiatives, including campaigns against domestic and family violence, helping to facilitate community sector awards nights, youth events and conferences, and she is a keen supporter of our advocacy work and programs.
Dom Rowe
CEO, Homelessness NSW
The current CEO of Homelessness NSW, Dom Rowe is a seasoned campaigner and leader who previously held executive roles at Greenpeace Australia Pacific and the National Tertiary Education Union. At Homelessness NSW, Dom focuses on securing state funding for homelessness services and expanding social housing infrastructure. Social Futures is a proud member of Homelessness NSW and supporter of their advocacy campaigns.
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Surprise keynote
Bestselling author and mental health advocate
For more than two decades, our keynote speaker has been a familiar face on Australian screens and airwaves. Away from the spotlight, they’ve walked a personal path through mental health challenges and recovery, sharing that journey with honesty, humour and hope. Now a bestselling author and mental health advocate, they help people across the country feel less alone and more confident to seek support. Their story speaks directly to the work we do every day. All will be revealed at SPARK!
Your goodie bag
With sustainability in mind, we’ve chosen practical goodies you’ll use beyond SPARK. And to celebrate our 50th anniversary, we’ve given our logo and Stephen Hogarth’s artwork a golden touch!
Lanyard
With three safety breakaway points.
Tote bag
Black canvas Farmers Market tote bag.
Stainless steel bottle
Insulated to keep drinks hot or cold for 8–12 hours. 350 mL capacity with an easy-to-use flip-lock lid and push-button opening.
Close the lid tightly to prevent spills, especially with hot drinks.
Stephen Hogarth
About the artwork: Building Connections
Stephen Hogarth of the Gamilaroi People created the artwork for Social Futures.
Gamilaroi Country extends from the Upper Hunter Valley through to the Warrumbungle Mountains in the west and up through the present-day centres of Coonabarabran, Quirindi, Tamworth, Narrabri, Walgett, Moree and Mungindi in New South Wales, and to Nindigully in south-west Queensland. This work and the process behind its creation tells a meaningful story through all of its shapes, colours and details.
The big circles represent the strong connection Social Futures has for the people and communities we support. The ‘U’ shapes are the people that we support, with our staff behind them, guiding them to be the best they can be. Helping them to deal with life situations and bridging the gap of social isolation. The lines between the circles are travel lines. They are attached to each circle to highlight Social Futures’ reach, and the support network it offers through powerful connection.
Safety information
At SPARK 2026, the safety and wellbeing of everyone is our priority. While we want everyone to enjoy celebrating this significant milestone together, SPARK remains an official Social Futures work event, and our Code of Conduct applies throughout the conference and associated activities.
Reporting incidents
If you are involved in, or witness, an incident or emergency, please notify an Event Team member, your Manager or reception immediately so appropriate assistance can be provided. See key contacts
Looking after each other
Please look out for your colleagues throughout the event. We encourage everyone to:
Stay together where possible, particularly after dark.
Walk in groups when moving between venues.
Check in on colleagues if they appear unwell or need assistance.
Speak up if you have any concerns about your own safety or someone else’s wellbeing.
Creating a safe, respectful and inclusive environment is everyone’s responsibility.
Alcohol
Alcohol will be available for purchase during our 50th Anniversary Dinner. If you choose to drink, please do so responsibly. Remember:
SPARK is an official work function.
The Social Futures Code of Conduct applies at all times.
Please be respectful of colleagues and venue staff.
Non-alcoholic beverages will be readily available, free of charge.
Twin Towns venue
Twin Towns is a licensed club that includes gaming facilities. During official conference activities, staff are not permitted to access gaming areas. We ask everyone to remain within the designated event spaces unless otherwise advised.
Beaches and water safety
Coolangatta and Tweed Heads offer beautiful beaches and waterways. If enjoying them during your personal time, please stay safe:
Swim only at patrolled beaches during patrol hours.
Never swim alone, after dark or after consuming alcohol.
Follow all beach safety signage and lifeguard directions.
Important: Swimming and recreational activities outside official work duties or organised SPARK activities are not permitted during business hours, work travel or the SPARK evening event. Please look out for one another and prioritise safety throughout SPARK.
Moving around the area
Please take care when moving between accommodation and event venues. We ask everyone to:
Wear suitable footwear.
Use designated pedestrian crossings.
Be mindful of traffic and cyclists.
Keep noise to a minimum around accommodation, particularly late at night, out of respect for other guests.
Health and wellbeing
If you become unwell during the event, please advise your Manager or an Event Team member as soon as possible. Medical assistance and first aid can be arranged if required. Please also ensure you:
Stay hydrated.
Wear sunscreen if spending time outdoors.
Take any personal medications you require.
Respect and inclusion
SPARK is a celebration of our people and our shared purpose. We ask everyone to:
Treat each other with kindness and respect.
Celebrate responsibly.
Help create an environment where everyone feels welcome, safe and included.
Driving to SPARK
If you’re driving to SPARK, please prioritise your safety and take regular breaks if you’re feeling fatigued. Never continue driving when you’re tired.
Times are shown in NSW time, with QLD time alongside. Twin Towns is on the NSW side of the border, where clocks are one hour ahead of Queensland in December. Check which time your phone is showing.
Day 1 conference Wednesday 2 December
NSW time
QLD time
Session
Location
8:00am7:00am QLD
7:00am
Registration opens, SPARK bag pick-up and tea/coffee
Showroom
9:00am8:00am QLD
8:00am
Doors open to Showroom
The Stars
9:15am8:15am QLD
8:15am
Conference begins
Showroom
11:00am10:00am QLD
10:00am
Morning tea in the Stars room (40 mins)
The Stars
1:00pm12:00pm QLD
12:00pm
Lunch in the Stars room (55 mins)
The Stars
3:15pm2:15pm QLD
2:15pm
Afternoon tea in the Stars room and conference concludes
The Stars
Day 1 evening Wednesday 2 December
NSW time
QLD time
Session
Location
5:30pm4:30pm QLD
4:30pm
Stars room open for pre-dinner drinks
The Stars
5:45pm4:45pm QLD
4:45pm
Doors open to Showroom
Showroom
6:10pm5:10pm QLD
5:10pm
Award evening starts
Showroom
8:25pm7:45pm QLD
7:45pm
Awards finish and time to boogie with the Social Futures Band
Showroom
11:00pm10:00pm QLD
10:00pm
Event closes
Showroom
Day 2 activity Thursday 3 December
NSW time
QLD time
Session
Location
9:00am8:00am QLD
8:00am
Arrival tea/coffee in the Stars room
The Stars
9:30am8:30am QLD
8:30am
Doors open (no registration, just come on in)
Showroom
9:45am8:45am QLD
8:45am
Activity begins
Showroom
11:00am10:00am QLD
10:00am
Morning tea in the Stars room, then finish
The Stars
Twin Towns venue
Getting to the Stars and Showroom from the carpark
Enter the free underground carpark via Stuart St.
Use the lift or stairs to the Lobby Level.
Cross the walkway bridge.
Take the lift to Level 5 (Showroom and The Stars).
Tap to zoomAerial view of the Twin Towns precinct showing the carpark entry, walkway bridge and conference building.
Level 5
Tap to zoomShowroom and The Stars are both on Level 5, joined by the corridor with lifts, stairs and toilets.
Seating plans
Your day and night table numbers are printed on your event lanyard. Please sit at your allocated table, as allocations have been arranged with accessibility requirements in mind.
Day seating plan
Tap to zoomYour day table number is on your event lanyard. Auditorium seats are in the rows across the back of the room.
Night seating plan
Tap to zoomYour night table number is on your event lanyard. Tables 33–42 are up the stairs at the back.
Accommodation directions
Walking routes from Twin Towns to accommodation in Coolangatta and Tweed Heads.
Mantra Coolangatta
Tap to zoom7 min · 500 m From Twin Towns: up Clarke St, then left along Marine Parade.
Calypso Apartments
Tap to zoom3 min · 190 m From Twin Towns: along Boundary St, then left onto Griffith St.
Pink Hotel
Tap to zoom2 min · 120 m A short walk north of Twin Towns.
Greenmount Beach
Tap to zoom6 min · 400 m From Twin Towns: up Clarke St, then right along Marine Parade to the beach.
FAQs
Breakfast
Guests staying overnight at The Sebel and the Mantra Twin Towns will have breakfast included with their accommodation. This will be served at Signatures, located on the lobby level, connected to The Sebel Twin Towns.
To assist with venue capacity on the morning of Thursday 3 December, guests not participating in the social activity and who do not have an early flight are encouraged to enjoy breakfast after 9:00am (NSW time), where possible.
All other overnight guests will have breakfast packs delivered to their rooms.
If you would prefer a hot breakfast, you are welcome to purchase this and seek reimbursement. Please retain your receipts and submit to Accounts after the event.
Dinner
Staff staying additional nights outside of the SPARK event dates will be reimbursed for meals outside the event program. Please keep your receipts and submit a reimbursement form to Accounts after the event.
Staff staying for one night will be catered for at the SPARK Dinner on Wednesday evening.
Guests staying at home
If you are staying at home but need somewhere to get ready for the Dinner, you may wish to buddy up with a colleague who has accommodation booked and arrange to use their facilities.
Alternatively, bathrooms are available on Level 5 for changing. Please contact the Event Team if you require assistance with alternative arrangements.
Arriving at Twin Towns by car
Please park in the Mantra Twin Towns car park, accessible via Stuart Street.
From there, walk across the connecting bridge on the lobby level to access The Showroom on Level 5 and the SPARK event area.
If you are staying overnight and have luggage with you, please leave your bags in your car until accommodation check-in is available at the conclusion of the conference.
Check-out and bag drop
If you are attending the Day 2 activities on Thursday 3 December, please check out of your accommodation and leave your luggage in your car if parked at Mantra, or with reception at your accommodation, before making your way to The Showroom.
Accessibility and inclusion
At Social Futures, we want everyone to feel welcome, included and supported throughout SPARK 2026.
We have worked to accommodate accessibility requirements and individual needs communicated to the Event Team ahead of the event. A number of arrangements are in place to help make your experience as comfortable and accessible as possible.
Accessible facilities
Accessible toilets are available on Level 5, near the SPARK event spaces.
An accessible check-in line will be available at the event registration area. Please feel welcome to use this if required.
Accessibility requirements provided to the Event Team prior to the event have been considered and accommodated in our planning and arrangements.
Seating and table allocations
Table allocations have been arranged with accessibility requirements in mind. Please ensure you sit at your allocated table so that the arrangements made to support individual needs are maintained.
If you have any questions or require assistance locating your table, please speak with a member of the Event Team.
Auslan interpreters
We will have two Auslan interpreters supporting the event.
To ensure everyone can access and follow the interpreted content, we kindly ask attendees to be mindful of background noise and conversations, particularly during presentations, speakers and facilitated sessions.
Quiet spaces and taking a break
We recognise that conferences and large events can be busy and sometimes overwhelming.
If you require some quiet time or a break from the event environment, we encourage you to return to your accommodation room where possible. If you need assistance or would like to discuss alternative arrangements, please reach out to the Event Team.
Need assistance?
If you have any accessibility concerns, questions or feedback during SPARK, please don’t hesitate to speak with or contact a member of the Event Team.
We are here to help and want to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, connect and enjoy the SPARK 50th Anniversary celebrations.
