Divergent Solutions Youth & Small Business Expo

20/01/2026

18/01/2026

A message to Queensland workforces & services
There is an important shift happening across Queensland.
Lived and living experience (LE) is no longer being viewed as “input” or “personal stories” — it is increasingly recognised as expertise.
Under reforms such as Shifting minds, led by the Queensland Mental Health Commission, expectations are changing across mental health, AOD, su***de prevention, youth, and community sectors.
What this means for workforces:
• Lived experience involvement should be paid, not voluntary by default
• LE contributors are engaged for insight, reflection, and systems knowledge — not trauma disclosure
• Clear roles, boundaries, and supports are essential
• Co-design and advisory work means shared power, not token consultation
• Safety, ethics, and sustainability matter — for everyone involved
Many people with lived experience are now: • Working in advisory and governance roles
• Supporting workforce readiness and service design
• Contributing without over-disclosure
• Creating ethical roles through community-led organisations and consultancies
This shift benefits services too: ✔ Better design
✔ Stronger trust
✔ Reduced harm
✔ More sustainable engagement
Lived experience is not a trend.
It is a professional capability — and the way it is engaged now will shape the future of our systems.
If your organisation is working with lived experience, now is the time to: • Review how roles are structured
• Ensure fair pay and clear scope
• Move from “consulting” to partnering
Respectful, ethical engagement is no longer optional — it’s best practice.
— Meg Michelle Speight
Founder | Divergent Solutions

https://www.qmhc.qld.gov.au/shifting-minds-2023-2028

14/01/2026

Youre very welcome, I feel we did , and its heritage, very proud ◇♡

13/01/2026

🎉 Big Shout Out to Jolly Jumps! 🎉

A huge thank you to Jolly Jumps, one of our amazing local Gold Coast businesses who have been bringing joy, laughter and unforgettable memories to families and young people for years. Your hard work, dedication and passion for creating fun experiences truly makes a difference in our community.

Thank you for all that you do to keep Gold Coast kids smiling and bouncing with happiness! 💛

13/01/2026

🎉 TODAY’S THE DAY — GOLD COAST YOUTH & SMALL BUSINESS EXPO! 🎉
📍 Southport Community Centre
🕙 10AM – 2PM

🍧 $3 Sno Cones
☕ FREE tea & coffee for parents & carers
🎶 Live music • performances • prizes

👶 Little Ones (Ages 1–8)
🏰 Jumping Castle
🎨 Crafts – Make a lei, flower crown or drum
💃 Hula Dance

📣 From the Youth Advocate Team
📞 Enquiries & Registration: 0403 458 328

📣 From the Youth Advocate Team
📞 Enquiries & Registration: 0403 458 328

💼 Business Owners — This One’s For You!

Come network with other local businesses and the community you serve and showcase your brand through:

🎥 Large projector presentations
📲 Social media reels & content
🤝 Face-to-face connections with families, youth & community leaders

🌟 Host a Micro-Intern
Register to host a youth micro-intern — a new initiative supporting:
✔ Small business growth
✔ Youth employment pathways
✔ Community resilience

🎓 Workforce Orientation Courses
Learn about our Workforce Orientation Courses —
✅ FULLY FUNDED by the Queensland Mental Health Commission
📍 Register or enquire today with a Lived Experience Advocate onsite

📌 Exhibitors must register through the event team
Tables and networking space available today!

📞 Call or text: 0403 458 328

13/01/2026

𝙐𝙍𝙂𝙀𝙉𝙏: One week left to have your voice heard on this critical crossroads moment for the implementation of the master plan. Head to https://gcwa.qld.gov.a... ASAP to provide your feedback, only takes a few minutes, but before you do, please note the following via our article —

http://www.saveourspit.com/

HAVE YOU done the survey yet? A 𝙢𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 video exposing the significant trashing of The Spit Master Plan process and outcomes. Anyone who spends t...

13/01/2026

Sooo... thought id see what had to say about the Gold Coast Youth Expo 🥱😀😆💯👇

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You said:
Hi chat. Can you tell me about the Gold Coast Youth Expo in Southport?
ChatGPT said:
Here’s a clear summary of the Gold Coast Youth Expo happening in Southport:

📍 What It Is
The Gold Coast Youth Expo is a free, community-focused event for young people and their families. It aims to bring youth together with opportunities, activities, and local organisations — all in a fun, inclusive environment.

📅 When & Where
🗓 Wednesday 14 January 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM (AEST)
📍 Southport Community Centre
6 Lawson Street, Southport, QLD 4215 🏙️

🎟️ Tickets
Free entry — you can reserve a ticket ahead of time.

Everyone who enters can go in the prize draw, with the draw held at 1:00 PM on the day.

🎉 What’s On
The Expo offers a mix of fun, learning, and community connection, including:
✔️ Interactive activities and games
✔ Workshops and youth engagement sessions
✔ Local exhibitors and community service stalls
✔ Music and live stage performances
✔ Market stalls and giveaways
✔ Tasty food and refreshments available on site
✔ Opportunities to explore education, careers, volunteering, and more

🎤 Who’s Behind It
The event is organised by Divergent Solutions Pty Ltd, supported by community partners and led in part by Emmasyn Rose, the Youth Ambassador — with a focus on connection, opportunity and empowerment for young people.

🤝 Why It Matters
This Expo is designed to:

Connect local youth with services, resources & opportunities

Encourage community participation and learning

Provide a welcoming space for young voices and creativity

If you’d like, I can also give you tips on how to prepare for attending (e.g., what to bring, how to talk to exhibitors) or help find similar youth events on the Gold Coast this year!

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13/01/2026

I used to think prayer was about "convincing" God to help me. Like I had to say the right words or be "good enough" to extract a miracle from a reluctant King.

Then I looked closer at a story in Luke 5, and it completely ruined that mindset. 🧵

A man with leprosy someone who hadn’t been touched or looked at with love in years approaches Jesus.

He says something heartbreaking: "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean."

He knew God had the power. He just wasn't sure if God had the interest.

In that culture, touching a l***r made you "unclean." Most people would have stepped back.

Jesus did the opposite. He reached out, touched the man, and said three words that change everything for us today:

"I am willing."

That’s the secret. We spend so much energy trying to persuade God to be on our side, forgetting that He already chose us.

You aren't a beggar at a palace gate; you're a child at the dinner table. You don't have to "coerce" a Father who already delights in you.

Whatever you're facing today, career stress, health stuff, or just feeling "unworthy", stop trying to change God's mind.

He is already inclined toward you. You are Godbacked He already got your back

Take a breath. He’s not just able. He’s willing. 🙌✨