#22 Convene. Catalyse. Learn: Systems Change for Kids with Michael Hogan

In this episode, Matt speaks with Michael Hogan — Executive Convenor of the Queensland Kids Partnership, an initiative hosted by ARACY that brings together philanthropy, government, community and research to improve the wellbeing of Queensland's children and young people. Michael has more than 35 years' experience in public-purpose work, including roles as Director-General of two Queensland departments. A deliberate choice sits at the heart of the partnership: rather than create another organisation or service, it set out to use what's already there — convening, catalysng and connecting the people and programs already doing the work, and drawing on ARACY's national networks instead of adding to a crowded ecosystem. We talk about what makes work genuinely systems-focused, how the partnership organises its work around six portfolios and the idea of "lead, facilitate, affiliate", and why so much of the most important work — relationships, partnerships, weaving networks together — stays invisible and undervalued by funders. Michael also unpacks the role of philanthropy as active partners rather than passive funders, and why shifting outcomes for kids means following the money and changing how investment is done. His message is clear: we've spent too long prioritising competitive advantage and not enough valuing collaborative advantage — and systems are built by everybody, over generations. In this episode we cover: - Why the partnership chose not to add to the fragmentation, and what "use what we've got" means in practice - The shift from working in a place to genuinely place-based, systems-focused work - Organising around six portfolios — and the idea of "lead, facilitate, affiliate" - The systems intermediary role: bridging sectors, levels and organisations - Making invisible relationship work visible through social network analysis - Philanthropy as partners and "doers", not just funders - Following the money — investment, commissioning and contracting as levers for change - A shared language through ARACY's Nest, instead of reinventing frameworks - From competitive advantage to collaborative advantage Resources mentioned: - ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children and Youth) - The Nest Wellbeing Framework - Country Collaborative — Social Network Analysis Toolkit - Thriving Places, Thriving Kids Network If you like what you hear sign up for our mailing list! We share resources, publications, and other ways to learn. You can also find FPC on LinkedIn, or visit our website.