Get Your Ducks in a Row Retreat
Sydney, October 16-18, 2025
The Good Life Builders and Inclusion Tree are joining forces to bring you three days of connection, learning, and practical guidance from experts.
Step away from the day-to-day and take time to focus on building a strong, sustainable foundation for your family-governed ‘service for one.’
The program blends workshops, expert-led sessions, and peer-to-peer discussions, focusing on governance, compliance, team culture, efficiency, and practical application in “service for one” models.
This retreat is designed to help you:
- Gain clarity and confidence in your governance and decision-making
- Connect with others on the same journey
- Access tools, resources, and expert advice you can put into action straight away
Leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to lead your service forward with a clear plan.
Who is this retreat for?
The Get Your Ducks in a Row Retreat is designed for families and people with disability who are serious about running a family-governed ‘service for one.’ It is not aimed at service providers. It’s not an introduction to services for one.
It’s perfect for those already operating a service, those who have recently set one up, or those who have made the firm decision to get started and are ready to roll up their sleeves.
This retreat is a working, practical event—ideal for people who are committed to learning, sharing, and taking action.
Places are strictly limited, so we ask that only those prepared to fully participate and put the work in register, to ensure every seat benefits someone ready to make real progress.
If you’re simply wanting to find out what a ‘service for one’ is, this is not the place—we encourage you to explore the resources on our website or book a time with Sheree to ask your questions.
Agenda
Thursday October 16
4 -6pm World Café Roundtable – Setting the Stage for Connection
On the first evening before we sit down for our welcome dinner, we’ll gather for an interactive World Café roundtable.
You’ll move between tables, meet new people, and swap stories, insights, and challenges.
Together, we’ll:
- Build early connections with other participants.
- Share what brought us here and what we’re hoping to achieve.
- Uncover common themes, challenges, and opportunities.
- Capture ideas and questions to guide our learning over the next two days.
By the time we sit down for dinner, you’ll already know familiar faces, have sparked meaningful conversations, and be ready to dive into the retreat with a sense of community and shared purpose.
6 – 8pm Welcome Dinner
This is your chance to sit back, enjoy a delicious meal, and continue the conversations sparked earlier in the evening. Whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or meeting fellow participants for the first time, the atmosphere will be warm, informal, and filled with good company.
Friday October 17
9am – 4pm
Morning – Practical workshops on:
- team culture and direction
- team roles and flow
- progress tracking
- NDIS compliance policies & procedures
Afternoon – Practical and interactive peer workshops
Saturday October 18
9am – 4pm
Morning – concurrent sessions
Director Session
- Unpacking your constitutions
- Efficiency savings
- Tax considerations
- Fair Work compliance with values
Team Leader/Support team member Peer Led Session
Role Clarity & Purpose
Team communications
Health & Wellbeing Responsibilities
Supporting Staff Learning
Reporting to the Board
Afternoon:
- Practical and interactive peer workshops
Workshop Leaders
Sheree Henley – Founder and Director, The Good Life Builders
Michaela Kennedy – Director Inclusion Tree
Jennifer Johannesen – Group Principal Lawyer, For Purpose Advisory
John Leslie – Taxation and Tax Law Specialist – Equity Tax Law
Kate Hopper – HR Consultant – HarmonyHive HR
Venue & Accommodation
Novotel Sydney Parramatta
350 Church Street Parramatta NSW
Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Novotel Sydney Parramatta offers the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and style for our retreat.
The hotel features spacious, modern guest rooms, well-equipped meeting spaces, and on-site dining.
Set alongside the Parramatta River and just a short walk from local cafes, parks, and cultural attractions, it provides an ideal setting for learning, connection, and relaxation.
Parking
- 3-level secure car park
- Discounted parking of $20 per vehicle (day) or $30 per vehicle for overnight parking
- Over 180 spots available (subject to availability)
How to book
A special rate for attendees has been secured:
Superior King Room
$209.00 per person for Room Booking only.
$229.00 per person with Breakfast Inclusive.
These rates are valid until 16/09/2025, subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
Payment Terms
Individual guests are responsible for settling all accounts. Credit card information is collected by Novotel Sydney Parramatta.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made within 48 hours prior to the arrival date will incur a 100% charge.
How to Book
Please call the reservations team on 02 9890 0850 or email novotel@nmsp.com.au to book and mention that you are attending the Good Life Builders Retreat and use the code 2510INCLUS
Getting there
The hotel is a 10–15 minute walk from Parramatta Train Station, which is well connected to Sydney’s CBD and airport via train and bus services.
Parramatta Wharf is also nearby, offering a scenic ferry ride from Circular Quay.
Costs
The cost to attend is:
Family member – $1100
Additional people attending as part of your group (eg partner, support workers, support coordinator) – $550 per additional person
Register to attend
Request an invoice for claiming from the NDIS by emailing sheree@thegoodlifebuilders.com.au