Northern QLD DMM Conference

24th May 2025

Northern QLD DMM Conference – CAIRNS 24 MAY 2025

Join us in tropical Cairns for a day of exploring what Disciple Making Movements are! Connect with other disciple makers from Northern QLD’s land and sea. Grow as you discover effective strategies and tools to reach the lost around you, whatever your context. Be inspired and equipped to make disciples that multiply. 

This is an event for everyone. A safe and welcoming space for believers from across the North to gather and go. Whether you are a seasoned pastor or a new believer, this is an opportunity you do not want to miss.

Located only a block from the Cairns Esplanade in the heart of the city, Cairns Oasis Resort is a fresh, light and airy tropical venue. Come along as a day participant or make an entire weekend out of it! And don’t forget to check out the weekend’s pop-up events (see below for more details)!

Details:

Date: Saturday 24th May

Times: Doors open at 8:30am for a 9am start. Finishing by 5pm.

Location: Novotel, Cairns Oasis Resort (122 Lake St, Cairns City). Abercrombie Room.

Cost:

(includes buffet lunch and morning/afternoon teas)

$65 per adult (18yrs +)

$45 per teen (13 – 17 yr olds)

$35 per child (4 – 12 yr olds)

Kids under (0-3) FOC (but still register them for numbers purposes)

Or $170 for a family (2 adults, 2+ kids/teens)

REGISTRATIONS CLOSE THURSDAY 8TH MAY 2025.

Please do not let costs get in the way of you coming along! Get in contact with us if you cannot afford the full amount. Contact Mel on 0448 176 272 or email [email protected]

If you are from out of town and need accommodation – please go to FAQ’s for a special discount rate at the Cairns Oasis Resort (same venue as the conference).

Pop-up Events (optional) throughout the weekend

5pm Friday 23rd May – sunset prayer 

Mt Whitfield – green arrow trailhead rocky outcrop. Meet in the carpark at the end of Bel-Air Drive at 5pm sharp. Bring a torch and wear walking shoes. A moderate degree of fitness required. Come and pray over our region in preparation for the weekend.

Saturday Night – dinner & walkabout prayer

Meet for a laid-back dinner (buy your own) along the Esplanade post-conference. For those who are keen to get into the harvest together – join in for walkabout prayer afterwards! If you’d prefer to stay at the table & chat, this is a great opportunity to kick back with us in a casual setting to ask those questions that have popped up during the course of the day. Exact location and time TBA.

10am Sunday 25th May – beach church

If you do not have any local church commitments, come and gather with us for Beach Church on Sunday morning! Bring a rug/chair to sit on. Beach location TBA. 

A bit about our main speakers

Dave & Colleen Lawton:

Dave and Colleen Lawton are the founders of Praxeis, a movement of followers of Christ, multiplying disciples among the nations of the world. Dave serves as the National Director. Prior to serving in this role with Praxeis, Dave was on the pastoral team and board of Crossway Baptist Church in Melbourne for 10 years.

For the better part of 20 years, Dave and Colleen were involved with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). They led ministries in Australia, then as a young family went to pioneer work in Bombay (now Mumbai) in India. Here they established a ministry and oversaw the development of workers and church planters.

Dave teaches on Disciple Making Movements (DMM) in Australia and in other nations. He is gifted in leadership, preaching and teaching, and the encouragement of others. Dave has a passion for the Church and mission here in Australia and around the world. 

Find out more: Dave Lawton – Praxeis

Steve & Mel Behrens:

Steve and Mel Behrens are based in Cairns, Far North Queensland, with their son, Ezra. They are passionate disciple making movement practitioners and Northern Queensland Regional Leaders with Praxeis. Committed to co-labouring with other believers who want to reach the lost, their vision is to catalyse disciple making movements across Northern Queensland, throughout Australia, PNG and among the nations, for the glory of God. Currently, they are serving several streams of disciples who are multiplying, ranging from remote locations to city centres.

Steve grew up in PNG as a missionary kid before becoming a tradesman in Townsville, where he eventually started his own business. Mel, also from Townsville, pursued a career as a high school PE and Science teacher. After a profound encounter with God, both felt a clear calling to dedicate their lives to reaching the lost, making disciples who multiply, and raising up movement leaders. As a family, Steve, Mel and Ezra are committed to following Jesus wherever He leads.

Find out more: North Queensland – Praxeis

FAQ’s

Who is Praxeis?

Praxeis is an ever-growing movement of followers of Jesus, making disciples that multiply in all the world. We seek to serve the local church and everyday believers to catalyse disciple making movements.  See Our story – Praxeis for more information.

I’m from out of town, where can I stay?

There are so many options in Cairns from beautiful resorts to fun family caravan parks like Cairns Coconut Resort!

Exciting news from our conference venue! Cairns Oasis Resort has kindly offered a special 20% discount, if you stay 1 or 2 nights over the weekend. This discount applies to the best available rate at the time of booking. Book online via this link Novotel Cairns Oasis Resort or contact the resort on 07 4080 1888. Please mention ‘’PRAXEIS’’or quote confirmation #420200 at the time of booking to be given the discounted rate. Be sure to book ASAP while rooms are available.

Where can I park during the conference?

Paid parking is available along the surrounding streets. If you are looking for undercover secure parking, Cairns Oasis Resort offers a daily rate of $10. Alternatively, you can find free parking along some sections of the Esplanade if you are willing to walk a few blocks.

I’m flying in, how do I get there?

Cairns Oasis Resort is less than 10 minutes from the Cairns airport. Taxi, uber, rental cars and shuttle bus services are available.

Are kids welcome?

Families are very welcome to bring younger kids, although there is no kids program. The good news is that parents can tag team with their young kids and use the beautiful resort pool for free. Just be aware that children are the responsibility of the parents and will need to be supervised appropriately. 

Can my food allergies or dietary needs be catered for?

Yes, just let us know when you register.

What is the weather like?

May is one of the best months to visit Cairns, with typically cool sunny days averaging 24°C and low humidity.

What if I don’t know anyone?

This is a great place to start to get to know others with a similar heart to yours. There will be people from different cultures and places, but all with a heart to reach the lost and make disciples.

What if I’ve never made a disciple before?

This is a great place to come and hear how simple it is to make disciples. You will leave the conference with practical strategies and tools in disciple making that reflects how Jesus made disciples. This is for everyone, no matter your background or level of experience. 

I’m not from Northern QLD, can I still come?

Yes of course. Everyone is welcome. Alternatively, if you’d prefer a training event in a location outside of Northern QLD, get in touch with us.

Can I donate towards the cost for someone who can’t afford to attend?

Yes, please email [email protected] to find out how.

Can I invite others?

Yes! For most of the day we will be in interactive sessions. A perfect opportunity to dive into DMM as a team or church group.