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Conference Program 2026

As Philanthropy Australia celebrates its 50th year, Conference 2026 invites us to do more than reflect on the progress we've made. It's an opportunity to help shape the next 50 years of giving in Australia and ask the question that sits at the heart of this year's program: what is the future of generosity, and what does it ask of us now? 
 

The three-day program follows clear narrative that begins by examining how generosity is changing, moves to the systems and forces shaping our collective future, and closes by reflecting on the responsibilities that come with wealth, influence and decision-making.  

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This program is subject to change.

Click here to download the Conference Program (PDF).

Masterclass Monday

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Field

Trip

Friday

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Events

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Day 1 - Tuesday 8 September

Mobilising generosity

How do we strengthen philanthropy for a changing, challenging world? Explore new approaches to leadership, trust, community partnership and shared power, and consider how philanthropy can adapt to meet today's challenges and tomorrow's opportunities. 

8:30 AM

Newcomer Session Registrations open

10.00 AM - 12.00 PM

Newcomer welcome (optional, registration required)

Designed for those who are new to the sector or new to Conference, start the day with clarity and connection at this warm, informal introduction to Philanthropy Australia, the philanthropic sector and the Conference. Morning tea is included, along with time for relaxed networking to help you connect with fellow participants, discover shared interests and begin forming valuable connections.

12.00 PM - 1.00 PM

Conference Registrations open and Networking Lunch

1.00 PM - 3.20 PM

Plenary 1

Welcome

Welcome to Country 

Shannon Ruska, Aboriginal Cultural Specialist and Cultural Leader, Tribal Experiences. A proud descendant of the Yuggera, Nunukul, and Yugambeh peoples

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Performance

William Barton, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer. 2023 QLD Australian of the Year. Proud Kalkadunga man

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Welcome to Queensland 

Conference Patrons Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC

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Philanthropy Australia Welcome 

Darrell Wade, Chair, Philanthropy Australia ​

Maree Sidey, CEO, Philanthropy Australia 

Mobilising Generosity Through Partnership 

Featuring 

Exploration of how government and philanthropy can work together to mobilise generosity for community benefit, with reflections on the Queensland Government’s Office of Social Impact and partnership with philanthropy.

The State of Generosity: Global Trends and Local Implications 

Featuring 

  • Alex Plumb — Head of Research, Charities Aid Foundation (UK) (via video link)  

  • Tara Castle – CEO, Queensland Gives (QLD)

  • John McLeod — Senior Research Consultant, JBWere 

  • ​Rueben Berg - Member of Gellung Warl | First Peoples Assembly of Victoria (former Co-Chair) (VIC)

  • Naina Subberwal Batra — CEO, AVPN (Singapore)

  • Moderator: Maree Sidey — CEO, Philanthropy Australia 

How is generosity changing and what do these shifts mean for the future of philanthropy? Learn what the World Giving Report 2026 tells us about global giving trends, donor behaviour and the evolving needs of charities, and explore what these insights mean for the future of Australian philanthropy, civil society and community participation.

Future Proofing Generosity: From Uncertainty to Action  

Featuring 

  • Trista Harris — President, FutureGood (USA)

  • Ryan Ginard – Head of Sector Development and Innovation, Minderoo Foundation (QLD)  

One of philanthropy's leading futurists, Trista Harris brings her expertise in strategic foresight to help funders navigate rapid technological, environmental and social change. In conversation with Ryan Ginard, she will explore how philanthropy can anticipate emerging trends, embrace uncertainty and invest in a more generous and resilient future.

3.20 PM - 3.50 PM

Afternoon Tea

3.50 PM - 5.45 PM

Plenary 2

Transaction to Transformation: Trust, Power & Community-Led Change  

Featuring 

  • Joshua Amponsem — Co-Executive, Youth Climate Justice Fund (Ghana) 

  • Joanna Kerr — Founder and Principal, NutHatch (Canada) 

  • Anita Patel — Vice President of Grantmaking, Bush Foundation (USA) 

  • Moderator: Charlotte Siddle — Executive Director of the Siddle Family Foundation

How can philanthropy shift power and support communities? Three global leaders in participatory philanthropy, community leadership and systems change come together to explore how philanthropy can move beyond traditional grantmaking. Drawing on deep experience shifting power, building trust and backing community-led solutions, they will share practical insights from around the globe on funding approaches that create lasting and transformative change.

First Nations Perspectives on Belonging, Reciprocity and Generosity  

Featuring 

What does generosity look like when viewed through First Nations world views? This session explores how concepts of giving, reciprocity, and responsibility are understood and practised within First Nations communities, and what Australian philanthropy can learn. Speakers will reflect on community-led approaches, self-determination and long-term relationships grounded in trust, respect and shared responsibility, challenging funders to move beyond transactional giving towards relationships grounded in trust, respect, and mutual obligation.

Performance

5.45 PM - 7.45 PM

Welcome Drinks

Plaza Terrace, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Day 2 - Wednesday 9 September

Shaping the future

How do we strengthen collective capacity to shape a just and sustainable future? Explore the forces reshaping our world—from artificial intelligence and democratic resilience to Asia's growing philanthropic influence and new approaches to mobilising capital. Discover how philanthropy can harness its collective resources, relationships and influence to anticipate change and shape the future.

7.30 AM

Registrations open

8.00 AM - 8.45 AM

Early Riser: Arts, Culture and Community: Shaping a More Connected Brisbane (optional)

Featuring 

A conversation on how arts and culture can help shape Brisbane's future by fostering belonging, strengthening communities and creating a more vibrant and inclusive city.

9.00 AM - 10.00 AM

Plenary 3

Performance

AI, Power and the Public Good: Who is Coding the Future?  

Featuring 

  • Dex Hunter‑Torricke — Founder and President, The Center for Tomorrow (UK) 

  • Sarah Buckley - CEO, Trawalla Foundation (VIC)

  • Dr Kyle Turner — Senior Research Fellow, First Nations AI at Victoria University. A proud Wiradjuri man (NSW)

  • Moderator: Luke Terry – CEO, White Box Enterprises (QLD)

With expertise spanning technology, AI governance, First Nations leadership and social innovation, this panel explores the opportunities and risks of an AI-driven future. Speakers will examine how philanthropy can help ensure AI is developed ethically, inclusively and in ways that strengthen democracy, equity and community wellbeing.

10.00 AM - 10.30 AM

Morning Tea

10.30 AM - 12.20 PM

Plenary 4

Divided Times: Rebuilding Trust in an Age of Polarisation

Featuring 

Experts in social cohesion, democratic resilience, online safety and community belonging examine how societies can respond to growing polarisation and declining trust. Drawing on experience from Australia and around the world, they will share practical insights on fostering connection, strengthening civic participation and building the trust that underpins healthy democracies.

Our Region, Our Future: Philanthropy in Asia and the Pacific 

Featuring 

Leading voices in philanthropy, social investment and climate action explore the forces transforming giving across the region. Speakers will share insights on emerging philanthropic models, cross-border collaboration and opportunities for Australia to work alongside regional partners to address shared challenges and accelerate impact.

Performance

12.20 PM - 1.20 PM

Lunch

1.20 PM - 2.20 PM

Plenary 5

Mobilising Capital for Lasting Change  

Featuring 

Jessica is the Founder and CEO of the Social Impact Hub, which collaborates with social purpose organisations to advise, educate and mobilise capital for impact. Jessica is also the Co-Founder and Chair of Wait Mate Foundation, a not-for-profit empowering parents to delay giving their child a smartphone. She is also an impact investment expert, consulting to private philanthropic foundations, and previously an independent impact investment services firm. Jessica began her career as a Solicitor at King & Wood Mallesons in Sydney. She holds a B.A. and LL.B. (with First Class Honours) from UNSW and a LL.M. from Harvard Law School, where she was the recipient of the R.G. Menzies Scholarship to Harvard, and she studied social entrepreneurship, philanthropy and impact investing.

Performance

2.30 PM - 3.30 PM

Breakout session 1

Breakouts will be updated, and are subject to change, as timings and speakers are finalised.  

 

3.30 PM - 4.00 PM

Afternoon Tea

4.00 PM - 5.00 PM

Breakout session 2

Breakouts will be updated, and are subject to change, as timings and speakers are finalised.  

        Hosted by Foundation For Young Australians​

5.10 PM - 5.55 PM

Debate: Spend Down vs In Perpetuity  

Should philanthropy be splashing the cash now while the world’s biggest challenges are knocking at the door, or keeping some powder dry for the generations still to come? In this spirited debate, advocates for both spend-down and perpetual giving will go head-to-head, making the case for why their approach delivers the greatest impact. Expect sharp arguments, big ideas, and a healthy dose of good-natured sparring as speakers tackle questions of urgency, legacy, risk, and responsibility.

7.00 PM - 10.00 PM

Networking Dinner (Glo House, Brisbane City Botanic Gardens)

Join us for a spectacular evening music, food and fun at Brisbane’s iconic Glo House, nestled among the lush surrounds of the City Botanic Gardens. This cocktail-style dinner is a chance to to unwind with fellow delegates in a vibrant and welcoming setting. Tickets are on sale now and places are strictly limited, so secure your spot early.

REGISTER HERE

Day 3 - Thursday 10 September

Stewarding the future

How do we mobilise generosity today to build the future we want tomorrow? Exploring wealth, inequality and prosperity, the final day challenges participants to think beyond the present and consider their responsibility to future generations. It culminates with young people sharing their vision for the next 50 years of giving. 

7.30 AM

Registrations open

8.00 AM - 8.45 AM

Early Riser: Brisbane 2032: A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity (optional)

A conversation on the role philanthropy can play in shaping the social, cultural and community legacy of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the opportunity to contribute to a lasting impact for communities across Queensland.

Featuring 

9.00 AM - 10.15 AM

Plenary 6

Performance

What is Wealth for? Stewardship, Responsibility and a Liveable Future  

Featuring

At a time of rising inequality, ecological breakdown and growing pressure on democratic systems, this session explores a fundamental question: what is wealth for? Bringing together Indigenous and economic perspectives, speakers will examine the assumptions that shape wealth creation, accumulation and distribution, and consider alternative ways of thinking about stewardship, responsibility and prosperity. Together, they'll explore how philanthropy can play a role not only in redistributing wealth, but in reshaping the narratives that underpin a more equitable, sustainable and thriving future.

10.20 AM - 10.50 AM

Morning Tea

10.50 AM - 11.50 AM

Breakout session 3

Breakouts will be updated, and are subject to change, as timings and speakers are finalised.  

        Hosted by The Funding Network, Groundswell, She Gives, Indigenous Giving Circle

        Hosted by English Family Foundation and Siddle Family Foundation

12.00 PM - 1.10 PM

Plenary 7

The Future is Ours to Build: Letters to the Future, Imagining the Next 50 Years of Generosity

In this closing session, young leaders present Letters to the Future—personal reflections on the next 50 years of generosity. Challenging us to think beyond the present, they explore the choices and responsibilities that will shape generations to come, leaving us with a clear call to lead with courage and purpose.

Featuring 

  • Kurt Jones — Founder & CEO, Co-Exist Australia

  • Angel Owens — National Director, Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Networ

  • Tamika Jade Bennett — Youth Worker, Youth Advocacy Centre / Youth Ambassador Program / DrugARM 

  • Moderator: Nathaniel Diong — Founder & CEO, Future Minds Network 

Closing

Featuring 

  • Maree Sidey — CEO, Philanthropy Australia  

Performance

1.10 PM - 2.10 PM

Lunch

2.10 PM - 4.10 PM

Networks and Collaborative Convening (For Grantmakers/Investors)

A new addition to Conference 2026, the convening brings together existing networks and communities of practice operating across the giving ecosystem in Australia and welcomes delegates to learn more and get involved. They are an easy entry point for funders/investors wanting to join existing groups, and to find their tribe.

4.10 PM - 5.10 PM

Celebration Drinks

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