Starting the year with purpose, connection and generosity: A note from CEO Maree Sidey
Maree Sidey, CEO, Philanthropy Australia
Thu, 5 Feb 2026
As we share the first edition of Giving News for 2026, it feels a little late to say Happy New Year. Yet the sense of renewal that comes with a new year remains important. Many communities have experienced a difficult beginning to the year. Recent weeks have brought moments of grief and disruption, including violent incidents affecting Jewish and Aboriginal communities, and early bushfires and sudden flooding across the country.
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Get ready for Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026
Fri, 12 Dec 2025
Australia’s biggest philanthropy conference returns in 2026, and it will be bolder than ever! We are thrilled to announce the theme for the 2026 Philanthropy Australia Conference: Mobilising Generosity, Shaping the Future.
Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO
Thu, 5 Feb 2026
The philanthropy and environmental sectors are mourning the loss of Professor Emma Johnston AO, whose leadership, intellect and generosity shaped some of Australia’s most significant conservation and sector strengthening initiatives, according to tributes paid by sector leaders this week.
How giving can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected communities
Thu, 5 Feb 2026
This summer, communities across Victoria and New South Wales have withstood the worst of catastrophic bushfires and, tragically, five people lost their lives. Flooding in western Queensland has also caused devastating losses in remote communities. Natalie Egleton, CEO of the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR), shares with Giving News how philanthropy can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected communities, not just short-term recovery.
Generosity celebrated in Australia Day 2026 Honours list
Thu, 5 Feb 2026
More than 900 individuals have been acknowledged for their generosity in this year’s Australia Day Honours. While none give in search of recognition, their abundant altruism gives hope to many communities and causes. Philanthropy Australia is proud to recognise and champion their giving, which supports diverse and worthy causes across our nation.
In the wake of Bondi: Choosing humanity over hate
Amanda Miller OAM, Co-Chair, Philanthropy Australia
Wed, 17 Dec 2025
On Sunday night, when news broke of the attack at Bondi, I felt anguish, heartbreak and betrayal. To see such an act of antisemitic violence against the Jewish community unfold in Australia was unfathomable. It shook something in all of us. My most heartfelt condolences are with the victims, their families, and everyone whose sense of safety has been upended, as mine very much has.
COP31 outcome: What it means and why philanthropy’s support is vital
Fri, 12 Dec 2025
After dramatic final negotiations at COP30 in Belém, Türkiye will host COP31. Global negotiations will be led by Australia’s Climate and Energy Minister Chris Bowen, and a major Pre-COP meeting will be held in the Pacific. While it’s not the outcome our sector had hoped for, there’s still a powerful opportunity for Australia and the Pacific to shape the global climate agenda.
