Conference Field Trips open for registrations

Registrations are now open for Field Trip Friday at Conference 2026. The field trips, which range from a half day cultural tour to three days on the world’s second largest sand island, will give Philanthropy Australia members a deeper connection with giving in Queensland.  

“Connection, generosity and place‑based engagement sit at the heart of this year’s Conference,” said Maree Sidey, CEO of Philanthropy Australia. “We are intentionally expanding our Field Trip offering in Brisbane so that our members can connect in a meaningful, practical and grounded way with philanthropy in the home of our event.” 

Taking place on Friday 11 September, Field Trip Friday has been developed in partnership with our Queensland Working Group and local organisations. Guided by local leaders and community voices, participants will experience philanthropy in action and gain first‑hand insight into collaborative, place‑based approaches to impact in Queensland’s communities, landscapes and cultural spaces.

“These trips have been devised and created by our dedicated local Working Group, who are keen as mustard to show all of us the incredible philanthropy taking place in Queensland,” Maree said. “My deepest thanks go to all members of the Working Group for their time, dedication and positive energy, which is setting an exciting and upbeat tone for Conference 2026.”

Open exclusively to Philanthropy Australia Impact, Engage Organisation and Engage Individual members, delegates can choose from six carefully curated field trips, each aligned to a key area of impact across the philanthropic ecosystem, with a seventh First Nations field trip to be added shortly. Any fees will cover the cost of the trip only, and the not-for-profits and social enterprises involved are supported by funders on the Working Group.

Field Trip places are strictly limited, and members are encouraged to register early to secure their place. 

Tour of Brisbane Cultural Precinct
Half-day
An immersion through Brisbane’s Cultural Precinct, offering behind‑the‑scenes access to major venues and firsthand engagement with Queensland arts and culture leaders. 

3-Day Environment Field Trip
3 full days
An immersive trip for funders to Minjerribah (Stradbroke Island) on Quandamooka Country, offering learning from NGOs, marine conservation and First Nations–led impact.  

Reimagining integrated hubs and working in partnership with young people
Half-day
Engage directly with young people and community partners, explore innovative, school‑based integrated hubs and youth‑led approaches to wellbeing, brain health and systems change. 

Mobilising Generosity in Medical Research
Full day
A trip for funders and sector leaders exploring how philanthropy has acted as a catalyst across Brisbane’s medical research ecosystem. 

Brisbane Social Enterprise & Philanthropy Tour
Full day
A tour of Brisbane’s Southside exploring the intersection of philanthropy, social enterprise and systemic change, with behind‑the‑scenes insights into growth, innovation and community resilience. 

From Crisis to Safety to Thriving – How Philanthropy Changes the Story for Women and Children
Full day
Examining how philanthropy supports women and children to move from crisis to safety and thriving, engage with frontline services in domestic violence, housing, legal support and more. 

Register for Field Trips here. 

Queensland Working Group members