Darrell Wade appointed as future Chair at Philanthropy Australia 

Philanthropy Australia is delighted to announce that travel entrepreneur and philanthropist Darrell Wade has been appointed Chair designate of its board, marking the close of a significant period of co-leadership under Amanda Miller OAM and Lisa George. Their tenure, which comes to an end in February 2026, has been recognised for strengthening the organisation’s voice and overseeing the advancement of key reforms.

Darrell is Co-Founder, Executive Chair and former CEO of Intrepid Travel, one of the largest adventure tour operators in the world, which was started in 1989 as an immersive, low-impact model of travel. He is Chair of the Intrepid Foundation, established in 2002, which has distributed more than $20m to support communities where the travel company operates.

A visionary entrepreneur and activist, Darrell brings a background in sustainable business and connections across the sector, where he is known for his warmth and commitment. Darrell has also chaired his family’s fund, the Dawn Wade Foundation, for more than 20 years, and is active in the start-up community as Co-founder of seed investment program Skalata.

He is a highly experienced Chair in local and international organisations, having previously been Vice-Chair of the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTCC); Chair of social enterprise Good Cycles and Chair of Travalyst, the global initiative of The Duke of Sussex, which has the ambition to change the impact of travel for good.

Darrell said he is excited to take up the Philanthropy Australia role as the peak body advances its new strategy focused on supporting and growing the philanthropic ecosystem. He said: “Philanthropy in Australia has been evolving to an impressive level of sophistication and is more than ready to take on the many societal challenges we are facing in the coming years and decades. It couldn’t be a more pivotal time to lead the organisation.”

The Dawn Wade Foundation recently made a $2.8m multi-year gift to Deakin University to support equity in education, particularly for regional students. The foundation is based in Geelong, from where Darrell’s family originates. He said that improving access to education is a way to transform individual lives as well as create economic benefit to the local community and country as a whole.

“Philanthropy is incredibly rewarding and brings my wife Anna and I so much joy,” he said. “As the intergenerational wealth transfer gets into full swing in the coming years, I’m sure many more people could discover the joy of giving away money for good rather than accumulating more stuff – a message I’ll be keen to share as Chair of Philanthropy Australia,” he said.

“I am pleased and honoured to help take forward Philanthropy Australia’s vision to shape a more generous, just and sustainable future for all. I look forward to working with such a deeply committed organisation, from the board to CEO Maree Sidey and broader team.”

Darrell is also known for his association with the Australian International Development Network (AIDN) through the Insight Tours his foundation co-hosts for funders. He told Philanthropy Australia in 2024 that philanthropy was always part of his business model: “We thought, if we start to make a living out of travel to developing countries, then we should be ploughing something back into those countries.”

Amanda Miller and Lisa George, who have been in the role of Co-chairs for nine and four years respectively, have overseen a period of growth and reform that positioned philanthropy more prominently on the national agenda. Helping to secure Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR1) status for Community Foundations after 20 years of advocacy by Philanthropy Australia and others was a key achievement during their term.

They also oversaw policy agenda during a period of strong government engagement that included launching the Blueprint to Grow Structured Giving and submissions to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Philanthropy and the Not-for-Profit Sector Blueprint. 

Amanda, as co-founder of Impact Generation Partners, has brought expertise in impact investing and a passion for engaging the next generation of philanthropists. Amanda said: “It has been an incredible journey as Co-Chair with Lisa and before her, Ann Johnson. I am proud of the immense collective impact that the sector and organisation have made across civic society and for good causes.

“There is much more to do, and I know Darrell’s appointment, coupled with the diversity of experience and skills in the board and broader team, will be a powerhouse organisation.”

Lisa, as Global Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation has brought a strong understanding of social impact investing and global corporate philanthropy. Lisa said: “I feel privileged to have helped lead the significant development of the sector in recent years and never cease to be impressed by the generosity and commitment of those working in it and all that’s been achieved. I want to thank Amanda Miller for a wonderful partnership as Co-Chair for the past few years.

“I congratulate Darrel and all the team at Philanthropy Australia on continuing such great work. I can’t wait to see the next stage in the organisation’s growth emerge when Strategy 2030 hits the ground next year.”

Together, Amanda and Lisa have embodied a collaborative model of leadership that encouraged bold thinking and long-term vision, working with three CEOs – Sarah Davies AM, Jack Heath AM and Maree Sidey today. Philanthropy Australia thanks them for their extraordinary work, achievements and commitment.

Darrell will take up his role early in 2026. Amanda will finish her tenure in May, while Lisa will stay on the Board for a further 12 months.

Main image: Darrell Wade.