Highlights from three years of storytelling at PA: Farewell from Dee Rudebeck 

It’s been a joy to shepherd Philanthropy Australia’s news and storytelling for nearly three years, reflecting now as my chapter here comes to an end. While there couldn’t be a better education in understanding the philanthropy ecosystem, it’s been the opportunity to talk with so many passionate funders and changemakers about what drives their giving and desire to create a more inclusive, progressive and kind Australia that’s been a special privilege.  

In philanthropy, storytelling aligns with the transformative process of the work and reframes giving into a shared journey of hope and progress. The objective of storytelling at PA in recent years has been to inspire a new wave of philanthropy through sharing stories of giving. So it’s been heartening to see our audiences grow significantly in line with the rapid expansion and diversification of the sector.  

It’s impossible to choose favourites from the hundreds of stories in nearly 110 editions of Giving News (formerly Philanthropy Weekly), but are a few highlights since taking over as News and Storytelling Advisor in March 2023. 

• Inviting guest editor Adrian Appo to take over Philanthropy Weekly for NAIDOC Week 2023 and shining a light on the work of organisations such as First Australians Capital and North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance. 

• Learning about the philanthropy behind the cervical cancer vaccination that will save the lives of millions of girls and women through making this video with Professor Ian Frazer AC.

• Reporting on the sell-out Philanthropy Australia Conference 2024 and Philanthropy Leadership Summit 2025 – and all the incredibly informative content, conversations and connections they produced afterwards. 

• Putting together the 50 incredible impact stories from across Australia showcasing the positive impact of philanthropy in people’s lives in Inspiring Stories of Giving Volumes 1 & 2. 

• The opportunity to interview so many fascinating sector leaders and thought leaders, particularly compelling voices such as Hugh de Kretser, Dr Maliha Khan, Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon and of course, our ever-engaging 104-year-old co-founder Lady Meriel Wright for our 50^th celebrations. 

It’s a bright time ahead for PA as Strategy 2030 is brought to life in the coming years – and there are so many more powerful stories to be told on the pathway to a more generous, inclusive future. 

I’ll be taking up a strategic communications role at Community Foundations Australia as the organisation moves into an exciting new growth phase, so I look forward to continuing to connect with sector friends.