Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney mixes bold voices on innovation and purpose

In its third year, SXSW Sydney, the local incarnation of the globally renowned festival and conference focused on music, film and tech innovation, brought ‘purpose’ into the fold. At this week’s festival, a new Impact Stage, presented by giving platform Charitabl. spotlighted bold voices and changemakers who explored what ‘generosity in a connected, purpose-led world’ means today. 

Mike Gore, CEO of Charitabl., an Australian giving platform designed to simplify giving, and one of three hosts of stage, said: “We’ve been blown away by how the Impact Stage has been received by the SXSW Sydney family. The stage has been full, the room has had a sense of warmth and collaboration, and the speakers have been great. It feels as if this week has been the start of something significant and we can’t wait to build on that next year.”

There were 58 speakers across 22 sessions, including Ben Vasiliou from The Man Cave; StartGiving’s Antonia Ruffell; Mat Tinkler of Save the Children Australia; Simon Eccleshall of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia; the Paul Ramsay Foundation’s Kristy Muir; Minderoo Pictures’ Malinda Wink; and Canva’s Robyn King. A big focus of conversation on the stage was the elevation of social impact in modern business. 

At a session on tackling youth mental health held by the Cotton On Foundation, its Global Engagement Manager Logan Whitaker announced a new funding commitment of $50m by 2030 with 18 partners across nine countries and called for more corporate funders to get involved. “We recognise it’s going to take collective impact to stop the youth mental health crisis, so while we have great implementing partners, we’re asking how we can bring more businesses together to contribute to the mental health space,” he said.

Mike said: “There will be marked change over the next decade as people who have a passion for social change evolve into positions of leadership. 

“What matters in today’s world is that people are given the tools to dream big to find solutions to the enormous challenges we’re facing. Generosity is the most inclusive language on the planet and with the Impact Stage we brought together speakers sharing a diversity of ideas, irrespective of their job title or social status.” 

Topics included cultural shifts shaping generosity; the loneliness pandemic; insights from the frontlines of global crises; how power, privilege and philanthropy intersect; how Indigenous traditions of generosity can shape modern approaches to giving; and what’s involved in creating stories that shift perspectives. 

Reimaging generosity 

The Minderoo Foundation, another host, curated sessions that convened people who are reimagining what generosity looks like in a modern Australia. 

“We were especially excited to explore how trends in our sector can move from concept to culture, ensuring that purpose-led organisations are funded for real impact, not just survival,” said Kristen Stevenson, Executive Director, Effective Philanthropy at Minderoo. “SXSW Sydney gave us a live environment to test and share these ideas.

“The Impact Stage is where big ideas meet practical change. By showcasing new voices – from First Nations leaders to grassroots innovators – we can challenge assumptions about what impact looks like and who gets to shape it.”

Panellists on the Impact Stage curated by Minderoo were remunerated, which Kristen said was an important way to put Pay What It Takes principles into practice. “By compensating speakers fairly, we’re ensuring a process that is equitable, respectful and sustainable for all contributors.” 

Giving Circles and Workplace Giving 

At the Impact Stage, Charitabl.’s, Mike Gore described a new section of its giving platform that is designed specifically for giving circles and workplace giving. 

“It’s exciting because a collective group of people can set a goal amount, administer that to a set of charities of their choosing and see all of the data metrics in real time,” Mike said. 

“I’ve talked to a lot of people involved in sports clubs, for example, who are keen to set up public giving circles for fans and associates; it’s a great way for all sorts of groups to get involved in supporting a cause that’s important to them.” 

The Impact Stage was also hosted by Microsoft and planning has already started for next year, where the focus will be on the SDGs (sustainable development goals). 

“We’re hoping over three years to build a world-class event solely focused on social good, impact and changing the world for better,” Mike said. 

Philanthropy Australia and a group of collective giving advocates are conducting an in-depth study of the current landscape of collective giving in Australia. If you’re involved in collective giving, we invite you to share your experiences and insights through this survey. 

Main image: Charitabl. CEO Mike Gore with COO Joce Goto.