How giving can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected communities
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.
Vale Professor Emma Johnston AO
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.
In the wake of Bondi: Choosing humanity over hate
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.
Philanthropy Australia’s 50th anniversary celebrations go off with a bang!
From Terracotta Warriors to hungry giant pandas and joyful artworks, Philanthropy Australia’s 50th celebrations have now all gone off in great style – what a memorable way to kick off our year of commemoration and end 2025! Almost 800 guests joined us at stunning venues across the country to share stories and memories of five decades of giving, knowledge sharing and collective achievement.
NFP Sector Development Blueprint ‘coming to life’
The Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint was released in late 2024 and set out a 10-year plan to strengthen Australia’s charities and community organisations to make them ‘future ready’. While the government has not formally accepted the Blueprint, elements are being adopted operationally, say two of its key creators who spoke to Giving News.
Building an enabling environment for giving: Sharing Australian insights in Ireland
Philanthropy Australia’s Executive Director for Policy and Sector Development, Krystian Seibert, visited Dublin as a guest of Philanthropy Ireland in October. Giving News sat down with Krystian for chat about some highlights from the visit.
COP31 outcome: What it means and why philanthropy’s support is vital
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.






