Philanthropy Australia’s 50th anniversary celebrations get under way 

The first of five EOY events celebrating Philanthropy Australia’s 50^th anniversary got under way in Adelaide on 26 November in memorable style. More than 100 members, partners and friends gathered in the stunning environment of Adelaide Zoo – along with Yi Lan and Xing Qiu the giant pandas – to share stories and memories of five decades of giving, knowledge sharing and collective achievement. 

CEO Maree Sidey and Deputy CEO Sarah Hardy welcomed guests to a vibrant evening of celebration, bringing together a diverse cross-section of South Australia’s for-purpose sector. Held against the backdrop of the zoo’s iconic Bamboo Forest, the event was described by attendees as a sensory and memorable night, where the atmosphere was one of excitement and conviviality. 

The gathering drew a large contingent of not-for-profit organisations, intermediaries, supporters and funders. Among the guests was the Honourable Nat Cook MP, Minister for Human Services and Minister for Seniors and Ageing Well.  

Maree said: “It was a wonderful night of celebration to kick off our 50^th anniversary year. We are so pleased that everyone turned out to acknowledge the role that Philanthropy Australia has played and continues to play across the sector – and to share such an important occasion with our members and friends. 

“There was very much a memory of the Adelaide Philanthropy Australia Conference 2024 still in the air – so it was fantastic to reconnect with our members about that.” 

Guests expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a milestone, and it was clear that the state’s closeknit network of funders and changemakers enjoyed reconnecting and celebrating their collective impact. 

Highlights included a video message from Assistant Minister for Charities, the Hon Andrew Leigh MP, and a legacy video featuring one of Philanthropy’s founders, whose passion and progressive outlook bridged generations. Guests remarked on the enduring relevance of the founders’ vision, noting how the challenges and aspirations of past decades continue to align with today’s efforts. 

Sarah said: “Having over 100 people in the room with a common purpose celebrating such a significant milestone felt very special. Philanthropy Australia board member Alex Dimos spoke beautifully and her connection to the South Australian community and passion for the organisation is very clear. 

“But as a highlight – it’s hard to go past Yi Lan munching on bamboo and doing acrobatics behind Maree while she delivered her speech! The giant pandas added a very special and memorable dimension to the night. They were delightful and the audience loved them.” 

Philanthropy Australia thanks our members Beyond Bank Australia, which sponsored the event, and Adelaide Zoo for also sponsoring and hosting such a memorable night. 

Chad Crittle, Director of Adelaide Zoo, captured a perfect note for the evening encapsulating Philanthropy Australia’s work when he shared the powerful words of the late Jane Goodall: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” 

Main image: Fleur Allen, Rebecca Moriarty, Alex Dimos, Jodi Farley, Maree Sidey, the Honourable Nat Cook MP and Sarah Hardy.