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! Over 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. 

We’re delighted to share this round-up of our state-based events and thank all those who joined us.

Main image: Former Philanthropy Australia CEOs Jack Heath AM and Louise Walsh, with current CEO Maree Sidey, centre.

Sydney – AMP Building

Sydney was a strong finish to the series of 50 years of Philanthropy Australia events, which literally ended the year on a high. The AMP Foundation generously hosted the event on the stunning 29th floor of the AMP Building, with spectacular views of the Opera House and the harbour. 
 
We were joined by 140 warm and supportive guests, who made for fine company as we acknowledged incoming Chair, Darrell Wade, alongside outgoing Co-Chairs Lisa George and Amanda Miller OAM. It was a fitting and heartfelt way to close out the series.  

It was also great to be joined by former CEOs Jack Heath AM and Louise Walsh. 
 
There was a wonderful energy in the room and everyone was in great spirits. We have been truly humbled by the level of support shown by our members and friends at each of these events, joining us to celebrate, reflect and get energised for the new year and Strategy 2030.  

It has been thrilling to see such a positive response to our invitation to lean in further to be part of a movement of giving! 

Melbourne – Immigration Museum

The Melbourne event was the fourth, and biggest event, with almost 300 guests joining us at the beautiful Immigration Museum, in the Italianate-revival style Long Room.  

Guest Jim Philipson, of the Rendere Trust, said that “he came in on the fourth decade” of the peak body’s history, getting in touch when he set up his trust: “Philanthropy Australia really was my ‘discovery tour’ of philanthropy. Congratulations on the 50th anniversary!” 

One of those involved in the formation of PA’s precursor, The Association of Australian Philanthropic Trusts, Sarah Stegley was in the audience to watch the video message from her former compatriot, 104-year-old Lady Meriel Wright. “Those early days with Meriel, Pat Feilman and Jill Reichstein were very, very exciting. It’s so interesting to be here 50 years later to join in.” 

Another guest’s feedback said that “the speeches resonated deeply. They were heartfelt, meaningful and a testament to the lives changed through generosity and vision.” 

Thanks to Museums Victoria for their generosity in treating attendees to the perfectly named Joy Exhibition, which set the tone for the rest of the evening. Thanks also to JANA Investment Advisers for their support of the evening. 

Perth – WA Museum Boola Bardip

The spectacular WA Museum Boola Bardip was the perfect venue to host our third celebration event, with guests receiving special access to the Terracotta Warriors exhibition.

More than 100 members, friends and supporters gathered as Philanthropy Australia Deputy CEO Sarah Hardy made her Perth debut, giving everyone a taste of our new strategy and direction. 

Guests said that it was a “brilliant night, packed with people, great vibes and beautiful weather – alongside the remarkable Terracotta Warriors – what more could we have wanted!”

Thank you to our event host, the Foundation for the WA Museum, for giving us access to the Terracotta Warriors Special Exhibition, and for putting on such a great night. 

Brisbane – Museum of Brisbane

It is clear from the many great photos that the theme of our second celebratory event was “connection”. Close to 100 like-minded changemakers networked, connected and collaborated over a joyful evening at the Museum of Brisbane.

PA Board Director Brian Wyborn shared a beautiful reflection about how generosity has been woven through his life from when he was a child – not as an act, but a culture.  

CEO Maree Sidey said: “The room was full, the mood was high and the video message from Lady Meriel Wright was the star of the show again! I had a wonderful time connecting with all our Queensland friends in such a beautiful location.” 

Thank you to everyone who joined us with such open hearts, generosity and warmth, and to the Museum of Brisbane for hosting us in a stunning venue. 

Adelaide – Adelaide Zoo

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.”

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. 

Read the full story of the South Australian event at the Adelaide Zoo here: Philanthropy Australia’s 50th anniversary celebrations get under way.