Reflections on stewardship, generosity and the future of philanthropy 

Amanda Miller OAM and Lisa George came to the roles of Co-Chairs of Philanthropy Australia as long-standing members with a shared conviction in the value of a strong, trusted peak body. As they reflect on their tenure, Amanda and Lisa spoke to Giving News about how the sector has matured, how Philanthropy Australia’s role has evolved, and why they are confident and excited about what lies ahead under the new strategy. 

GN: What first attracted you to becoming a Chair, and then a Co-Chair, of Philanthropy Australia? 

Amanda: For me, it really goes back to what first attracted me to Philanthropy Australia itself. Many years ago, PA was my first real connection point with the philanthropic community. I learned so much about philanthropy as a practice, how to give well, how to think about impact, all through PA. So, when the opportunity came to contribute at a Board level, it felt very natural to put my hand up. 

I had personally experienced the value PA offers to people who are new to the sector, as well as those who are more established, and I wanted to help ensure that opportunity was there for others. Becoming Chair felt like a continuation of that sense of stewardship. 

Lisa: As Global Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation, I had been a member of Philanthropy Australia for many years. I always believed strongly in the importance of a robust peak body, one that supports the sector to be more effective and to advocate for philanthropy to be at its best. 

I’d been involved through the Corporate Peer Network and then the Board, so when the opportunity came to step into a leadership role, I was both excited and deeply honoured. The Co-Chair model had been so thoughtfully established by Amanda and Anne Johnson before me that it felt like a very strong, values-aligned way to lead – collaborative, grounded and effective. 

GN: When you look back on your tenure, what stands out most vividly? 

Amanda: The growing recognition, both within the sector and more broadly, that philanthropy is complex, and that giving well is a professional practice in its own right. People often say it’s hard to give away money well, and until you really see what’s involved, it’s easy to underestimate that. Through this role, I gained enormous respect for the sophistication of our members’ work; the depth of thinking, partnership and care that goes into maximising impact long before a grant is ever announced. 

Lisa: It’s the moments where people come together. Conferences, summits, shared spaces where ideas are tested, challenged and strengthened. In recent years especially, I’ve noticed a real shift towards greater openness and honesty; people being willing to talk about what’s hard, what hasn’t worked, and what they’re learning. That vulnerability and generosity of sharing has created a powerful energy, and those moments of collective learning and connection really stand out. 

GN: How has the way members engage with Philanthropy Australia changed over time? 

Amanda: I’d highlight the growth in collaboration. PA creates a sense of community and there is now an almost palpable eagerness to come together to learn from each other, to partner, and to share practice with humility. Advocacy is another major shift. Years ago, it felt tentative and now advocacy is central to why many members engage with PA. There’s a strong appetite to use collective voice and influence for positive change. 

Lisa: There’s been a shift towards more open and genuine engagement, including listening more carefully to feedback from the non-profit sector. Having both funders and non-profits as members has meaningfully shaped those conversations. Another important change is our geographic diversity. PA has well and truly moved beyond being seen as a Sydney–Melbourne organisation. That’s reflected in both the Board and our membership, and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. 

GN: Were there any moments that genuinely surprised you? 

Amanda: The COVID period stands out. It was an incredibly challenging time, but one thing that surprised me was how powerfully members embraced the principles for grantmaking in crisis that we developed together, and the resulting report on the sector’s response. What started as an emergency response — flexibility, trust, speed, long-term thinking — became something much bigger. Members recognised these weren’t just crisis principles; they were good practice, full stop. Seeing that shift endure beyond the immediate crisis was both surprising and deeply encouraging. 

Lisa: A standout moment was going through the CEO recruitment process. The calibre of candidates who put themselves forward was remarkable, and it really spoke to Philanthropy Australia’s standing and influence in the sector. It gave us confidence that PA is seen as a place where leaders want to contribute.  

GN: You oversaw the development of Philanthropy Australia’s new Strategy to 2033. What are your reflections on the next chapter? 

Amanda: The strategy feels timely and ambitious in the right way. It reflects a growing recognition of philanthropy’s role in contributing to a more resilient, inclusive and generous Australia. What excites me most is seeing the strategy move from words to action. There’s a real sense that PA is stepping confidently into its next phase. 

Lisa: I’m genuinely excited by how the strategy has taken shape. It was thoughtfully constructed, with deep input from members, staff and the Board. People can see themselves in it, and that matters. What I particularly love is that there are no big surprises, but there is a real sense of momentum and clarity about the direction Philanthropy Australia is taking. The process itself was incredibly affirming, and it reinforced just how engaged and invested the community is. 

GN: Finally, generosity is central to the strategy’s vision. What does generosity mean to you personally? 

Amanda: At its heart, philanthropy is a love of humanity, and generosity is how we express that love. It’s a recognition of our interconnectedness and a willingness to use all of our resources — time, influence, networks and funding — to contribute to something larger than ourselves. For me, generosity is deeply tied to purpose. 

Lisa: I think of generosity as a way of being, rather than a single act. It’s about thinking beyond self, about how you show up for your community and for others. That generosity of spirit — curiosity, openness, care — is just as important as the act of giving itself.