Public edition #24 | 5 February 2026

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Starting the year with purpose, connection and generosity: A note from CEO Maree Sidey

As we share the first edition of Giving News for 2026, it feels a little late to say Happy New Year. Yet the sense of renewal that comes with a new year remains important, particularly as many Australian communities experienced grief and disruption over the summer. New outlooks is a prominent theme for PA this year, when we celebrate our 50th year, launch a new strategy and gather the sector at the 2026 Conference in Brisbane.

How giving can enable long-term renewal in disaster-affected 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. 

NFP Sector Development Blueprint: Recommendations are 'coming to life'

Elements of the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint, which was released in late 2024, are being adopted operationally, despite the Government not formally accepting it. Two key creators spoke to Giving News. 

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.

Generosity celebrated in Australia Day 2026 Honours 

More than 900 individuals have been acknowledged for their generosity in this year’s Australia Day Honours. While none give in search of recognition, their abundant altruism gives hope to many communities and causes.  
Philanthropy Australia is proud to recognise and champion their giving, which supports diverse and worthy causes across our nation.  

Get ready for the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026

It’s all hands-on deck at Philanthropy Australia as we work towards the launch of the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026, held in Brisbane from 7-11 September.

Mark Thursday 19 February in your diary! That’s when we will be sharing the high-level program and everything you need to know about how to get involved, including how to submit an expression of interest to contribute to the program. On that day we will also be releasing the Early Bird tickets for Philanthropy Australia members. Non-members will be able to purchase Early Bird tickets from the 5th of March.  

We would like to acknowledge and thank our key partners for their generous support. Read our full list of supporters.

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Philanthropy Australia acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants of the nation and the traditional custodians of the lands where we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.