Public edition #38 | 21 August 2026

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The countdown to the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026 is on. This almost sold-out event is a conference of firsts: the first time we're in Brisbane, the first time we're featuring arts and storytelling, and the first time we're hosting a conference debate, field trips and more.

We're also pleased to announce another first: youth co-hosts. Queenslanders Ann-Maree Long and Tyler Miscannon will bring their energy, passion for philanthropy and insights on generosity to the conference. 

 
It's a jam-packed week, kicking off with Monday Masterclasses, and closing with Field Trips Friday. We've just added a First Nations field trip and registrations are open now. On Wednesday night we'll be raising a glass to the campaign that led to marriage equality at the Celebration Dinner which is also close to selling out. Then on Thursday afternoon our Networks and Collaboratives Convening will bring together 12 funders with peers who share their interests, priorities and areas of practice.

This Giving News we highlight two of our Conference speakers – Rueben Berg on Victoria's Treaty process and the role of generosity, and philanthropic futurist Trista Harris on the role our sector can play in shaping tomorrow. We have useful insights from Perpetual’s Jane Magor on trusteeship, governance and succession planning, and we share what our friends at the Community Council for Australia are advocating for through their #AusWeWant / #ImagineAustralia campaign, which they are also bringing to Conference 2026.

Trista Harris on why we should ‘stop loving the problem’

Ahead of Conference 2026, philanthropic futurist Trista Harris shares why organisations should spend less time "loving the problem" and more time imagining solutions. From Sweden's child-first approach to community design, to the role philanthropy can play in shaping tomorrow, she tells Giving News the future is built through the decisions we make today.

Why generosity sits at the heart of Treaty

Victoria's Treaty process has been built on a simple but powerful idea: a better future depends on strong relationships. Ahead of speaking at Conference 2026, Rueben Berg, Member, First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, shares why generosity has shaped the journey so far, and why it will continue to matter for First Peoples, philanthropy and future generations.

Stewardship, succession and the future of charitable giving

As Australia prepares for one of the largest intergenerational wealth transfers in recent history, Conference sponsor Perpetual Wealth shares insights on trusteeship, governance and succession planning, and how charitable legacies can continue creating impact for generations to come.

CCA invites conference delegates to help tell the story of the Australia we want

The Community Council for Australia is bringing its #AusWeWant / #ImagineAustralia campaign to Conference 2026, inviting delegates to share stories of impact, purpose and aspiration. The initiative aims to showcase the collective value of Australia's charity and not-for-profit sector, one story at a time. 

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.