Member edition #39 | 4 September 2026

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In three days 1200 people from around the world will be converging in Brisbane for what will be an incredible Conference 2026 and a sold out event! Anticipation is brimming and we are truly excited for the conversations, connections and celebrations that will thread throughout the week.

We'll be feeding our social channels with updates from Conference, so whether you are there or not, keep an eye on our LinkedIn page to join the conversation on mobilising generosity and shaping the future.  

While our focus has been on Conference 26, the emails were flying this week with the wonderful news that PA board member and former Co-Chair Lisa George will be taking over as CEO at Australia Philanthropic Services (APS) in February 2027. We look forward to raising a glass to Lisa at the conference and celebrating outgoing CEO Judith Fiander's incredible service to the philanthropy sector in Australia over 15 years.

In this week's Giving News former Big Tech insider and Conference 26 speaker Dex Hunter-Torricke tells us what's at stake in the era of AI – and the role philanthropy can play in shaping fairer societies. We hear about the legacy of ATSICHS Brisbane and unpack the Australian International Development Network's Impact Report. 

We learn about Conference partner, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation's newest strategic partnership and also speak to Esther Chang, CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle on how she sees philanthropy helping tackle shared regional challenges - ahead of her appearance at Conference 2026. 

After Conference 2026, the whole PA team will be on a much-needed break , so your next edition of Giving News will be with you on October 2.  

Don't wait for the panic: Dex Hunter-Torricke on AI, power and philanthropy 

Former Big Tech insider Dex Hunter-Torricke warns society is at risk of repeating the mistakes of the social media era with AI. Ahead of speaking at the Philanthropy Australia Conference next week, he argues philanthropy must help shape fairer economic and social systems before rapid technological change outpaces policymakers and communities. 

Field Trip Friday: A Brisbane health service’s legacy of community-led care

ATSICHS Brisbane has spent more than 50 years delivering culturally safe, community-controlled care that supports indigenous health, housing, family wellbeing and aged care. As part of Field Trip Friday, ATSICHS is opening its doors to for grantmakers to gain firsthand insight into its holistic approach.

Field Trip Friday: Why medical research needs bolder giving

Wesley Research Institute's David Sloan explains why Conference week in Brisbane presents an opportunity for bolder giving to medical research. He writes ahead of the Field Trip Friday: Mobilising Generosity in Medical Research, a free, small-group visit for funders and sector leaders across four stops - including at Wesley Research Institute.

TFFF announces nine-Year partnership with Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation 

The Tim Fairfax Family Foundation’s newest strategic partnership with Yiliyapinya Indigenous Corporation reflects a simple idea: find strong organisations doing meaningful work, fund them well, and give them time to lead. 

The Glue That Binds: AIDN's insights from seven years of network building

The Australian International Development Network (AIDN) has launched its first Impact Report, The Glue That Binds, providing a detailed look at both AIDN's contribution to the sector and the state of international philanthropy in Australia. 

Esther Chang: why regional challenges need regional solutions

Esther Chang, CEO of Asia Philanthropy Circle, explores how philanthropy can help tackle shared regional challenges, from climate and food security to social impact. Ahead of speaking at the Philanthropy Australia Conference next week, she shares why collaboration, local knowledge and collective action are essential for creating lasting change across Asia and the Pacific. 

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.