Public edition #41 | 16 October 2026

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The signs of spring are hard to miss. Across our Philanthropy Australia offices, we've been swapping photos of baby lambs, ducklings and flourishing gardens, and enjoying the longer evenings with Daylight Savings. 

That spirit of change and renewal carries through this issue. We're launching a new video series with the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN). Business leader and climate advocate Carol Schwartz AO speaks with Philanthropy Australia CEO Maree Sidey on climate action, women's leadership and the unique role philanthropy can play in creating change.   

We're also exploring big ideas about the future of our economy. Ahead of its sixth anniversary, we catch up with the Economic Media Centre. While our latest Voices of Impact interview features Erinch Sahan, whose work focuses on building economies that deliver better outcomes for people and planet. And we revisit one of the defining conversations from the Philanthropy Australia Conference 2026: what is wealth for? 

Elsewhere, we're excited to announce a new executive appointment to our team, Brianna Kerr, Executive Director, Networks and Knowledge Exchange. 

Carol Schwartz: Be outraged, be courageous and be entrepreneurial in how you can make a difference 

In our new video series The Rise of Holistic Philanthropy, in partnership with the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN), business leader and climate advocate Carol Schwartz AO reflects on the power of women’s leadership, the urgency of climate action and the role philanthropy can play in driving change.

Amplifying diverse voices: What philanthropy can learn from the Economic Media Centre

From amplifying lived experience to supporting narrative change, the Economic Media Centre's work highlights how philanthropy can back new ideas, strengthen movements and influence public conversations. We speak to Director Alex Kelly as the centre celebrates its sixth anniversary. 

Voices of Impact: Building an economy that works for everyone

Erinch Sahan is a global thought leader in business design and investment, with 20 years’ experience transforming business across sectors. While touring Australia with the Next Economy, he speaks to Giving News about building an economy that works for everyone and investing for a just future. 

Philanthropy Australia welcomes new Executive Director

Philanthropy Australia is excited to announce the leadership appointment, of Brianna Kerr - our new Executive Director, Networks & Knowledge Exchange. Bri brings more than a decade of experience translating insight into action and turning knowledge into practice.

What is wealth for? Conference 2026 conversation challenges philanthropy to think beyond silos

Conference 2026 speakers shared lessons on rethinking wealth, challenging power and embracing stewardship to support thriving communities, ecosystems and future generations.

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 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and as the continued custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.