Australian Philanthropy’s Pledge: One year on

In March 2020, we launched Australian Philanthropy’s Response to the COVID-19 Crisis, a public statement outlining eleven key principles for philanthropic funders to adapt within their own funding context to support grantees and partners.   

Over 50 signatories made the pledge, demonstrating their commitment to support the NFP sector and organisations working in communities in the face of adversity.    

Eighteen months on, this webinar will explore how practice has shifted as a result of the pandemic and reflect on the lessons learned and opportunities that we can take forward to support greater outcomes and impact. 

Moderator

Jack Heath  - CEO, Philanthropy Australia   

Jack has been a leader in the charitable sector for over two decades.  He brings to Philanthropy Australia a deep-seated belief in the ability of philanthropy to change lives. He sees philanthropy as a driving force for good in a time of diminished trust in institutions and huge societal challenges. He advocates for a philanthropy that is big-hearted, clear-headed and joyful.      

After graduating from the University of Melbourne in Honours Arts and Law, he served in Government as a diplomat, speechwriter and senior adviser to Federal Ministers including Prime Minister Paul Keating. Then, following the suicide of his young cousin, Jack led the establishment of the ReachOut youth mental health organisations in Australia, Ireland and the USA before serving as CEO at SANE Australia for over eight years.  He has sat on a number of advisory boards and committees and received awards for his contributions in mental health, including a Centenary Medal.

Presenters 

Krystian Seibert - Acting Policy and Research Director, Philanthropy Australia & Industry Fellow, Centre for Social Impact, Swinburne University of Technology 

Krystian Seibert is a researcher, educator and advocate focused on public policy, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. 

His part-time role as Acting Policy and Research Director with Philanthropy Australia supports our advocacy and thought leadership work and follows more than 4 years working for Philanthropy Australia in a full-time capacity. 

Krystian is an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology, which is a multi-disciplinary research centre focused on promoting positive social change through improving the systemic and organisational conditions that shape communities. 

He teaches units in the Graduate Certificate and Master of Social Impact programs offered by the university and is an active researcher and participant in public policy debates in relation to philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector. 

Previously, Krystian was an adviser to a former Australian Assistant Treasurer. In this role he was responsible for the delivery of major not-for-profit sector reforms including the establishment of Australia’s first independent charities regulator, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and the passage of Australia’s first comprehensive statutory definition of charity, the Charities Act 2013. 

He is a Board Member of Mental Health First Aid Australia and is a frequent media commentator on matters relating to public policy, philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector, and is regularly asked to provide expert commentary on philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector in Australia and beyond for print, radio and TV. 

Krystian has completed a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science focusing on regulatory policy, and a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from Deakin University. He is currently undertaking a PhD at Swinburne University of Technology focusing on the regulation of structured philanthropy. 

Alexandra Dimos - Trustee Nunn Dimos Foundation 

Alex is currently Managing Director of the Nunn Family Group and the Nunn Dimos Foundation, as well as the Founder of the South Australian Women’s Future Bond.  Born and educated in Melbourne, Australia, Alex graduated from Geological Engineering (with Honours) in 1992 specialising in hydrogeology (groundwater), subsequently establishing and managing an environmental company, Flow Environmental Management. 

Alex is a committed volunteer for various charity organisations, actively involved with a number of different philanthropic causes and sits on a number of boards and advisory committees.  The family moved to Adelaide approximately 20 years ago and she enjoys spending time with her family, travel and experiencing different cultures. 

Alex is a graduate and member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and sits on a number of boards, including the State Theatre Company of SA and it’s Foundation and the Helpmann Academy Foundation. 

Sue Stepatschuk - Executive Officer, Fremantle Foundation 

Sue joined the foundation in late 2019 and brings more than 10 years’ experience working for NFPs in the areas of arts, mental health and tourism.  In addition, Sue has substantial knowledge in social impact and extensive, national and international, corporate experience in the area of stakeholder engagement and business development where she has successfully secured long term, multimillion dollar contracts. 

Sue’s passion for Western Australia and her inspiration to help build stronger communities was born from her experience growing up in the remote southeast town of Esperance where she was part of a large farming family who were very active in serving and bettering local community.  She has a special connection with Fremantle, which was the port of arrival for her parents in-law, who fled Europe in 1949, plst-World War II, on the ship SS Anna Salen. 

Sue holds a unique skill set that incorporates social impact, stakeholder engagement, business development, marketing and management.  She has completed post graduate studies in Social Impact at the University of Western Australia, holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Edith Cowan University, and a Cert IV in Strategic Marketing and Management Essentials from the Australian Institute of Management.  Sue’s achievements have been recognised, during her career, through a number of awards and unique scholarship opportunities. 

This webinar is part of Philanthropy Australia's six-part 2021 Webinar Series and is open to PA members and general admission.