Overview
The second Education Funders Peer Network meeting of 2026 will bring together government and community sector perspectives to explore the practical, real‑world impacts of AI in education, with a strong lens on equity and disadvantage.
Examining case studies from NSW and WA Departments of Education and The Smith Family on their AI initiatives, speakers will explore the practical impacts on students’ learning, the barriers some learners face in accessing the potential benefits of AI, and how these technologies are influencing the daily work of teachers.
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When
Tuesday 26 May 2026
Online attendance:
12:00pm - 2:00pm AEST (ACT, NSW, QLD, TAS, VIC)
11:30am - 1:30pm ACST (NT, SA)
10:00am - 12:00pm AWST (WA)
In-person attendance in Melbourne + Sydney
12:00pm - 2:30pm AEST
We invite in-person attendees to stay after the discussions for post-session networking, socials and light refreshments.
There are limited spots for the in-person component of the event.
Hybrid event
Online attendance: Zoom link to be shared closer to the time.
In-person attendance, Melbourne | Philanthropy Australia office, Level 14, 90 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
In-person attendance, Sydney | Philanthropy Australia office, Yirranma Place, Darlinghurst NSW 2010
Audience
This event is for Philanthropy Australia Education Funders Peer Network members only.
We welcome Philanthropy Australia Engage (individual/ organisation) and Impact members who are in funding in education or interested in funding in education. Please register or reach out to programs@philanthropy.org.au to join the peer network.
Not at the right membership level? Please reach out to membership@philanthropy.org.au.
If you are not yet a member of Philanthropy Australia or want to find out more about the philanthropic work in this area, please reach out to membership@philanthropy.org.au.
Speakers
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Jason Miezis, Executive Director of Teaching and Learning Support, NSW Department of Education
Jason Miezis has proudly taught in Public Education since 1992. He is currently the Acting Executive Director, Teaching and Learning Support, stepping into the role in September 2025. In his previous role as Director, Educational Leadership for the Eastern Creek Network, he championed quality teaching, equity, and student wellbeing across 21 schools in Western Sydney. |
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Jason is married to Tanya, principal of Beecroft Public School, and they have two children. His daughter is also a teacher in the NSW Public Education system which allows Jason to see how AI, NSWEduChat in particular, forms part of her daily teaching practice.
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Milanna Heberle, Executive Director, Department of Education/Enterprise Governance & Partnerships
Milanna has extensive experience in public education, having held leadership positions in central services and regional and metropolitan schools, including 10 years as a secondary school principal.
Milanna, has contributed extensively to system initiatives. During 2021 and 2022, Milanna led our response to COVID-19 where she was instrumental in ensuring schools followed health advice.
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In her current role, Milanna oversees complex system wide initiatives including the cross-sectoral Generative AI project. As an innovative leader, Milanna has a strong interest in the potential of emerging technologies to transform education systems and improve outcomes for students. Her leadership reflects a forward-thinking approach to how digital innovation can be thoughtfully integrated into schools.
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Suzie Riddell, Head of Evidence and Impact, The Smith Family
Suzie Riddell is the Head of Evidence and Impact, bringing deep expertise in using data and evidence to drive social change and a strong commitment to improving educational outcomes for children and young people.
Previously CEO of Social Ventures Australia, she led major initiatives that strengthened how evidence, collaboration and leadership improve outcomes across the social sector.
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Known for her ability to join the dots across complex systems, bring people together around purpose, and lead with clarity, care and a results focus, Suzie has played a key role in advancing approaches that support children and families to thrive.
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Peer Network Co-chairs
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Megan Enders – Founder and Principal, Montage (WA)
Megan's interest in education has developed over many years through roles with education philanthropy Fogarty Foundation, starting as Founding Director of its innovative whole school improvement program - Fogarty EDvance - and as CEO and longstanding member of its Board of Trustees. She is currently head of a boutique philanthropic advisory practice that works with individuals, families and foundations to help them achieve positive impact through their giving. Megan is also the convenor of a West Australian group of philanthropies as part of the Investment Dialogue for Australia's Children, a collaboration between philanthropy and government. |
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Megan has expertise in the areas of collaboration, organisational leadership and change management, gained through executive roles in both the 'for purpose' and ‘for profit’ sectors. Megan has also held executive roles, and worked in the Prime Minister’s Department and for a Federal Minister.
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John Bush (NSW)
John is a collaborative, outcomes-focused senior leader in philanthropy, social impact and education, with an abiding commitment to addressing disadvantage and helping young people to thrive. Over nearly thirty years, he has developed expertise in philanthropic strategy, grant-making and evaluation, policy influence, leading education social enterprises, designing and delivering transformative social impact convenings, and recruiting and developing exceptional talent for social impact.
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John led the development of the education, school-age learning and young people strategies for the Paul Ramsay Foundation, which together delivered more than $170,000,000 in grant and evaluation partnerships. These partnerships have measurably improved outcomes for hundreds of thousands of Australian young people.
All of John’s work in philanthropy has been informed by his leadership experience in schools and start-up nonprofits and his classroom teaching experience in the United States and Australia.
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Peer Network Lead
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Fleur Allen - Engagement Lead (SA/ WA), Philanthropy Australia
With a professional background spanning business, fundraising, education, and the arts, she is passionate about creating opportunities for collaboration that strengthen community. That belief is personal. Fleur’s family moved frequently, and she grew up understanding how strong communities became their anchor. It’s why connection and care remain at the heart of her work. |
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She is particularly driven to support communities to connect and to break cycles of multi-generational disadvantage through education, entrepreneurship and investment. Based in Western Australia, Fleur leads engagement activities for members and stakeholders across WA and SA, fostering connection, insight and shared impact. |
