This event is for funder members who have opted in to the First Nations Funders Network Terms of Reference (ToR).
If you would like to join the First Nations Funders Network, please review and consider the ToR.
You can commit to the Terms of Reference through this opt-in page.
If you have any questions before indicating your intent to commit to the First Nations Funders Network ToR, please reach out to the Learning and Content Team at programs@philanthropy.org.au.
First Nations Funders Network: Reflections and next steps
When
Thursday 24 October 024
1pm - 2.00pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC)
12:30pm – 1:30pm ACDT (SA)
12:00pm - 1:00pm AEST (QLD)
11:30am - 12:30pm ACST (NT)
10am – 11am AWST (WA)
Location
Online event - Zoom link will be provided after nearer the meeting date.
Overview
For our final meeting of the year, please join us for an important discussion as we reflect on 2024 and look ahead individually and collectively to what is next.
Guided by the First Nations Funders Network Chair Leah Armstrong, the group discussion will be highly interactive and will invite you to contribute to questions in relation to your philanthropic work supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations:
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- What did you learn and hear from the Conference? Or other recent experiences?
- What are you thinking about now?
- What questions do you have?
- What are your next steps?
Resources
To help with this discussion below are the links to plenary sessions and materials from the Conference in Adelaide
Panel:
Michelle Steele, Chief First Nations Officer, Paul Ramsay Foundation
Leeroy Bilney, Chairperson, Spinifex Foundation
Brian Wyborn, Managing Partner, First Australians Capital
Moderator:
Leah Armstrong, Regional Manager for Australia, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Watch the recording on Vimeo.
Leah Armstrong, Regional Manager for Australia, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Watch the recording on Vimeo.
Masterclass on Strengthening First Nations Philanthropy
View the presentation slides here.
Speakers:
Sharmay Brierley-Lead Consultant, Kowa Collaboration
Rachel Kerry-Chief Executive Officer, CAGES Foundation
Audience
This event is for Philanthropy Australia First Nations Funders Network members only.
Members at New Gen, Active, Engaged, or Impact membership level are welcome to join the First Nations Funders Network after opting in to the Terms of Reference (ToR).
You can commit to the Terms of Reference through this opt-in page.
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 programs@philanthropy.org.au.
Please note this is a funder-only event.
Guest Co-facilitator
Michelle Steele - Chief First Nations Officer, Paul Ramsay Foundation
Michelle is a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Yinarr from Moree, NSW, and is the Chief First Nations Officer at PRF. Here, Michelle leads the PRF work relating to First Nations peoples and communities, community wellbeing, safety and justice, as well as for young people.
Prior to joining PRF, Michelle worked in the public sector for more than 18 years, leading in key policy areas delivering for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in health and aged care. During the pandemic, she led the COVID-19 Indigenous and Remote Policy and Implementation Branch, supporting the pandemic response and vaccine implementation program through a strong partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector – made possible through genuine and respectful partnerships forged through the advisory group.
Michelle has represented Australia at the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. She is also an inaugural Fellow of the Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity program, an Indigenous-led lifelong collaborative fellowship program and platform for systemic change. Her passions include justice, leadership and dementia advocacy as they relate to First Nations peoples and communities. Michelle holds an Executive Master Business Administration (International Leadership) from QUT.
First Nations Funders Network Chair
Leah Armstrong – Regional Manager, Australia - International Funders for Indigenous Peoples
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, is a senior professional with over 25 years’ business and not for profit experience. Throughout these years, Leah has led the establishment and growth of some of the premier national Indigenous economic organisations and currently Leah is leading First Australians Capital in innovating how Indigenous enterprises access capital and support. This includes an ambitious Indigenous-led and managed impact investment fund.
Leah currently serves on several Boards including a Trustee of The Nature Conservancy (Australia), Reserve Bank of Australia – Chairperson First Nations Advisory Group, Philanthropy Australia (PA) – member of the First Nations Governance Committee and Co-Chair of the First Nations Funders Network.
First Nations Funders Network Facilitator at Philanthropy Australia
Dylan Smith – Director of Engagement (WA), Philanthropy Australia
As the founder of the Fremantle Foundation, Dylan is a highly effective collaborator. He has formed strong relationships in the social impact sector with community philanthropy, private philanthropy, non-profit leaders, government officials and elected members.
Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership
