Please note the First Nations Funders Network has a Terms of Reference (ToR).
Members of this funders network have time to consider and review the ToR until October 2024 before opting in.
If you have any questions before indicating your intent to commit to the First Nations Funders Network ToR, please reach out to programs@philanthropy.org.au.
When
Thursday 14 March 2024
1pm - 2.30pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC)
12:30pm – 2:00pm ACDT (SA)
12pm – 1:30pm AEST (QLD)
10am – 11:30am AWST (WA)
Location
Online event - details will be provided after registration.
Aims
- To establish the charter of the First Nations Funders Network
- To contribute to the discussion on the use of data, the plans and the focus areas of the funders network in 2024
- To explore recommendations of the Productivity Commission regarding First Nations Communities
Overview
Our First Nations Funders Network chair, Leah Armstrong invites you for inputs as she outlines the focus of the network this year. This includes a discussion on how the network charter and data could help us understand philanthropy's current activity and impact in relation to First Nations organisations and communities.
We will also address the recommendation made by the Productivity Commission for the establishment of an independent philanthropic foundation controlled by, and for the benefit of, First Nations communities in its draft report, ‘Future Foundations for Giving’.
This session is an important opportunity to follow up on the First Nations chairs' call in the previous network meeting to commit towards supporting First Nations communities towards self-determination, equity and justice.
Audience
This event is for Philanthropy Australia funder members only at Active, Engaged, Impact or New Gen membership level. 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.
Presenter:
Krystian Seibert | Associate Commissioner, Productivity Commission
Krystian Seibert was appointed as an Associate Commissioner with the Productivity Commission in February 2023 to work on the Philanthropy inquiry.
Krystian has worked across government, academia and the not-for-profit sector. He has particular expertise in relation to the policy and regulatory frameworks that apply to the not-for-profit sector, with extensive experience shaping reforms in these areas.
Krystian was previously an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology. He has also worked as the Advocacy and Insight Manager and the Policy and Regulatory Specialist at Philanthropy Australia.
In his role as an adviser to a former Assistant Treasurer in the Australian Government, Krystian managed the delivery of major reforms focused on the not-for-profit sector, including the establishment of Australia’s charities regulator, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), and the passage of Australia’s first statutory definition of charity, the Charities Act 2013.
In addition to his role with the Commission, Krystian serves as Chair of Mental Health First Aid Australia, and is an Adjunct Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology. He is also a member of a number of Australian and international advisory boards.
Krystian has completed a Master’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science focused on regulatory policy, and a Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Commerce (Economics) from Deakin University.
Funders network chair
Leah Armstrong – Co-Founder, Chairperson and Board Member, First Australians Capital
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..
Opening remarks
Jack Heath AM – Chief Executive Officer, Philanthropy Australia
Jack 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 8 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.
Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership
