Overview
Join us online for our first peer network meeting this year as we look at the findings of the First Nations Funders benchmarking survey. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Funders Reporting Survey will provide valuable benchmark information into the level of funds being distributed to benefit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Take part in the conversation around how we leverage the survey findings to help shift practices towards greater self-determination and inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in philanthropy. Contributing to our discussion are two speakers – Alex Splitt - First Nations Lead at a private philanthropic trust, and Leeroy Bilney - newly appointed Regional Manager, Australia, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP).
When
Tuesday 1 April 2025
1:30pm - 2.30pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, VIC)
1:00pm - 2:00pm ACDT (SA)
12:30pm - 1:30pm AEST (QLD)
12:00pm - 1:00pm ACST (NT)
10:30am - 11:30am AWST (WA)
Online event
Details will be provided after the registration is submitted.
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.
Speakers
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Alex Splitt - Lead, First Nations, private philanthropic trust
Alex Splitt, a Kabi Kabi djan (man) based in Kaurna Yerta (Adelaide, South Australia), is the First Nations Lead for a Private Philanthropic Trust. With 15 years of experience, he specialises in co-designing and implementing strategic policy frameworks that drive social equity and economic prosperity for First Nations Peoples.
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Alex has led major policy reforms, including the Victorian Aboriginal Housing and Homelessness Framework and RMIT University’s ‘Investing in the Relationship’ framework. He is a Global Atlantic Fellow at the Atlantic Institute (Oxford) and holds a Master of Social Change Leadership and a postgraduate qualification in Education from the University of Melbourne. He also serves as Deputy Chair of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
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Leeroy Bilney – Regional Manager, Australia, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP)
Leeroy Bilney is a proud Barngala, Kuprun, Wirangu, Kokatha, Mirning and Noongar person. Leeroy was born in Port Lincoln and lived most of his life in Ceduna, South Australia, on an Aboriginal community ‘Tia Tuckia’. He has spent his working career servicing the community, being involved in many employment sectors, committees, initiatives and projects. |
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He is an experienced professional with a proven track record of working with Indigenous communities and advocating for their voices to be heard. With a background in various leadership roles within Aboriginal health organizations, government agencies, and community development projects, Leeroy brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. In particular, his passion has remained the same in working with community people and alongside them in achieving true capacity building. With a background in performing arts, he takes advantage of the opportunities to share his stories, in advancing others to explore their journey.
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Leeroy is currently Regional Manager, Australia for International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP), Presiding Member for the South Australia’s inaugural First Nations Voice to State Parliament and Chairperson of the Spinifex Foundation South Australia, formerly known as the First Nations Philanthropic Working Group. He has held positions as a Director of NACCHO (National Aboriginal Community Controlled health Organisation). He was the former Chairperson of Yadu Health Aboriginal Corporation, and previously held a position as a Director on the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA).
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Peer Network Chair
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Leah Armstrong – Managing Director, Core Insights Advisory Services; Senior Advisor, International Funders for Indigenous Peoples (IFIP)
Leah, a Torres Strait Islander, is a senior professional with over 30 year’s business and not for profit experience. Leah has a strong demonstrated track record in achieving organisational results through the creation and maintenance of strong networks and stakeholder relationships and by working collaboratively with governments, community and the private sector. |
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Leah currently serves on several Committees including member of the First Nations Trade and Investment Advisory Group, an Australian co-representative of the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Co-operation Arrangement (IPETCA) Partnership Council, Creative Australia Impact Investment Advisory Committee, First Nations Governance Committee and Chair of the First Nation Funders Network of Philanthropy Australia (PA) and member of the First Nations Economic Empowerment Alliance.
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Leah has played a pivotal role in national Indigenous affairs as co-founder and Chairperson of First Australians Capital, Regional Manager (Aust) International Funders for Indigenous Peoples, CEO of Reconciliation Australia; Director of Indigenous Business Australia, a member of the Prime Minister’s Indigenous Advisory Council, and Chairperson of Supply Nation and Chairperson of Aboriginal Housing Office NSW.
Leah lives on Awabakal country in Newcastle, Australia.
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Peer Network Lead
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Adam Ognall - Executive Director, Partnerships and Practice, Philanthropy Australia
Adam leads and drives Philanthropy Australia’s efforts to engage a larger and more diverse membership, inspire a new wave of giving and foster better approaches to giving across the philanthropic sector. |
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Prior to joining PA, he was Chief Executive of New Israel Fund UK, a charity that promotes democracy and equality in Israel and Palestine through making grants and providing capacity-building services to civil society groups. Before this he was Deputy CEO of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance (UKSIF), the mission-driven peak body committed to growing responsible and sustainable finance, leading their member services and developing their impact investment workstream. Until moving to Melbourne in 2021, Adam was also the Board Chair of the award-winning The Bike Project, a charity that supports refugees.
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Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership.
