Overview
Join us for an important meeting of the First Nations Funders Network as we explore two key topics:
- Post-election policy directions shaping the landscape for First Nations-led philanthropy and what they mean for funders
- The proposed First Nations Philanthropy Collaboration model — a new, multi-faceted approach designed by First Nations leaders to guide strategic philanthropic engagement and ensure funding supports community-led priorities
Building on the recommendations of the Productivity Commission’s Future Foundations for Giving report, this peer network meeting will examine the essential roles philanthropy and government must play together to shift funding practices and strengthen economic opportunities and outcomes for First Nations Australians.
Participants will have an opportunity to engage in small group discussions about how funders can meaningfully contribute to and support the collaboration model. This is your chance to deepen your connections with your peers and to share to the group how you’ll contribute in these efforts as a member of the First Nations Funders Network.
When
Tuesday 10 June 2025
1:30pm - 2.30pm AEST (ACT, NSW, QLD, VIC)
1:00pm - 2:00pm ACST (NT, SA)
11:30am - 12:30pm 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, Engage, or Impact membership levels 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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Stephanie Harvey - Chief Executive Officer, Community First Development
Steph is a Bidjara woman from Queensland and a third sector leader with a career that spans government, community, and NFP.
Steph has significant experience working with First Nations peoples in Australia and internationally. She is a Director of The Healing Foundation and the Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS).
Steph has also been a judge for many of the Telstra Business Awards and Telstra Business Women’s Awards. She has qualifications in business and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Management.
Steph devotes considerable energy to her passion for the rights of vulnerable people. She is committed to social and economic equity and the principles of self-determination.
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Krystian Seibert - Executive Director – Policy and Sector Development, Philanthropy Australia
With extensive experience shaping policy and regulatory frameworks applying to philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector, Krystian previously served as an Associate Commissioner at the Productivity Commission, appointed by the Australian Government to jointly lead a wide-ranging inquiry focused on philanthropy. Prior to this, he was an Industry Fellow at the Centre for Social Impact at Swinburne University of Technology, delivering education programs for the next generation of Australia’s social impact leaders.
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. These included 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.
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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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Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership.
