Overview
The First Nations Funders Network is starting the year with our new Peer Network Chair, Michelle Steele, a Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Yinarr from Moree, NSW, and Chief First Nations Officer, Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) inviting you to a collective reflection, mutual learning and candid discussion.
With deep gratitude for the leadership of outgoing Chair Leah Armstrong and her work in progressing the funder network, we will reflect on the year that has been and look ahead to what we can do together as a peer network.
Over the session, we will:
- Reflect on 2025 (breakouts)
In small group breakout discussions, you’ll be invited to share a key insight from your practice over the past 12 months. This can be a win, a tough lesson, or a new success in your First Nations funding approach.
-
Revisit our Terms of Reference
Michelle will lead a whole-group conversation on our current Terms of Reference (in effect since October 2024). We’ll explore what is working well, what may need to evolve, and how the Terms of Reference can best reflect our shared purpose and practice. Your input will help shape possible next steps.
-
Shape the Year Ahead
Looking to 2026 and beyond, we invite you to share your:
-
key priorities for this year,
-
what you most want to learn, and
-
where this peer network can be of greatest value to you as members, to your organisations, and to First Nations communities.
This will help guide the network’s focus and activities for the year.
Join us to contribute your reflections, insights, and aspirations, and to help shape the next phase of this funder peer network.
Tuesday 17 March 2026
- 11:30am - 1:00pm AEDT (ACT, NSW, TAS, VIC)
- 11:00am - 12:30pm ACDT (SA)
- 10:30am 12:00pm AEST (QLD)
- 10:00am - 11:30am ACST (NT)
- 8:30am - 10:00am 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.
We welcome Philanthropy Australia Engage (individual/ organisation) and Impact members who are already funding First Nations-led organisations and communities to consider opting in to the Terms of Reference (ToR) to join the First Nations Funders Network. You can commit to the Terms of Reference through this opt-in page.
Not at this membership level? Please reach out to membership@philanthropy.org.au.
Peer Network Chair
|
|
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 the Paul Ramsay Foundation and is a Board Member of Hands Across Canberra. 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. |
| |
|
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.
|
Learn more about Philanthropy Australia membership.
