Meet the speakers
Our distinguished speakers represent the forefront of civil society leadership, bringing expertise from foundations, not-for-profits, government and public service to interrogate the types of leadership needed now and into the future to steer through these turbulent times.
Pre-Summit Dinner
The Hon. Julia Gillard AC
Julia Gillard was the 27th Prime Minister of Australia and the first and only woman to serve in that role. Since leaving office, she has dedicated her time to advocacy, governance roles and writing. In 2021, Julia was appointed Chair of the Wellcome Trust, a global charitable foundation based in the UK. Julia is also the founder and inaugural Chair of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at King's College London. Her leadership portfolio includes chairing Beyond Blue (2017-2023), leading the Global Partnership for Education (2014-2021), and leading the Royal Commission into Early Childhood Education in South Australia. Through her book, Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons, she continues advocating for women's advancement in leadership across all sectors.
Professor Michelle Ryan
Professor Michelle Ryan is a world-renowned gender equality expert, Professor of Social and Organisational Psychology, and the inaugural Director of Global Institute for Women’s Leadership at the Australian National University. Her work centres on understanding the psychological processes underlying workplace gender inequality, and designing and implementing innovative and evidence-based interventions to increase gender equality. Her research examines a range of constraints on women’s careers such as the impact of COVID-19 on gender inequalities, backlash, the motherhood penalty, sacrifice, risk taking, work-life compatibility, impostor syndrome, and men’s support for gender equality.
Breakfast: Government for our times
The Hon. Dr Andrew Leigh MP
Andrew Leigh is the Assistant Minister for Productivity, Competition, Charities and Treasury, and Federal Member for Fenner in the ACT. Prior to being elected in 2010, Andrew was a professor of economics at the Australian National University. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from Harvard, having graduated from the University of Sydney with first class honours in Arts and Law. Andrew is a past recipient of the Economic Society of Australia's Young Economist Award and a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences.
Kylea Tink
Kylea Tink is a trailblazing leader, experienced executive, and passionate social advocate. The first woman elected to represent the federal seat of North Sydney, she is widely recognised as a formidable agent of change. Before entering politics, Kylea held senior roles as CEO, Managing Director, Board Member and Strategist, successfully leading not-for-profits, businesses, and high-performing teams. A prominent member of the “Teal Wave” that reshaped Australian politics in 2022, Kylea brings over 35 years of experience driving meaningful change across sectors and communities. A regular media commentator, she is known for her bold, values-driven advocacy – challenging the status quo and sparking the conversations that lead to real progress.
Julian Leeser MP
Julian was born and raised in Sydney and lives locally with his wife Joanna and their young children, James and Ruth. Julian was elected as the Member for Berowra in July 2016. Prior to his election, Julian was a senior executive at Australian Catholic University. Julian was previously Executive Director of the Menzies Research Centre. He also worked as a lawyer at Mallesons Stephen Jacques (now King & Wood Mallesons) and was an associate to High Court Justice Ian Callinan. Serving the community has been a life-long passion for Julian. He was the youngest councillor in Australia when he was elected to Woollahra Council at age 19. Julian was also an elected delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1998 as part of the No-Republic ACM team.
Professor Kristy Muir
MCs
Georgina Byron AM
Georgina is CEO of Snow Foundation, and since 2006 has significantly grown the Foundation's reach and impact from its origins in Canberra. Under her leadership, the Foundation has expanded its commitment to Sydney and South Coast regions while backing dynamic social entrepreneurs with bold national agendas. She has championed social change projects including marriage equality, Raise the Rate campaign, the Voice Referendum and eliminating rheumatic heart disease in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. She serves as Co-Chair of Deadly Heart Trek, Deputy Chair of Sydney Community Foundation and Chair of Sydney Women's Fund Advisory Council.
Michelle Steele
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.
Plenary
Hugh de Kretser
Leading through the polycrisis: Vision, courage, and change
Hugh de Kretser commenced his five-year term as President of the Australian Human Rights Commission on 30 July 2024. For more than two decades, Hugh has played a critical role advancing human rights in Australia.Before joining the Commission, he was the CEO of the Yoorrook Justice Commission, the first formal truth-telling process into historical and ongoing injustices experienced by First Nations people in Victoria. He previously worked as the Executive Director of the Human Rights Law Centre and the Executive Officer of the Victorian Federation of Community Legal Centres.Hugh has also served as a Commissioner of the Victorian Law Reform Commission and a Director of the Sentencing Advisory Council. He has held a range of not-for-profit board, governance and advisory positions including for Flourish Australia, the International Network of Civil Liberties Organizations, knowmore and the National Association of Community Legal Centres. He has worked as a community lawyer, managing the Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre and started his legal career advising companies on employment and anti-discrimination law.
Dr Rebecca Huntley
Leading through the polycrisis: Vision, courage, and change
Rebecca is one of Australians foremost researchers on social trends. She is the author of books including How to Talk About Climate Change in a Way That Makes a Difference and Sassafras: A Memoir About Love, Loss and MDMA Therapy. She is a Fellow of the Women’s Leadership Institute of Australia. Rebecca has led research at Essential Media and Vox Populi and was a director at Ipsos Australia. She is now Director of Research at the agency 89DegreesEast. Rebecca is a member of the Advisory Group for the Climate Solutions Centre at the Australian Museum and the Sydney Environment Institute, and is on the board of The Dusseldorp Forum.
Professor Thomas Homer-Dixon
Leading through the polycrisis: Vision, courage, and change
Thomas is founder and Executive Director of the Cascade Institute at Royal Roads University in Victoria, British Columbia. One of Canada’s foremost public intellectuals and a best-selling author, his award-winning books include The Upside of Down: Catastrophe, Creativity, and the Renewal of Civilization and his latest is Commanding Hope: The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril. Considered among the world’s leading experts in how global affairs intersect, his research focuses on threats to security, including economic instability, climate change and nationalist authoritarianism – and on how people, organisations and societies can better solve complex problems.
Carol Schwartz AO
Leading through the polycrisis: Vision, courage, and change
Carol is highly regarded as a commentator and agitator on issues of gender equality, women’s leadership, governance and business. She was named one of Australia’s most influential women in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac’s Inaugural 100 Women of Influence Awards. In 2020 Carol was recognised with the Leading Philanthropist Award by Philanthropy Australia and her board roles include the Governance Board of the Reserve Bank of Australia, EQT Holdings Limited and the Climate Council. As Chair of the Trawalla Foundation and the Women’s Leadership Institute Australia, she has catalysed practical solutions including the Pathways to Politics Program for Women, the Panel Pledge and the Women for Media database. She is a member of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Women’s Leadership Board and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership Advisory Board, Kings College.
Lightning Talks
Anna Brown OAM
Voices of leadership: stories shaping change across Australia
Anna Brown OAM is the founding CEO of Equality Australia, a national organisation dedicated to equality for LGBTIQ+ people. She played a critical role in achieving marriage equality, co-chairing the Equality Campaign and spearheading strategic litigation. She has been instrumental in key LGBTIQ+ reforms for over 10 years, including banning conversion practices, gender recognition for trans and gender diverse people, erasing historical homosexual convictions and fending off regressive laws. Anna is also President, ACT Restricted Medical Treatment Board, the first scheme in Australia to protect intersex children from medically unnecessary surgeries.
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO
Voices of leadership: Stories shaping change across Australia
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO of ACOSS and Adjunct Professor with UNSW Sydney, has held senior roles in the NFP and public sectors, including with the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she worked on the inquiry into pay equity and paid parental leave, Darwin Community Legal Service and Legal Aid in WA. In 2023, Cassandra was awarded an AO for distinguished services to social justice through leadership and advocacy, promoting the rights of marginalised and disadvantaged people. Cassandra is Co-Chair of the ACOSS and UNSW Sydney Poverty and Inequality Partnership and a member of the Federal Government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Anjali Sharma
Voices of leadership: stories shaping change across Australia
Anjali Sharma (she/her) is 21 years old. At 16, she became the lead litigant of Sharma vs Environment Minister, a class action legal case which argued that the Environment Minister owes all young people a duty of care to protect them from the impacts of climate change. In 2021, she was successful, but following an appeal from the Minister, this ruling was overturned. However, Anjali continued the campaign, now calling to have this duty legislated through Federal Parliament. Anjali aims to raise awareness about the disproportionate impacts of climate change, particularly towards young people and people of colour.
Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson
Voices of leadership: stories shaping change across Australia
Associate Professor Bhiamie Williamson is a Euahlayi man from north-west NSW. He is a Senior Lecturer at Monash University where he leads the National Indigenous Disaster Resilience research program. Bhiamie holds a PhD from the Australian National University, and a Masters Degree in Indigenous Governance from the University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. He also holds post-graduate qualifications from the University of Arizona and the University of Wollongong. His research fields includes Indigenous resilience to environmental hazards, Caring for Country, cultural burning, Indigenous governance, Indigenous data sovereignty and Indigenous men and masculinities. Bhiamie is Chair of the environmental charity Country Needs People and a Director of the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute.
Breakout Sessions
Kirsty Albion
Moderator | After the election: Civil society collaborating for policy impact under a new government
At the helm of Australian Progress since the pandemic began, Kirsty has led her team to train thousands of social changemakers, convene hundreds of nonprofits and deliver groundbreaking collaborations. Previously, Kirsty served for five years as National Director of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition, running high-impact campaigns to protect the reef, grow renewable energy and keep fossil fuels in the ground. She grew the organisation three-fold to the largest team focused on climate campaigning in the country. Kirsty has trained more than 10,000 young people in campaigning, communication, organising, and supported the growth of the Seed Indigenous Youth Climate Network. Kirsty is the recipient of numerous awards including Young Tasmanian of the Year 2010 and the Prime Minister’s Young Environmentalist of the Year.
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts
Shared problems, collective solutions: Australia's climate and nature leadership for change
Larissa Baldwin-Roberts is a distinguished global leader in climate activism and First Nations justice. As a proud Widjabul Wia-bal woman from the Bundjalung Nations, Larissa’s connections to her country and heritage are deeply rooted. A seasoned political campaigner and community organizer, Larissa has spent over a decade supporting First Nations communities. Larissa is also the Director of Research for Passing the Message Stick, a groundbreaking multi-year First Nations-led research project aimed at shifting public narrative in support of First Nations justice and self-determination. Her work has been adopted across hundreds of Indigenous organisations including the Treaty and Truth Telling commissions.
Rachel Ball
Moderator | From privilege to possibility: Leadership in the age of economic inequality
Rachel Ball is CEO of the Reichstein Foundation, which works to back the people and organisations that drive social, economic and environmental justice in Australia. Rachel is also a director of Australian Progress and Mannifera. She’s an ex-lawyer and has previously held senior leadership roles at the Human Rights Law Centre, Oxfam Australia and the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. She has expertise designing and delivering strategies that challenge unfair distributions of wealth and power, including through rights-based advocacy, public campaigns, strategic litigation and political engagement. Rachel lives on Wadawurrung Country on Victoria’s Surf Coast and loves all ocean-based activities.
Ian Bird
Moderator | Community-led solutions: Relational leadership for systemic change
Ian is a seasoned executive in the community foundation sector and innovator in the field of collective action and network leadership, largely exercised during his tenure as CEO at Community Foundations of Canada and Chair of the Global Fund for Community Foundations. He is a former sport advocate and Olympian in hockey, having represented Canada at the Summer Olympics in Sydney (2000) and Seoul (1988). Ian’s civic engagements currently include contributions as a member of the Wasan Network and as a director of the Community Forward Fund.
Elizabeth Broderick AO
Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
Elizabeth Broderick is Principal of EB&Co. a specialist consultancy focused on high impact strategic transformation in gender equality, diversity and inclusion. She is a globally acknowledged leader in driving cultural change, particularly in male-dominated environments and has led over 35 independent reviews of national and global institutions. As Australia’s longest-serving Sex Discrimination Commissioner (2007– 2015), she led pioneering reforms, including implementing Australia’s gender equality blueprint, progressing paid parental leave, and establishing key data on sexual harassment.
Virisila Buadromo
The crises are connected - is leadership? Collaborative leadership for social change in the region
Virisila is a skilled Pacific and Asia campaigner with over 25 years experience – leading multilingual newsrooms at a private Fijian broadcaster, to being the manager of a 30 year feminist organisation for change in laws to the co-leading of an Asia and Pacific fund to support women and non-binary activists and environmental defenders on the frontlines for human rights and environmental justice. She is one of the co-initiators of the Pacific Feminist Fund and is co-chair of its board as well as co-chair of the global Prospera International Network of Women’s Funds.
Sarah Buckley
Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
Sarah is an accomplished CEO with a 20 year track record of business leadership and social innovation - especially in gender equity, ESG integration and responsible investing. Sarah is CEO of the Trawalla Foundation, and Chief of Staff for Carol Schwartz AO. This covers a broad portfolio of leading gender equity initiatives across politics, media, policy and capital allocation, and includes roles as National Co-Convenor of Pathways to Politics for Women, leading the Women's Leadership Institute Australia and co-leading the Female Led Venture Portfolio. Sarah has previously been a sought after sustainability consultant to major Australian companies, and held senior roles creating innovative new businesses including PwC’s Indigenous Consulting.
Jessica Bulger
Moderator | First Nations leadership for a just, fair and sustainable Australia
Growing up in a big proud Aboriginal family, connected to culture I have been fortunate to learn from the wisdom of my Elders and the strength of Indigenous leadership. I began my career as a teacher and have since dedicated myself to advancing Indigenous Governance, Leadership and Economic Empowerment across 15 years predominately in the NFP sector. My work is grounded in a deep commitment to community-driven change and systemic reform. I hold various advisory roles related to initiatives I care about including with DFAT, Philanthropy Australia, Monash University, GHD, Optus and Womens Agenda.
Somali Cerise
Holding the line: Philanthropy, inclusion and the anti-rights agenda
Somali Cerise is a gender equality and human rights expert with 20 years’ experience leading initiatives across Australia and globally. She has a track record of designing innovative tools and influencing change at the highest levels. She has been responsible for several major global gender equality initiatives, including the OECD Social Institutions and Gender Index, UN Women’s global report on gender equality and the Sustainable Development Goals, and the UN Secretary General’s 20 and 25-year review of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. In 2021, Somali led the team at the Australian Human Rights Commission conducting the Independent Review into Commonwealth Parliamentary Workplaces. She currently works on a range of gender equality initiatives with EB & Co., UN Women, and the University of Sydney. With EB & Co she has been involved in cultural reviews across several sectors including mining, professional services, aviation and the university sector. Somali is on the advisory committee for the National Women’s Safety Alliance and a board member of ACON. She is an Honorary Associate Professor at the Australian National University with the Gender Institute.
Annabelle Chauncy OAM
In a world on edge: What leadership needs now
Annabelle Chauncy OAM is a force for good. She is an Australian social entrepreneur, lawyer, keynote speaker, and co-founder and CEO of the School for Life Foundation, a not-for-profit that builds and operates schools in rural Uganda.Annabelle is driven by vision and integrity, grounded in action, and relentless in her belief that education can transform the world. As the Co-Founder and CEO of School for Life Foundation, she has spent more than 15 years building what many only talk about: real, sustainable change in some of the world’s most disadvantaged communities.
Teddy Cook
Holding the line: Philanthropy, inclusion and the anti-rights agenda
Over the last 20 years, Teddy has developed expertise working across the non-profit and LGBTIQ+ community health sectors. He is an LGBTQ+ & trans health/rights aficionado, advisor, advocate, researcher, and health policy specialist. Teddy held a diverse range of leadership roles during his 12 years tenure at ACON and is now Equality Australia’s Senior Advisor and TransEquality Chair.
Carolyn Curtis
Investing in leadership: Growing civil society's capacity in a time of crisis
An experienced CEO and Non-Executive Director, Carolyn has spent the past 11 years leading one of the world’s longest standing social innovation enterprises, The Australian Centre for Social Innovation (TACSI). Prior to TACSI, Carolyn had a long career in State Government with her first role being a frontline social worker supporting vulnerable children, families and communities. For over a decade she moved between a number of practice, policy and leadership roles with the Department of Child Protection. Whilst contemplating her next career move, Carolyn has been putting her 25 years of social policy and innovation experience to use as a Non-Executive Director, coach and mentor, supporting a number of NFP’s and social policy leaders across Australia. Carolyn is currently on the boards of Junction Australia and The Fay Fuller Foundation.
Belinda Duarte
Investing in leadership: Growing civil society's capacity in a time of crisis
Belinda is Wotjobaluk and Dja Dja Wurrung descendant with Polish and Celtic heritage. As an accomplished leader in elite sport, social equity and First Nations communities, Belinda is CEO of Culture is Life, an organisation which is dedicated to Aboriginal-led solutions for the prevention of First peoples youth suicide. She has been appointed to the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, is a director of the Western Bulldogs, MCG trustee, board member of the AnnaMilla First Nations Foundation and Djaara Aboriginal Corporation. Belinda has a vision of equality across all aspects of living for Aboriginal people. As a former elite athlete, Belinda is working on innovative projects to influence the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to improve relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. In 2020 she was recognised for her work and awarded a CEW Vincent Fairfax fellowship. Additional awards include Football Woman of the year 2012 & Emerging leader under the Fellowship for Indigenous Leadership in 2006-2007.
Lani Evans MNZM
Power, purpose and the rise of AI: Why civil society, philanthropy and government must lead, not follow
Lani Evans is a for-purpose founder and leader focused on creating moving resources more equitably. She started her career running charities and has spent the last ten years leading and governing in philanthropy. She is a serial social entrepreneur, with ventures focused on the intersection of technology, philanthropy and social change, co-founding Share Collective, Generous Ventures, Thankyou Payroll and most recently Fundsorter, and AI based tool making funding faster and easier for community. Lani is an honorary member of Philanthropy NZ and was awarded a New Year’s Honour for services to social enterprise. She lives in an intergenerational, multi-whānau household in Porirua and is proud māmā to Bryn and Ara.
Caitriona Fay
Moderator | Holding the line: Philanthropy, inclusion and the anti-rights agenda
Cat Fay is a senior investment and business leader in Australia and has spent the last twenty years advising families, individuals and institutions on their philanthropic and social investment strategies. At Perpetual she oversees approximately $7bn is philanthropic and non-profit funds and her clients collectively distribute more than $130M annually through their trusts and foundations. Cat also leads the Perpetual Native Title advisory and Trustee business, working closely with First Nations communities across the country. Prior to her time at Perpetual Cat worked at The Ian Potter Foundation in Australia and the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland and London advising on community and built heritage regeneration projects.
Lisa George
Moderator | The crises are connected - is leadership? Collaborative leadership for social change in the region.
Lisa George joined Macquarie Group in 2010 and is the Global Head of the Macquarie Group Foundation. The Foundation drives social impact work for Macquarie Group and is one of the largest corporate benefactors in Australia. Macquarie staff engagement in their local communities is the founding principle of the Foundation. Since its inception in 1985, the Foundation and Macquarie employees have contributed more than $640 million to community organisations around the world. The Foundation also focuses on social impact investing and shared value to help catalyse social impact driven through the business. Lisa is currently Co-Chair of Philanthropy Australia, Director at For Purpose Investment Partners, and Chair of the Harvard Club of Australia Ferris Family Non- profit Fellowship, which awards two scholarships annually to Australian non-profit CEOs to study at Harvard Business School. Lisa holds a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University.
Elizabeth Gillies
Moderator | Power, purpose and the rise of AI: Why civil society, philanthropy and government must lead, not follow
Liz has held roles in multiple sectors and academia focused on social impact. In 2018, was appointed CEO of the Menzies Leadership Foundation which aspires to amplify a leadership movement that supports Australians to clarify their purpose, appreciate our collective responsibility to each other, and act for the ‘greater good’. Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre and the Centre for Ethical Leadership. During this time, she was awarded a research fellowship which culminated in the release of the Reports: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and Better Practice (2021).
Caterina Giorgi
After the election: Civil society collaborating for policy impact under a new government
Caterina is the founder of For Purpose. She has worked in purpose driven organisations for almost two decades, including most recently as CEO of the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE).She is also the Chair of Australian Progress, a Founding Member of Women in Public Health and previously served on the Boards of YMCA Canberra and Fair Agenda. Caterina has contributed to legislative and policy changes at all levels of government in health and social policy. She also has an honours degree in public health and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).
Simon Goff
Moderator | In a world on edge: What leadership demands now
Simon is inspired by the transformative power of culture and storytelling to drive positive social change. As Co-CEO at Purpose, Simon collaborates with philanthropies, non-profits, and businesses to build and support movements for an open, just, and thriving world. Since joining in 2014, he has played a key role in the organisation’s expansion across Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Prior to Purpose, he spent 10 years at MTV, where he worked on campaigns on multiple issues including HIV/AIDS and modern-day slavery. He also serves on the board of School for Life Foundation, an organisation committed to educating poverty out of existence through its programs in East Africa.
Sue Gold
Community-led solutions: Relational leadership for systemic change
With 25+ years’ experience across executive, board and consultancy roles, Sue brings a deep understanding of regional communities and a passion for helping them thrive. Currently Executive Officer of Border Trust Community Foundation, her career spans health, education, research, business, not-for-profit and local government. A former nurse, she’s led strategy, capacity building, and governance reform, and mentored boards, CEOs and executive teams. Sue has held board and elected roles including with Indigo Shire Council, Alpine Valleys Community Leadership, and the Small Business Mentoring Service. A graduate of the AICD Company Directors Course, she brings inclusive leadership, strong financial and strategic skills, and a commitment to collaboration and impact.
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO
From privilege to possibility: Leadership in the age of economic inequality
Dr Cassandra Goldie AO, CEO of ACOSS and Adjunct Professor with UNSW Sydney, has held senior roles in the NFP and public sectors, including with the Australian Human Rights Commission, where she worked on the inquiry into pay equity and paid parental leave, Darwin Community Legal Service and Legal Aid in WA. In 2023, Cassandra was awarded an AO for distinguished services to social justice through leadership and advocacy, promoting the rights of marginalised and disadvantaged people. Cassandra is Co-Chair of the ACOSS and UNSW Sydney Poverty and Inequality Partnership and a member of the Federal Government’s Economic Inclusion Advisory Committee.
Michelle Gortan
Shared problems, collective solutions: Australia's climate and nature leadership for change
Michelle Gortan is CEO of the Macdoch Foundation which is a philanthropic enterprise of Prue and Alasdair MacLeod. Originally trained as a lawyer, she has held leadership positions in the non-profit, public and professional services sectors in Australia, the UK and Chile. Michelle is a Certified Advisor with 21/64, an NYC-based international consultancy specialising in strategy development for multigenerational family philanthropy. She is a board director of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers’ Network, a Steering Committee Member of the Global Alliance for the Future of Food and sits on the International Stewardship Council of the Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD). She became CEO of the Macdoch Foundation in 2021.
Andrew Hudson
In a world on edge: What leadership demands now
Andrew is currently CEO of the Centre for Policy Development (CPD) promoting policy change in Australia and SE Asia. Previously, Andrew was CEO of Crisis Action, building coalitions to protect civilians in wars such as Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, Myanmar, South Sudan, Congo, Israel/Palestine. Andrew has worked for UNHCR and Human Rights First, where he helped to prosecute military generals in Guatemala for genocide and protect political prisoners in Colombia. Previously, Andrew worked at community legal centres representing disadvantaged clients and refugees and spearheading major law reform projects. He started his career working for the UN in Thailand and the Pacific, after being Australia’s first Youth Representative to the UN.
Nayomi Kannangarra
The crises are connected - is leadership? Collaborative leadership for social change in the region
Nayomi Kannangara is a migrant woman from Sri Lanka living on unceded Wurundjeri Country, bringing over 20 years of leadership in international development and gender equality. As CEO of IWDA, she is driving a bold agenda grounded in feminist principles, decolonial practice, and a culture of care. Her work centres on resourcing and strengthening partnerships with women’s rights organisations across Asia and the Pacific, and shifting power in the aid and philanthropy sectors. Nayomi also serves on the boards of Philanthropy Australia, Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and Her Place Museum Australia.
Barbie-Lee Kirby
From privilege to possibility: Leadership in the age of economic inequality
Barbie-Lee Kirby is a proud Ngemba, Wailwan, Baakindji-Maraura, Gamilaraay, and Yuwaalaraay woman from Brewarrina in Far West NSW. She is the Executive Director of First Nations Futures, an Indigenous-led impact fund that distributes resources directly to First Nations communities driving transformative change. She worked in finance and international governance at Qantas, before joining Herbert Smith Freehills as the Responsible Business Executive, where she championed First Nations self-determination. Previously, she was the Director of Data Governance and Evaluation in Bourke, where she led the development of the Palimaa Interactive Platform, providing community visibility of data. Barbie-Lee is currently a First Nations advisor to Uber Australia, and Director of The Salaam Institute.
Robbie MacPherson
Moderator | Investing in leadership: Growing civil society's capacity in a time of crisis
For the past 25 years Robbie has been designing and delivering executive leadership programs for major companies and organisations across all sectors and states. He was Director of Social Leadership Australia which delivered Sydney Leadership Program, and is now Program Director of the national SILA Program, for CEOs of NFP organisations, funded by 4 of Australia’s largest philanthropic organisations. He is an Associate for Australian New Zealand School of Government, Centre for Social Impact, and the Australian Institute of Police Management. As an experienced Executive Coach he supports senior executives to grow and thrive in their roles. He loves learning and thinks he’s got the best job going.
Upenyu Mawade
Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
Upenyu Mawande oversees partnership and program management for the Judith Neilson Foundation’s Africa portfolio. Passionate about improving the lives of the world’s poor and addressing systemic inequity, she brings over 16 years’ experience in team leadership and program management within the international aid, development, and not-for-profit sectors. Born and raised in Zimbabwe, Upenyu leverages her cross-cultural experience to design, implement and assure the quality of programs in over 46 African, Asian, Pacific and Latin American countries. These programs span resilience and livelihoods, climate adaptation, gender, education, peace and protection, health, and WASH, ranging from small projects to large multi-country, multi-stakeholder initiatives across emergency response and long-term development. Upenyu has worked with over 300 partner organisations and served on committees for international development peak bodies in Australia and New Zealand. She is currently the co-chair of the Australian International Development Network advisory committee and a voluntary board member of Plan International Australia.
Harriet McCallum
Moderator | Safeguarding democracy: The leadership we need now
Harriet McCallum has served as Mannifera's Executive Officer since 2020. With over two decades of experience, she has led multi-disciplinary teams, fostered cross-sector collaborations, and driven forward advocacy projects across the public health, local government, philanthropy and NGO sectors in Australia and South East Asia. Harriet transitioned into the philanthropic sector out of recognition for the pivotal role philanthropy plays in supporting civil society and convening diverse collaborators for systemic change.
Victoria McKenzie-McHarg
Investing in leadership: Growing civil society's capacity in a time of crisis
Victoria is the CEO of Women’s Environmental Leadership Australia (WELA), and has worked in climate and environmental leadership for the past two decades. Her former roles include Chair of the Climate Action Network Australia (CANA), Climate Campaign Manager of the Australian Conservation Foundation, and Manager of Strategy at Bank Australia. WELA is an independent not-for-profit organisation that is empowering, supporting and funding diverse women’s leadership for our environment and climate, in order to transform Australia’s response to these crises.
Warren Miller
First Nations leadership for a just, fair and sustainable Australia
I am a Wirangu and Kokatha man from Ceduna, and CEO of the Spinifex Foundation SA, an Indigenous-led fund committed to resourcing preventative health, wellbeing, and social justice initiatives for First Nations communities. I believe in a holistic approach that centres cultural identity, social inclusion, and collaboration across community and government. Spinifex’s work is about building strong, resilient communities through sustained support, cultural connection, and a funding model that meets young people and families where they are. We aim to empower individuals by supporting wellbeing and strengthening protective factors.
Claire O'Rourke
Shared problems, collective solutions: Australia's climate and nature leadership for change
Claire O'Rourke is CEO of the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network, author, experienced environmentalist and advocate, and communications specialist. She understands the catalytic power of philanthropy to achieve impact on the multiple crises facing people and planet. Taking a systems view of the climate and biodiversity crises, Claire is laser-focused on harnessing people power to ensure we restore nature and stop polluting projects. She is deeply committed to First Nations justice and self-determination. Through leadership roles at The Sunrise Project and Solar Citizens, Claire has demonstrated the impact of bringing together diverse groups around common goals. Her first book, Together We Can, was published by Allen & Unwin in 2022.
Darius Polok
Community-led solutions: Relational leadership for systemic change
Darius is CEO with the International Alumni Center. The iac Berlin supports impact driven networks and coordinates the Bosch Alumni Network – a multi-community network of over 8,000 partners of the Robert Bosch Foundation. Darius' mission at iac Berlin is to support trust-based and collaborative practices in philanthropy. He is actively involved in coalition building processes and advises social change actors on the design and implementation of networked approaches.
Jim Phillipson
Shared problems, collective solutions: Australia's climate and nature leadership for change
Raised on a farm on Gunaikurnai Country in Gippsland, Jim brings deep respect for community and Country to everything he does. While building several successful businesses, Jim and his wife Heather formed EcoGipps and established four connecting properties across the Avon Wilderness - now being donated to BioDiversity Legacy, which transitions land into a commons structure, and featured in Philanthropy Australia’s latest Inspiring Stories of Giving. In 2018, they founded Rendere Environmental Trust, a collaborative philanthropic funder deploying its full capital by 2030. Jim also chairs Nature Impact Collective, a growing alliance of funders backing trust-based work for nature. For Jim, philanthropy is about relationships, leadership and next generations.
Michelle Reddy
The crises are connected - is leadership? Collaborative leadership for social change in the region
Michelle is a Fiji based lesbian feminist who has been part of the women’s and feminist movement in the Pacific for over two decades. She led the establishment of the Women’s Fund Fiji (WFF) and the Pacific Feminist Fund (PFF). Michelle serves as a Board member on Thousand Current, an advisory member on the Equality Fund’s Catalyse Program and Human Rights Funders Network's Global Racial Justice Advisory Council.
Julie Reilly OAM
Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
Australians Investing in Women (AIIW) CEO, Julie Reilly, is passionate about growing philanthropy for women and girls. Her career spans government, corporate, NFP, media and the university sector – winning an Excellence Award for her work in gender at Swinburne University of Technology. Julie received Pro Bono’s IMPACT 25 Award in 2014 and in 2017 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship to study global strategies for growing philanthropy for women and girls. She holds Advisory Board roles with Perpetual Foundation, Canadian based Fora and MECCA’s M-Power Program. For 25 years she co-produced Myer’s annual Spirit of Christmas CD which raised over $8.5m for charity. She was awarded an OAM in 2021.
Anthea Roberts
Power, purpose and the rise of AI: Why civil society, philanthropy and government must lead, not follow
Anthea Roberts is the CEO and Founder of Dragonfly Thinking, an award-winning startup that builds AI tools to augment human judgment and strategic decision-making. A globally recognised interdisciplinary scholar, she has held positions at the Australian National University, the London School of Economics, Columbia University and Harvard. Anthea is a systems thinker working at the intersection of policy, impact and emerging technology. She champions a new model of thinking to not just navigate —but actively shape— the AI frontier. Under Anthea’s leadership, Dragonfly Thinking won Australia’s inaugural National AI Sprint in 2024 and was selected for the Edge of Government showcase at the World Government Summit 2025 in Dubai.
Timothy Rosenlund O'Brien
Power, purpose and the rise of AI: Why civil society, philanthropy and government must lead, not follow
Timothy Rosenlund-O’Brien is Australia’s foremost thinker on impact measurement, purpose-driven strategy and natural capital. As Managing Partner of Make Good Measurement, Tim is leading the development of a pioneering impact campaign measurement tool that empowers organisations to truly understand and demonstrate the difference they make. Tim is also the Founder and Principal of Purpose Made, a consulting firm that supports organisations in delivering tangible environmental and social impact. He is also building an AI Impact Measurement tool called Good Measure. Tim is passionate about ensuring that technology and innovation serve the greater good, and is committed to empowering leaders across sectors to drive meaningful change.
Cathy Scalzo
Moderator | Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
Cathy is CEO of the Scalzo Family Office and Trustee of her family foundation, the Grace and Emilio Foundation. Cathy holds a number of not for profit sector governance roles - she is Chair of Australians Investing in Women, Co-Deputy Chair of the Mornington Peninsula Foundation and serves on the board of the Social Impact Hub and ygap. She is also a panel member for the SEDI grants. She was previously General Counsel of Scalzo Foods, one of Australia’s largest privately owned food businesses and has worked as a senior associate at Allens specialising in workplace and anti-discrimination law and at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
David Scamell
Holding the line: Philanthropy, inclusion and the anti-rights agenda
Dave Scamell oversees GPP’s engagement with the world’s leading government donors, providing them with the resources and tools necessary to increase their global LGBTI funding. He has more than 20 years’ experience in human rights and public health advocacy, policy, programming and philanthropy, having worked with CSOs to advance the rights of marginalised communities in 27 countries. He has held management and strategic leadership roles in leading non-government organisations, private foundations, and global networks in New York and Sydney. Dave holds a LLM in International Human Rights Law (with honors) from the University of Essex and a LLB/BA (Politics and International Relations) from the University of New South Wales.
Dylan Smith
Moderator | Community-led solutions: Relational leadership for systemic change
Dylan, Senior Director Foundation and Field Development at Community Foundations Australia, is an experienced social impact leader with a long career in community philanthropy. He is well known to the Australian community sector through his role as founding Executive Officer at the Fremantle Foundation, and through his contributions to First Nations engagement in philanthropy. He previously served as WA State Manager at Philanthropy Australia, overseeing growth of the peak body’s activities in Western Australia, and developing the areas of impact investing, collaborative funding, community foundations and collective giving.
Sarah Smith
First Nations leadership for a just, fair and sustainable Australia
Sarah Smith a Narungga/Kaurna woman,& proud Aboriginal leader & Executive Director – Community at the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, where she leads the nationally awarded Fire to Flourish program. With 15+ years’ experience across Indigenous affairs, strategic reform, & systems change, Sarah is known for her authentic leadership, cultural governance expertise, & commitment to Aboriginal advancement. Sarah holds senior roles across academia, government, corporate, private industry, and is founder of Yhi Collective, a profit for purpose, Aboriginal-led consultancy. Sarah is a two-time National Disaster Resilience Award recipient and serves on several boards and committees. Her work centres on truth-telling, culture change, & Aboriginal leadership.
Leila Smith
First Nations leadership for a just, fair and sustainable Australia
Leila Smith is CEO of the Aurora Education Foundation, Chair of the American Australian Association Ltd in Australia, Vice Chair of the American Australian Association Inc. and a Director of Perth USAsia Centre. Leila is a Wiradjuri woman and a Charlie Perkins Scholar with a Master of Philosophy in Public Policy from the University of Cambridge Prior to Aurora, Leila was the Knowledge Translation Manager at the Lowitja Institute where she was awarded a Roberta Sykes scholarship to attend Harvard Business School’s Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management course. Leila was also a Senior Consultant at Nous Group and Policy and Programs Manager at the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association.
Melissa Smith
Lighting the way: Lessons from trailblazers for bold and inclusive leadership
CEO and founder of Noble Ambition and the She Gives campaign, both focused on accelerating philanthropic investment for positive social change. She Gives celebrates and inspires women’s giving at all levels and will release a landmark report on women’s philanthropy in late 2025, launched by the Governor-General of Australia. Since 2016, Noble Ambition has delivered strategic, high-impact campaigns across sectors including gender, First Nations, health, climate, and culture. Melissa has led major fundraising programs at the Powerhouse Museum, Sydney Opera House, UTS, and RMIT, and is a recipient of both Australian and Global Fundraiser of the Year awards. She is a Churchill Fellow and former Board Director of Stella.
Millie Telford
After the election: Civil society collaborating for policy impact under a new government
Amelia (Millie) Telford is a Bundjalung and South Sea Islander woman. She is currently Chief of Partnerships and First Nations Justice at Australian Progress, where she builds capacity of First Nations-led movements and advocacy across the country. She is also on the steering committee of Passing The Message Stick and is Co-Founder of Common Threads, a new First Nations-led organisation and fund that aims to grow and harness the power of emerging First Nations leadership, advocacy and changemaking to win transformative change. Previously, Millie co-founded and led Seed, Australia’s first Indigenous Youth Climate Network. Millie is also a Trustee of the Reichstein Foundation.
Dr Katherine Trebeck
From privilege to possibility: Leadership in the age of economic inequality
Katherine is a political economist and advocate for economic system change. Her roles include writer-at-large at the University of Edinburgh, Economic Change Programme Director for The Next Economy, and Strategic Advisor for the Centre for Policy Development. She co-founded the Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEAll) and WEAll Scotland, and she instigated the group of Wellbeing Economy Governments. She is a member of the Club of Rome and her board roles have included a range of groups such as Hands Across Canberra, Denmark’s Wellbeing Economy Lab, and the Centre for Understanding Sustainable Prosperity. She is Distinguished Visitor at ANU’s Planetary Health Hothouse and was 2024 thinker-in-residence at the Australian Health Promotion Association.
Erin Turner
After the election: Civil society collaborating for policy impact under a new government
Erin Turner is the CEO of the Consumer Policy Research Centre, a think tank that champions ideas to make markets fairer for Australians. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and a board member of the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) and Way Forward. Erin is the Chair of ARC Justice, the community legal centre in Central and Northern Victoria, which includes her hometown Shepparton on beautiful Yorta Yorta Country.
Darrell Wade
In a world on edge: What leadership demands now
A backpacker with a vision, Darrell co-founded Intrepid with his mate Geoff ‘Manch’ Manchester in 1989. Their vision was simple: to offer a new style of low-impact travel that connected travellers with communities. Today, Darrell is regarded as one of travel’s most influential leaders and he plays an instrumental role in advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda through his activism and philanthropy. Darrell is Chair of the Intrepid Foundation and Chair of the Dawn Wade Foundation.
Deanne Weir
Safeguarding democracy: The leadership we need now
Deanne Weir is a film producer, technology investor and company director. She is passionate about storytelling, change-making and gender equality. Through WeirAnderson.com and WeirAnderson Films, Deanne invests in entrepreneurs and storytellers to help them change the world. Investments include Seer Data & Analytics, where Deanne is Chair, culture tech company Othelia, and media platform Missing Perspectives. Deanne is active in the philanthropic sector through The WeirAnderson Foundation, as a board member of Mannifera, a philanthropic giving collective, and as Chair of the Grata Fund. Grata assists Australian citizens with litigation that addresses unfair laws and policies in the areas of human rights, climate change and democracy.
Dr Catherine Williams
Safeguarding democracy:
The leadership we need now
Dr Catherine Williams, Executive Director at the Centre for Public Integrity, drives democratic reform to ensure that public power is exercised in the public interest. Her research and advocacy have spearheaded multiple successful federal and State reform campaigns, and together with the Hon Stephen Charles AO KC she is co-author of the book "Keeping them honest - the case for a genuine national integrity commission and other vital democratic reforms".