The Philanthropy Australia 2024 national conference brought 1,000+ philanthropy professionals to Adelaide for three days of shared learning. Local philanthropic organisations and not-for-profits turned out in strong numbers at what was the largest gathering of its kind, not just in SA, but for the nation as a whole.
The Convention Centre was abuzz as delegates moved between masterclasses, breakout sessions, plenaries and special side events including the launch of the South Australian Community Foundation initiative. The initiative is designed to encourage and support the establishment of new community foundations across the state and we’re very proud of our colleagues, Sophie Doyle and Chelsea Gillies, at Foundation SA who have done much work in this collective effort to help get the initiative off the ground.
The Wyatt Trust’s long-standing commitment to reconciliation was shared during a presentation by CEO Stacey Thomas about truth telling at Wyatt, informed by research led by Dr Jennifer Caruso, an Eastern Arrente woman who investigated the impact of Dr William Wyatt’s arrival on Kaurna land in 1837. The presentation received a standing ovation and was cited by many as an inspiring highlight of the conference.
Several members of the Wyatt team took part in the conference, with each of us gleaning insights and new knowledge we will embed in our work.
For Relationship Managers, Jo Edwards and Luke Penman, keeping the big picture in plain sight was a key takeaway.
“It may take a long time, and there may be a lot of roadblocks and setbacks, but with the right philanthropic support and investment and strong enough belief, anything is possible,” Luke reflected.
For Jo, the call for increased support of climate action left a deep impression.
“In a time of changing climate, this year and next are critical and investment is urgent, both globally and locally,” she says.
“Energy efficient and well-maintained housing and disaster preparedness are local points of focus that would support South Australians living in poverty.”
Keren Sutton, Wyatt’s Programs & Impact Lead, was similarly moved by the gravity of the climate crisis.
“There is an urgency in the shift towards renewables, and a solution has been formulated but significant investment is needed,” Keren reflected. “Philanthropy can be the change maker with intentional investment.”
For Strategic Communications Advisor, Nicole Richards, the increased emphasis on storytelling by the sector was heartening, but also a timely reminder that ethical storytelling includes making space for people with lived and living experience, rather than sharing stories on their behalf.
CEO, Stacey Thomas came away from the conference with a renewed appreciation for the importance of standing up as an ally and the need for
deepening our understanding of cultural safety. She was also inspired by the collaboration of other SA funders including the Spinifex
Foundation and Fay Fuller Foundation.
Wyatt also co-hosted a well-attended breakfast event with GiveOUT, Aurora and Equality Australia on learnings from LGBTIQ+
philanthropy.
After thanking everyone who participated in the conference which included 170 speakers, 12 masterclasses, 21 themed sessions and 24 side events, the conference was brought to a close by Philanthropy Australia co-chairs, Amanda Miller and Lisa George, who announced that the 2026 event will be held in Brisbane.
