Home › News

News

People attending Investing for good conference

News: ‘They don't see eye-to-eye’ – Leadership turmoil engulfs the ACNC

Elderly lady with another woman standing outside a home

Changemaker: The fight for a (food) waste free world

Government under mounting pressure over disability royal commission appointees

Luke Michael, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - The Morrison government is standing by its appointees to the disability royal commission, despite Labor pledging to review two of the commissioners over conflicts of interest.

Next government urged to prioritise the ACNC

Luke Michael, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Not-for-profit leaders are calling on Australia’s next federal government to prioritise the charity sector by cutting red tape, fully resourcing the charities commission and protecting advocacy.

Indigenous groups front and centre of million dollar health promise

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are at the heart of delivering a $115 million election pledge from Labor to reduce youth suicides and preventable diseases, in a move welcomed by Indigenous groups.

Sustainable seafood on the menu at Australia’s top restaurants

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Some of Australia’s leading chefs are pledging to only serve sustainably sourced seafood in their restaurants as part of the Australian Marine Conservation Society’s GoodFish project.

Around the World

How crowdfunding is helping US charities build trust

Luke Michael, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - American charities turning to crowdfunding are experiencing an increase in giving because donors think they’re more transparent, new research shows.

Doco of the month: Ghosthunter

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - The team behind the award-winning documentary Ghosthunter talk to Wendy Williams about the film’s impact and how a story about ghosts became an exploration of the impact of childhood trauma, as part of a new series profiling powerful documentaries in partnership with Documentary Australia Foundation.

Do people really care about ethical fashion?

Wendy Williams, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Nick Savaidis, the founder of ethical fashion brand Etiko talks to Wendy Williams about the disconnect between people’s values and how they shop, and why we all share responsibility for making fashion ethical.

Sponsored

Investing for good

Contributor, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Now is the time for social services to explore the opportunity offered by alternative income streams and the benefits that these bring to organisations, writes NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty ahead of this year’s Investing for Good Conference 2019.

ALP pledges to be champions of the charity sector

Luke Michael, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Labor MP Andrew Leigh has vowed an ALP government will “end the war on charities” and strengthen the role of the charities commission, while continuing to put pressure on controversial commissioner Dr Gary Johns.

Sponsored

It’s time to solve it, Australia!

Contributor, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Got a complex problem? Get the training, tools and potentially even the funding you need to tackle it, writes Jessica Roth, director of Social Impact Hub.

Could you help make finance more sustainable?

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 17th April 2019 - People from all corners of society are being encouraged to join some of the big finance players and civil society leaders to help guide the finance sector toward a more sustainable future.

Youth homelessness crisis in the spotlight

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 17th April 2019 - Nearly 11,000 young people across Australia remained homeless even after seeking help from services, new analysis of homelessness data reveals.

Your chocolate egg might be more unethical than you think

Maggie Coggan, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - As Easter approaches, the rush to stock up on chocolate eggs begins. But where exactly are they coming from? Humanitarian groups and ethical trade watchdogs are calling on shoppers to think about what makes a “good egg”.

People with severe mental illness left behind in NDIS transition

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - Only a quarter of people in Commonwealth-funded mental health programs set to close in 2020 have successfully transitioned to the National Disability Insurance Scheme, new research shows.

Opinion

Changing the political narrative this election

Michelle Blanchard, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - It’s time we stopped using mental illness as a political insult, writes SANE Australia acting CEO Dr Michelle Blanchard, in this article explaining the importance of taking The #StigmaPledge.

‘They don't see eye-to-eye’: Leadership turmoil engulfs the ACNC

Luke Michael, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission has been rocked by a disastrous Senate estimates appearance that has laid bare a major leadership rift over the direction of the charity watchdog.

Opinion

What philanthropy wants: A more giving Australia

Sarah Wickham, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - The federal election has come at a critical time for Australian philanthropy, writes Philanthropy Australia policy and research manager Sarah Wickham, as part of a series of articles looking at what the social sector wants from the incoming government.

Sponsored

Aging with Dignity

Andrew Cairns, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - How can we do better to reverse the unsettling trend of loneliness gripping elderly Australians, asks Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns.

Sponsored

And, we’re off (at last)

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - With the election campaign in full swing, Fifty Acres founder and chief executive officer Jo Scard looks ahead to what not for profits should be doing post election.

What is The Greens’ vision for the social sector?

Luke Michael, Monday, 15th April 2019 - Greens Senator Rachel Siewert says protecting charitable advocacy and ensuring community organisations are properly funded will be her party’s major priorities in Australia’s next Parliament, as the federal election campaign heats up.

Social impact gurus to charge the growth of impact market

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 15th April 2019 - Australia’s impact investing market is ready to be taken to the next level, according to the newly appointed leaders of the expert panel, who will take charge of developing the nation’s fledgling social impact market.

Community sector rallies to abolish offences of public drunkenness

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 15th April 2019 - Marking the anniversary of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody, over 80 community groups are calling on the Victorian government to abolish the offence of public drunkenness, a law they say targets Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Changemaker

The fight for a (food) waste free world

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 15th April 2019 - As the CEO and founder of food rescue charity OzHarvest, Ronni Kahn is not only helping to feed disadvantaged Australians, but she is turning the food-waste debate on its head globally. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

A Lighter Note

World’s best chef feeding Australia’s homeless

Maggie Coggan, Saturday, 13th April 2019 - One of the world’s top chefs is teaming up with food-rescue charity OzHarvest to open a community restaurant for homeless people in Sydney.

Opinion

What community services want: An end to the cuts

Cassandra Goldie, Friday, 12th April 2019 - Healthy, inclusive, thriving communities need quality, secure community services, writes ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie, as part of a series of articles looking at what the social sector wants from whoever wins the upcoming election.

Sector fury over Australia’s stagnant global aid ranking

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 12th April 2019 - Aid groups have labelled the nation’s latest development aid spend ranking as “shameful”, with Australia falling well behind prosperous countries such as Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. The Organisation for...

‘They don't see eye-to-eye’: Leadership turmoil engulfs the ACNC

Disability groups call for conflicting commissioners to step down

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 8th April 2019 - Disability groups are demanding two commissioners for the newly announced disability royal commission step down for the “good of people with disability”.

A Lighter Note

An (unlikely) friend in need

Maggie Coggan, Saturday, 6th April 2019 - When 73-year-old Rose was paired with 14-year-old Dominic as his mentor, she knew she could make a difference in his life. But what she didn’t realise was the difference he would make in her life, or that it would result in an unlikely friendship.

Is fashion ethical yet? Report reveals the best and worst of Australian clothing

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 10th April 2019 - Despite nearly 40 per cent of Australian clothing companies cleaning up their ethical act from the year before, only 5 per cent pay their factory workers a living wage, an annual report has revealed.

NFP leaders urged to create a culture of strong workers

Luke Michael, Thursday, 11th April 2019 - Employees in the not-for-profit sector are feeling “stressed” and “stretched” according to the 2019 Pro Bono Australia Salary Survey, which says leaders have a role to play creating a work environment where everyone can thrive.

What does a leader look like?

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 10th April 2019 - A re-definition of leadership is needed, according to sector experts who say the narrow definition of the term in many organisations is hampering their ability to tackle complex issues and ideas.

Addressing ‘thin markets’ in the NDIS

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 10th April 2019 - The federal government is launching a wide-ranging consultation as part of a new project looking to close market gaps in the National Disability Insurance Scheme.

People with severe mental illness left behind in NDIS transition

Government urged to act on impact investment

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 8th April 2019 - Peak impact investing groups are warning Australia will fall behind globally if the federal government doesn’t pick up the pace on scaling the nation’s impact investment market.

Why young men turn to street harassment

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 10th April 2019 - Boys and young men are putting their need for social acceptance ahead of the needs of women to feel safe, according to new global research from Plan International.

ALP pledges to be champions of the charity sector

Your chocolate egg might be more unethical than you think

Social impact gurus to charge the growth of impact market

The smaller the organisation, the smaller your pay packet… if you’re a woman

Maggie Coggan, Thursday, 11th April 2019 - Women working in smaller not-for-profit organisations are worse off financially, making just 90 cents on every dollar a man earns, data from Pro Bono Australia’s 2019 Salary Survey has found.

‘Bolt from the blue’: Sector welcomes bipartisan support for foreign aid

Luke Michael, Monday, 8th April 2019 - Foreign aid groups believe there is finally some good news on the horizon after a bipartisan parliamentary report called for Australia’s aid budget to be boosted over the next decade.

What is The Greens’ vision for the social sector?

Youth homelessness crisis in the spotlight

Maggie Coggan, Wednesday, 17th April 2019 - Nearly 11,000 young people across Australia remained homeless even after seeking help from services, new analysis of homelessness data reveals.

Corporate sector turns to shared value

Luke Michael, Wednesday, 10th April 2019 - Australian businesses are increasingly open to adopting shared value practices within the workplace but are still grappling with how to implement it effectively, new research says.

Opinion

Budgeting for evaluation – tips for applicants

Squirrel Main, Thursday, 11th April 2019 - Tired of reading the same mistakes at the end of grant applications, Dr Squirrel Main offers grant writers her advice on evaluation budgets within a grant budget.

Talking to your co-workers could be the key to a more productive day

Maggie Coggan, Friday, 12th April 2019 - Finding that you’re not loving your job? According to new research, collaborating with your colleagues and practicing mindfulness could be the answer to being more engaged at work.

Opinion

What charities want: A little more respect, a little more certainty

David Crosbie, Thursday, 11th April 2019 - Community Council for Australia CEO David Crosbie outlines the top five things he would like to see an incoming government commit to, in the first of a series of articles looking at what the social sector wants from whoever wins the upcoming election.

Opinion

Risky business: Operating overseas under the new external conduct standards

Oliver May, Tuesday, 9th April 2019 - The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission’s new external conduct standards are coming. If your charity operates outside Australia, you need to start thinking about how you manage risk now, writes Oliver May.

Changemaker

The fight for a (food) waste free world

Sponsored

Investing for good

Sponsored

It’s time to solve it, Australia!

Contributor, Thursday, 18th April 2019 - Got a complex problem? Get the training, tools and potentially even the funding you need to tackle it, writes Jessica Roth, director of Social Impact Hub.

‘They don't see eye-to-eye’: Leadership turmoil engulfs the ACNC

Sponsored

Aging with Dignity

Andrew Cairns, Tuesday, 16th April 2019 - How can we do better to reverse the unsettling trend of loneliness gripping elderly Australians, asks Community Sector Banking CEO Andrew Cairns.

Sponsored

And, we’re off (at last)

Changemaker

The fight for a (food) waste free world

Sponsored

Repeated failure to support people on the lowest incomes

Cassandra Goldie, Thursday, 11th April 2019 - This year’s federal budget was an extreme disappointment, writes Cassandra Goldie, CEO of the Australian Council of Social Service, ahead of their upcoming post-budget breakfast.

Sponsored

It’s time to change the narrative

Contributor, Tuesday, 9th April 2019 - The Human Rights Arts and Film Festival (HRAFF) has announced its 2019 program of over 50 films and events.

Changemaker

Stronger together: The collective fight for a fairer future

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 8th April 2019 - Renee Carr is CEO and founder of Fair Agenda, a community-led organisation fighting hard for a fairer and more equal future for women. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Use person-centred work design to improve service quality and staff engagement

Contributor, Thursday, 4th April 2019 - Join esteemed international social care expert, Helen Sanderson, and Australian experts to learn about how purpose-driven person-centred work practices are enabling community sector organisations to deliver better services and more satisfying jobs.

Sponsored

How disaster-ready are you as a CSR leader?

Contributor, Thursday, 4th April 2019 - Australian businesses have the capability and responsibility to support communities during all stages of a disaster, write Good2Give and corporate2community ahead of their upcoming Corporate Disaster Philanthropy event.

Sponsored

A look at the 2019 Budget

Andrew Cairns, Wednesday, 3rd April 2019 - Andrew Cairns from Community Sector Banking runs through his main takeaways from this year’s federal budget and questions how many everyday Australians will feel the relief from the promised surplus.

Sponsored

Five more sleeps everyone

Jo Scard, Tuesday, 2nd April 2019 - With budget promises in the air and the election set to be called later this week, Jo Scard offers not for profits advice on how to prepare.

Sponsored

Advancing peace through Rotary Peace Fellowships

Contributor, Thursday, 28th March 2019 - Passionate Australians who want to advance peace and conflict resolution in troubled areas around the world can apply for a Rotary Peace Fellowship in 2019.

Sponsored

Still reporting on spreadsheets? Uncover the power of your data with Antares’ Discovery Workshop

Contributor, Thursday, 28th March 2019 - Antares’ Discovery Workshop helps organisations realise the power of their own data so they can start the digital transformation journey that meets their specific needs.

Sponsored

Grassroots sport urgently needs better funding – society depends on it

Andrew Cairns, Tuesday, 26th March 2019 - Grassroots sport and community recreation play an important role in getting people active, producing a myriad of benefits for physical and mental health – it’s time to invest, writes Andrew Cairns, Community Sector Banking chief executive officer.

Changemaker

Tackling the wider problem of trauma

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 25th March 2019 - Admiral Chris Barrie AC is the chairman of FearLess, a charity fighting to help the one million Australians living with post-traumatic stress disorder and shine a spotlight on the disorder which affects more people than you might think. He is this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

Nominate now for the Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards

Contributor, Thursday, 21st March 2019 - Entries close on 29 March for the Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards 2019. Make sure you have your say.

Sponsored

As leaders we can learn from Christchurch

Jo Scard, Thursday, 21st March 2019 - Fifty Acres founder and managing director Jo Scard considers the role of leadership in bringing communities together in times of crisis and need.

Sponsored

What does $87M of giving look like?

Jodi Kennedy, Tuesday, 19th March 2019 - This week Equity Trustees released its inaugural Annual Giving Review. Jodi Kennedy, general manager charitable trusts and philanthropy, explains how it marks the beginning of their journey towards measuring impact.

Opinion

Is the Health and Human Services Sector a House of Cards?

Joe Short, Wednesday, 13th March 2019 - Government agencies are increasingly procuring services from the same providers and this is creating risk across sectors. The health and human services sector is now delicately balanced. What would you do if tomorrow your providers ceased delivery, questions Joe Short, partner at PwC.

Impact 25 winners revealed

Wendy Williams, Tuesday, 12th March 2019 - What do the world's first supermodel with Down Syndrome, two human rights lawyers, the director of a breast cancer support charity and a leader transforming how the world sees waste, all have in common? They have been crowned winners in Pro Bono Australia’s Impact 25.

Sponsored

Energise, Enhance and Connect at Volunteering Victoria’s 2019 State Conference

Contributor, Tuesday, 12th March 2019 - With only a few months to go until its second state conference, Volunteering Victoria is thrilled to announce an impressive lineup of speakers that will energise, enhance and connect the volunteering sector in Victoria.

Sponsored

Leave a Gift of Love

Contributor, Tuesday, 12th March 2019 - Peninsula Animal Aid is encouraging people to leave a gift of love in their will to help fund vital animal services.

Changemaker

Giving Philanthropy Back to the People

Maggie Coggan, Monday, 11th March 2019 - Maree Sidey is the CEO of the Australian Communities Foundation, an organisation connecting donors to causes that matter, and working to make philanthropy more democratic by creating a community of donors. She’s this week’s Changemaker.

Sponsored

The Data4Good Conference Combats the Misuse of Data

Contributor, Thursday, 7th March 2019 - Those passionate about learning new, innovative ways to make a positive impact on society with data and analytics will have the chance to learn from local and international industry experts at the Data4Good Conference in Sydney on 28 March, writes John Hoffman, CEO of Altis.