First Nations Engagement at Philanthropy Australia

Our journey to support more and better giving for First Nations organisations and communities began in 1999 with the inaugural Indigenous Infinity Group, now the First Nations Funders Network. Since then, we have continued to bring together like-minded funders to have honest conversations about Philanthropy’s responsibility to support self-determination for First Nations communities. We have sought to look inward to our own practice and role in the system as a Peak body, an Intermediatory and a Thought Leader, and to listen to our First Nations partners and friends to create change together.

Our First Nations engagement to achieve more and better philanthropy for First Nations communities and organisations is multifaceted.

Our Reflect RAP provides us with a framework to look inward to our own systems and build relationships with First Nations partners and communities.

Philanthropy Australia has publicly supported the Uluru Statement from the Heart and the call for constitutional recognition through an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament. Read Philanthropy’s Support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

First Nations Funders Network

From its beginnings in 1999, our First Nations Funders Network has grown into the most subscribed of all of Philanthropy Australia’s Networks. The network’s purpose is to create opportunities for more philanthropic funds to be directed towards First Nations communities and organisations, and to promote better practice to support meaningful relationships that lead to significant outcomes. It comes together roughly quarterly in-person and online to hear from experts and learn from peers. In 2019, PA actively sought out Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership for this group and Rick Macourt, Gumbaynggirr man, and Adele Peek, Yawuru/Bunuba woman were the inaugural Co-Chairs.

The Network is currently Chaired by Leah Armstrong, Torres Strait Islander woman, Regional Manager, Australia at International Funders for Indigenous Peoples. Philanthropy Australia funder members are welcome to join this network. Contact [email protected] to get involved.

First Nations Governance Committee

In May 2024 Philanthropy Australia announced its expanded First Nations Governance Committee, a Board Sub-Committee. The First Nations Governance Committee’s purpose is to inform and guide the Board, particularly in the context of First Nations Peoples’ communities, but also in the wider Australian population. Listed below are the members of this committee.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander members:

• Leah Armstrong as Acting Chair, “Ancestry from Boigu Island in the Torres Strait”.
• Robert Brittain, “Ballardong Noongar/Gija Man”.
• Mundanara Bayles, “Wonnarua/Gweagal/Gungalu/Wiri”.
• Stephanie Harvey (new), “Bidjara”.
• Jessica Bulger (new), “I am Wiradjuri from Tumut and Brungle”.
• Kim Collard (new), “I am Balladong/Whadjuk man of the Noongar Nation (Noongar the people of the southwest of WA)”.
• Warren Miller (new), “Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning”.
• Michelle Steele (new), “Kamilaroi/Gomeroi Nation from Moree NSW”.
• Phil Usher (new), “My mob is Wiradjuri”.

Philanthropy Australia Board representatives

• Jon Cheung (past Philanthropy Australia board member), “Living and working on Cammeraygal country”.
• Amanda Miller OAM (Philanthropy Australia Co-Chair), “Living and working on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation”.
• Stacey Thomas (Philanthropy Australia board member), “Living and working on Kaurna country”.