philanthropyOz Blog

New partnership between Government and not-for-profit sector: An Australian Compact

From the Australian Government’s Social Inclusion website:

The Australian Government is exploring ways to develop a new and stronger relationship with the not-for-profit sector, based on partnership and respect.

One way to do this is through an Australian Compact—an agreement between the Australian Government and the not-for-profit sector that outlines how the two will work together to improve and strengthen their relationship, now and into the future.

A compact could also provide a platform for discussion and agreement between the Australian Government and the sector about how to achieve objectives that will benefit the community.

Similar agreements are in place in many Australian states and territories and have been used overseas.

Exactly what an Australian Compact will look like will depend on what Australia wants it to achieve and what will best suit Australia’s unique government and non profit landscape. The compact could include, but is not limited to:

* a statement of mutual roles and responsibilities
* plans for sector sustainability
* frameworks for dialogue and policy development
* collaboration on industry issues
* regulatory reform.

The Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) is consulting widely to seek the initial views of community organisations and users of community services about the idea of an Australian Compact.

You can find out more about the Compact and submit your comments via the Social Inclusion website.

New Events

Melbourne’s Road Home - A Forum on Homelessness (September 25, Melbourne)

Social Impact of drought and climate change (October 1, Melbourne)

Indigenous Affinity Group Meeting (Members Only, November 19, Melbourne)

Go to the Events Calendar for more information.

WA Community Foundation Calls for Leadership

Registrations are now open for Western Australian Community Foundation’s 2008 Summit “Today’s Choice for Tomorrow: Lead, follow or get out of the way!” held on Friday, 19 September at the Government House Ballroom in Perth.

The Summit will offer fertile ground for learning, sharing and understanding by:

- Exposing participants to a variety of experiences and perspectives on community leadership today;
- Connecting participants, enhancing partnerships across a range of sectors in our State;
- Engaging participants in thought provoking discussion on the challenges and rewards leadership entails; and
- Providing participants with information and skills to lead the way.

In order to support participation from communities across the state, the Foundation is able to provide limited travel assistance for regional delegates. Skywest is providing support for eligible community representatives to apply for air travel assistance from a number of regional centres. The 2008 Summit is also supported by Summit Partners Rio Tinto and Lotterywest; and Summit Sponsors St John of God Health Care, iiNet and 2020 Global.

For further information visit www.wacf.org.au or contact Western Australian Community Foundation on (08) 9224 6000.

Gardiner Innovation and Biotechnology 2008 funding recipients announced

Seventeen new projects share project funding of over $3.15 million from the Gardiner Foundation Innovation and Biotechnology Programs in decisions announced yesterday. Matching funding provided by the project organisations and other funding bodies will create total new investment for the dairy industry of almost $5.6 million, with the new projects including a good balance between on-farm and post-farm gate technologies.

Case studies describing the projects are available on www.gardinerfoundation.com.au.

» Download the entire press release (PDF)

New Positions Vacant

New Positions Vacant:
- Grants Officer / Administrative Assistant - Victoria Law Foundation (Melbourne)
- Partnerships Manager - Trust for Nature (Melbourne)
- Communications Co-ordinator - Trust for Nature (Melbourne)
- Team Leader - Bequests/Fundraising/Sales - Mission Australia (Sydney)

New Events

New Events:

Arts Affinity Group Meeting (Members Only, Melbourne, 21 August)
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Women’s Health & Wellbeing Community Consultation (15 September, Sydney)
Corporate Foundations Network (Members Only, Melbourne, 24 October)

New Position Vacant:

Account Executive - Corporate & Community Partnerships - Mission Australia (Sydney)

Philanthropy Australia Conference - registration open

Registration is now open for Philanthropy: Passion and Purpose, Philanthropy Australia’s 2008 Conference.

Ignited by passion for a cause and a desire to make a difference, we all know that it’s easy to give - but many of us have discovered it’s considerably more difficult to give effectively. Philanthropy’s role is unique - it can operate where markets and government don’t, won’t, can’t or shouldn’t. This conference is a special opportunity to balance the passion with the purpose, to get inspired, informed and networked in the philanthropic community.

Who should attend?

• Trustees and staff of family, private, community, Prescribed Private Fund, and corporate foundations
• Professional advisers who advise clients on their philanthropy
• Families and individuals who want to make a difference through their own philanthropy or to inspire others to give

Join us for this exciting two-day programme that explores the many complex and compelling issues that surround philanthropy, through a series of practical and engaging conference sessions.

To register for the conference please go to the conference page on our website:

http://www.philanthropy.org.au/conference/