philanthropyOz Blog

Community Foundations Forum - an outstanding event

‘Community Foundations 2020′ was the theme of the 2008 Community Foundations Forum which was held in Canberra last week, and the buzz it created is still being heard.

In the largest Forum yet, 73 people gathered in the Senate room at Parliament House for the opening address by Senator Ursula Stephens - Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and the Voluntary Sector. This was a fantastic opportunity for Members of Parliament to drop by to hear about the Community Foundation movement and meet some of the movers and shakers face to face.

One of the highlights was hearing David Bussau AM tell the story of how, following an earthquake in Bali, he pioneered a microcredit loans scheme in the third world, which has grown into Opportunity International.

As always, meeting colleagues in person and networking on shared issues was invaluable, and a key outcome of the event. Standby for the next opportunity at the Philanthropy: Passion & Purpose in Sydney in 3 weeks time!