Changing the face of Australian philanthropy.
 

2022 NEXUS Australia Summit Program

The 6th NEXUS Australia Summit ran from 2 - 4 November at the iconic Carriageworks in Sydney, NSW. 

The Summit was an exclusive gathering of 200 leading next gen philanthropists, impact investors, and social change innovators — coming together to hear from inspiring young leaders and explore solutions to the most pressing issues of our time.

Summit Day 1 - 2nd November

  • Opening dinner | 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM AEDT

Summit Day 2 - 3rd November

  • Summit programming | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM AEDT

  • Cocktail event | 5:45 PM - 7:30 PM AEDT

  • Dinner | 7:30 PM - 9:45 PM AEDT

Summit Day 3 - 4th November

  • Summit programming | 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM AEDT

  • Closing drinks | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM AEDT

 

LIVE MAINSTAGE

Our main-stage events included interviews and provocative talks, with audience Q&A throughout the program. We were also joined by amazing performers, musicians and dancers, and an installation art piece from our venue partner, Carriageworks.

COMMUNITY AND CONNECTION

Delegates networked and built relationships with some of the brightest minds in Australia through an array of opportunities including issue based networking, Q&As with speakers, speed-networking, 1:1 meetings with other delegates, caucuses and the opening night dinner.

BREAKOUT CONVERSATIONS

The program included a series of 60-minute live interviews, panels and workshops with experts on the theme Integrity and Disruption, exploring how these apply to philanthropy, impact investing, social enterprise and the broader work of systemic change.

 

SUMMIT DAY 1 | OPENING
5:30PM — 9:30PM

Evening Only. Arrival for Registration from 5:30 pm

Opening - Bay 17


Welcome to Nexus


Michael West (Welcome to Country)
Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee)
Muggera Dance


Our opening night dinner, hosted at the iconic Carriageworks, begins with a Welcome to Gadigal Country with Michael West. Michael is a proud Aboriginal man of the Gamilaroi Nation and a cultural representative of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council. Then get ready for the world class Muggera Dance Group who will ground our evening by performing a Kunjil [dance] and Yorta Yorta / Wiradjuri woman and communications specialist Jirra Harvey who will set the tone for what is sure to be an inspiring evening.

Dinner plenary - Bay 17


Senator Briggs in conversation with Osher Günsberg


Lucy Steggles (Nexus Australia chair)
Adam "Senator" Briggs (Hip hop artist)
Osher Günsberg (Media host and author)


Our opening night plenary will challenge us to think bigger, to open spaces for new voices, and start the discussion: can we create more impact from disrupting the status quo or building on the strengths we already have? Join NEXUS Chair and next gen philanthropist Lucy Steggles, Yorta Yorta man, celebrated writer, hip hop artist and founder of Bad Apples Music Adam Briggs, and mental health advocate and storyteller Osher Günsberg, who’ll inspire us to accelerate solutions to the world’s greatest social and environmental problems.

Live music - Bay 17


Performance: Nidala Barker


Nidala Barker (Singer, Songwriter, Activist)


What better way to end our evening with a performance by musician and activist Nidala. Driven by her relentless hope in humanity, Nidala’s work dedicates itself to creating reconciliation; of ourselves with our emotions, of our daily lives with our natural environments, and of Indigenous wisdom with innovative ideas. Born of the Aboriginal Djugun [ju-g-oon] people of the Kimberley, her words are an anthem for open hearts and raised fists.

 

DAY TWO | MORNING PLENARY
9:00AM — 10:30AM

Event Registration opens at 8:00 am

Plenary - Bay 17


Welcome to NEXUS - day two


Rachel Gerrol (Founder and CEO, NEXUS Global)
Kirsty Albion (Executive Director, Australian Progress)
Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee)


Our day begins with a plenary talk from NEXUS global founder Rachel Gerrol who is internationally recognised for her work inspiring millennial philanthropy, impact investing, and social entrepreneurship. We don’t have enough space to list her many achievements including being named in Diplomatic Courier's ‘99 Foreign Policy Leaders Under 33’, but this plenary talk is one not to be missed!

Plenary - Bay 17


FIRST NATIONS JUSTICE


Larissa Baldwin (CEO, GetUp)


We love a lightning talk and who better to set the room ablaze than the indomitable Larissa Baldwin. We are in a once in a lifetime moment for First Nations justice and solidarity in Australia. Proud Widjabul Wia-bul woman from the Bundjalung Nations and GetUp CEO, Larissa will help us to understand truth, treaty and justice, and the role of allies to back in First Nations voices and asks in this moment.

Plenary - Bay 17


Capitalism: Disruption, integrity or both?


Katerina Kimmorley (Head of Commercial and Investments, Boundless)
Rona Glynn-McDonald (CEO, Common Ground)
Cat Fay (Managing Partner, Community, Social and ESG Investment - Perpetual Private)
Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee)


Capitalism - should we tear it down and start again, or can it be used as a force for good to create a better world? In this provocative panel conversation, we’ll explore the benefits and pitfalls of capitalism, open our minds to innovative solutions to some of the world's biggest challenges, and come away with new ideas for how disruptive and integrity-first approaches can be used hand in hand to reimagine the future.

 

DAY TWO | NETWORKING
10:30AM — 11:00AM

Networking - Track 12


FIRST nations yarning circle


Amelia Telford (First Nations Justice Director, Australian Progress)


A closed yarning space for First Nations participants to connect, build relationships, learn about each others' work, share stories and experiences, as well as raise feedback about the program. Millie and Alicia will help facilitate, but the content will be curated and informed by the group.

 
 

DAY TWO | MORNING TEA
11:00AM — 11:30AM

Networking - Bay 17


LGBTIQA+ CAUCUS


Georgia Mathews (Director of Philanthropic Services, Australian Communities Foundation)
Jacob White (Development and Partnerships Manager, Equality Australia)


A closed caucus space for LGBTIQA+ participants to connect, build relationships, learn about each others' work, share stories and experiences, as well as raise feedback about the program. Georgia and a team member from Equality Australia will help facilitate, but the content will be curated and informed by the group.

 

DAY TWO | BREAKOUT 1
11:30AM — 12:30PM

Breakout - Bay 17


First Nations leadership


Mundanara Bayles (Managing Director, BlackCard)


Based on the teachings of Dr Mary Graham and Dr Lilla Watson, Mundanara Bayles presents Aboriginal Terms of Reference in practice, an interactive workshop that unpacks Aboriginal Culture and Worldview. We’ll discuss the importance of knowing your own story and of growing your cultural capability to work with First Nations people and each other more respectfully.

Breakout - Track 8


Understanding advocacy as a lever to shift government policy and public discourse


Georgia Mathews (Director of Philanthropic Services, Australian Communities Foundation)
Anna Brown (CEO, Equality Australia)
Apryl Day (Executive Officer, Dhadjowa Foundation)
Saffron Zomer (Executive Director, Australian Democracy Network)


So you’ve found your issue - you’re passionate about climate change, or gender equity or maybe the rights of young people. So where do you go from here? This breakout session will help you understand the role of advocacy as a lever to shift government policy and public discourse to create the change you want to see in the world. In an advocacy 101 overview we’ll cover how to engage decision makers and tell the story of advocacy through case studies that showcase different tactics and strategies.

Breakout - Track 12


(FUNDER ONLY) Family foundations: disruption, integrity and the next generation


Ling Ang (Artist and next gen philanthropist)
Michelle Lin (CEO, Vermilion Foundation)
Charlotte Siddle (CEO, Siddle Family Office)
Rachel Gerrol (Founder and CEO, NEXUS Global)


A funder-only space for an honest conversation about different approaches to philanthropy within the family -- following along the conference theme of 'disruption and integrity'. Speakers will share insights from their own experience either working within the family foundation, or going against the status quo to invest in innovative new ideas and approaches to creating systems change. Expect to walk away with practice advice to guide your own journey into philanthropy, including how to shift family thinking and dynamics to create philanthropic giving that aligns with your vision for the future.

 

DAY TWO | LUNCH
12:30PM — 1:30PM

 

DAY TWO | BREAKOUT 2
1:30PM — 2:30PM

Breakout - Bay 17


The profound power of story


Malinda Wink (Global Director, Good Pitch)
Sebastian Robertson (Chair and founder, Batyr)
Maya Newell (Film maker, Gayby Baby, In My Blood It Runs, The Dreamlife of Georgie Stone)
Nooky (Yuin rapper and founder, We Are Warriors)


There is more and more research emerging which shows us how stories shape our brains, ties strangers together, and moves us to be more empathic and generous. Even the simplest narrative can elicit a powerful empathic response by triggering the release of neurochemicals like cortisol and oxytocin. During this session we will consider how story sharing can be a dramatic tool for creating change, learn more about First Nations storytelling, and hear how story can be used to drive change and on the social and environmental issues we care about. Be inspired to build investment on storytelling into your giving strategy.

Breakout - Track 8


An economy that works for everyone


Harriet McCallum (Executive Officer, Mannifera)
Leanne Ho (CEO, Economic Justice Australia)
Sonia Arakkal (Co-founder, Think Forward)
Sorrell Ashby (Founder and Managing Director, Guumali)


In this breakout session we’ll discuss how capital can be used strategically to reimagine economic systems with equity at their core. Learn ideas to tackle intergenerational inequality, the role of tax and social security, and how we can collectively build an economy that works for the many, rather than the few.

Breakout - Track 12


Crypto, Blockchain and NFTs: how Web3 is transforming philanthropy and impact investment


Lisa Wade (CEO, DigitalX)
Sam Joel (Founder, GiveTree)
Grace Mathews (Managing Director, We Think)


Is it us or is every five minutes someone trying to talk to you about blockchain, crypto or NFTs? This enlightening and practical session will illuminate the most cutting edge solutions to age old problems. We’ll be discussing how to use blockchain to unlock collaboration, how it can help transparency and accountability issues with philanthropy and impact investing and how to build Web3 capabilities in purpose-driven organisations.

 

DAY TWO | BREAKOUT 3
2:45PM — 3:45PM

Breakout - Bay 17


Investing in First Nations-led Philanthropy


Amelia Telford (First Nations Justice Director, Australian Progress)
Rona Glynn-McDonald (CEO, Common Ground)
Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee and founder, Kalinya)


Leadership of First Nations people is critical in our collective fight for justice and finding solutions to the social, economic and environmental challenges that our world is facing right now. This includes transforming the relationship between funders and First Nations people, in ways that centres Indigenous ways of knowing, being and doing. Hear stories and examples of how and where this is already being done and how you can support.

Breakout - Track 8


Shifting power to increase your impact


Betty Barkha (Co-chair, International Women's Development Agency)
Kerry Gardner AM (Co-chair, International Women's Development Agency)
Rathana Chea (Founding CEO, Multicultural Leadership Initiative)
Lille Madden (First Nations Director, Groundswell Giving)


In this in-depth discussion, Betty Barkha, Kerry Gardner AM, Rathana Chea and Lille Madden will discuss multicultural leadership, shifting power and organisational change management. Come away with practical insights and approaches to incorporate power sharing in your work to involve and reflect more diverse voices and interests.

Breakout - Track 12


Tackling the mental health crisis in the age of social media


Emily Fuller (Social Impact Manager, Future Generation)
Josh Wiseman (Head of Data and Insights, Batyr)
Lucy Thomas OAM (Co-founder and Co-CEO, Project Rockit)
Lucy Steggles (Nexus Australia Chair)


Learn from social entrepreneurs, corporate changemakers and philanthropists tackling the mental health crisis through positive digital and social media applications and action.

 

DAY TWO | AFTERNOON TEA
3:45PM — 4:15PM

 

DAY TWO | AFTERNOON PLENARY
4:15PM — 5:30PM

Plenary - Bay 17


Lightning talk: Future Generation


Caroline Gurney (CEO, Future Generation)


Be inspired by innovative corporate giving, shaking up traditional models of philanthropy. Caroline Gurney, CEO of Future Generation, will showcase the Future Generation model as an example of disruptive models of corporate giving, and philanthropy in the financial services sector. The Future Generation companies, Future Generation Australia (ASX: FGX) and Future Generation Global (ASX: FGG), are Australia’s first listed investment companies to provide investment and social returns. By 2030, Future Generation aims to have invested over $100 million, and they are on track, having invested $65.2 million since inception. Their carefully selected social impact partners ensure they optimise the impact of their social investment in the best possible way.

Plenary - Bay 17


Cultural Capital: Leveraging Your Influence for Impact


David Pocock (Senator for ACT)
Emma Pocock (Founder and CEO, FrontRunners)
Jirra Harvey (Nexus Emcee)
Edwina Floch (Founder, Environmental Music Prize)
L-FRESH the Lion (Hip hop artist)


Cultural capital is often hard to measure, but its impact can be significant. In our fast paced, content rich environments - whose voices are listened to most and what can those in the spotlight do to leverage their influence for good? Our panel of influential sports stars and musicians will take us through the triumphs and pitfalls of standing up for what you believe in and the role of cultural capacity in influencing political decision makers and communities.

Live music - Bay 17


Performance: L-FRESH the Lion


L-Fresh the Lion (Artist)


We could not be more excited to have L-FRESH The LION playing for us to close the first full day of NEXUS summit 2022. Born and raised in south west Sydney, L-FRESH The LION is one of Australia's most important hip hop artists. From live music venues, stadiums and arenas, to the United Nations Headquarters in New York, his music is a powerful statement which speaks of purpose.

 

DAY TWO | COCKTAIL EVENT
5:45PM — 7:30PM

Social gathering - Public space foyer


Cocktail event


Co-hosted by Carriageworks


Join us for an exclusive cocktail event, co-hosted with Carriageworks, to explore the theme of Integrity and Disruptions from an arts perspective. Hear from the leaders of Carriageworks and its resident companies - organisations who support artists and the cultural industry, and commission and present transformative contemporary work to diverse audiences. The cocktail event will feature a short artist talk, and drinks and light snacks will be provided.

 

DAY TWO | DINNERS
8:00PM — 9:45PM

Side Event - Various locations


Issue-Based Dinners


Climate (Vandal Taqueria, 403 King Street Newtown)
First Nations Justice (Bella Brutta, 135 King Street Newtown)
Economic Fairness (Bloodwood Restaurant, 416 King Street Newtown)
LGBTIQA+ (Continental Deli Bistro Bar, 210 Australia Street Newtown)
Non-issue specific (The Rose of Australia, 1 Swanston Street Erskineville)


Part of the magic of NEXUS are the unofficial side programs and dinners. These dinners are a chance to further connect with one another, delve deeper together on specific issues and meet new friends who share your passions. Sign up for a dinner at registration (not included in ticket price).

 

DAY THREE | MORNING PLENARY
9:00AM — 10:30AM

Venue open for arrivals from 8:00 AM

Side Event - Track 8


RISE Disco (8:15AM)


Courtney Krulis (Founder, Rise Disco)


Rise Disco is an uplifting movement experience for the mind, body and soul. We’ll incorporate breathwork, dance, motivational movement and meditation to elevate your state and express your joy. In a judgment-free space, you will be guided on an inward journey with silent disco headphones through motivational movement and visualisation techniques. You will walk away feeling more confident, connected and clear minded for the day ahead.

Plenary - Bay 17


Welcome to Day 3


Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee)


Join emcee Jirra Harvey to welcome in day 3, reflect on highlights from the Summit so far and guide us on how we’ll move from ideas to practical action today.

Plenary - Bay 17


StartGiving: growing the pool to match the scale of the challenges we face


Daniel Petre AO (Founder, StartGiving)
Courtney Miller (Executive Director, The Next Generation)
Nick Molnar (Founder, Afterpay)


Afterpay co-founder Nick Molner and tech veteran Dan Petre will be challenging us to meet the significant philanthropic investment needed to tackle today's biggest social and environmental challenges. High-net-worth Australians’ serial underperformance on the philanthropic front has been a worry of Dan Petre’s since he returned from the US in the early 2000’s. Now he’s helping to inspire a culture of philanthropy amongst young start-up founders and wealth holders. In what is sure to be a thought (and action) provoking conversation with Courtney Miller from the Next Gen Foundation we’re setting the bar high for the second full day of the summit.

Plenary - Bay 17


Behind the scenes: meet the movement leading climate advocacy


Claire O'Rourke (Author and Energy Transformation Project Co-director, The Sunrise Project)
Arielle Gamble (Co-founder, Groundswell)
Larissa Baldwin (CEO, GetUp)
Simon Holmes à Court (Founder, Climate200)
Varsha Yajman (Organiser, School Strike for Climate)
Brynn O'Brien (Executive Director, Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility)


2022 was the climate election - but this didn’t happen by chance, it happened as the result of decades of behind the scenes advocacy, community organising and decision maker engagement. In this session we’ll take you under the hood of the climate movement - you’ll develop an understanding of climate advocacy and different roles within the movement, and gain an understanding of the logic behind supporting the ‘ecosystem’ of advocacy in order to win enormous societal shifts. Political opportunity, socitial appetite and the urgent need all make this moment a critical one to scale up climate advocacy, so join us to find out how you can get involved.

 

DAY THREE | MORNING BREAK
10:30AM — 11:00AM

 

DAY THREE | BREAKOUT 1
11:00AM — 12:00PM

Breakout - Bay 17


Business for good


Christina Chun (COO, Social Enterprise Australia)
Stuart Cook (Founder, Twiyo Capital)
Nicole Engelman (Head of Philanthropy, Cooper Investors and the MaiTri Foundation)
Marcus Watson (BackTrack Youthworks)


In this enlightening session you’ll learn from successful social entrepreneurs using business for good. From shifting the narrative on First Nations issues within business frameworks, to providing OzHarvest with an exciting new income stream, our speakers have all set up successful social enterprises that use integrity of business as tools for good. Come away with practical lessons and a thirst for innovation.

Breakout - Track 8


Redefining philanthropy


Apryl Day (Executive Officer, Djadhowa Foundation)
Dhakshayini Sooriyakumaran (Activist and entrepreneur)
Georgia Mathews (Director of Philanthropic Services, Australian Communities Foundation)
Amelia Telford (First Nations Justice Director, Australian Progress)


How can we transform philanthropy in a way that transforms society? Getting to the root cause is critical to making a difference and having impact, but we need to make sure that we’re walking the talk and holding ourselves accountable to this in our work, our lives and in philanthropy. In this session we’ll hear stories and examples of how those lived experiences, particularly First Nations people and communities of colour, are already leading the solutions and calling on you to get behind them.

Breakout - Track 12


Launch: Climate Compass results

Claire O'Rourke (Energy Transformation Program Director, The Sunrise Project)
Rebecca Huntley (Director of Research, 89 Degrees East)


TBC

 

DAY THREE | MIDDAY PLENARY
12:00PM — 1:15PM

Plenary - Bay 17


Funding the future: keynote


Monica Cordova (Executive Director, Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing - FYCO)


Founded in 2000, the Funders’ Collaborative on Youth Organizing (FCYO) is a dynamic collective of social justice funders and youth organising practitioners dedicated to advancing youth organising as a strategy for youth development and social change. They bring funders and youth organisers together to ensure that young people have the resources, capacities and infrastructure they need to fight for a more just and democratic society. We are so honoured to have the Executive Director of FCYO, Monica Cordova, here in Sydney for a keynote address - expect to be inspired and motivated by Monica's passion and commitment to transformative social change.

Plenary - Bay 17


Philanthropy's role in amplifying lived expertise


Jirra Harvey (Nexus emcee)
Victoria Yim (Grantmaking Partnerships Program Manager, Zoom Cares)
Viv Benjamin (Founder, Global & Collective )
Amelia Telford (First Nations Justice Director, Australian Progress)


Over the last few years Zoom has taken over the world from school kids to grandparents using the platform to connect and learn and work. With Zoom Cares they have focused their philanthropy on grassroots organisations who amplify the lived experience of communities. In this session you’ll learn about the revolutionary Zoom giving model, whereby community expertise is centred and informs where the money flows.

 

DAY THREE | LUNCH
1:15PM — 2:30PM

 

DAY THREE | LUNCH NETWORKING
1:45PM — 2:30PM

Lunch Event - Bay 17


Accelerate Your Passions


Jirra Harvey (Facilitated Table Conversations)


We know the best connections often happen over food. You’ll have the chance to connect with other summit participants, discuss your ideas and discover shared passions during these facilitated table conversations.

 

DAY THREE | BREAKOUT 2
2:30PM — 3:30PM

Breakout - Bay 17


How to build your impact investing strategy


Neeraj Aggarwal (Associate Director, Australian Impact Investments)
Grace Mathew (Managing Director, We Think)
Hanna Ebeling (CEO, Sefa)


Join Associate Director at Australian Impact Investments, Neeraj Aggarwal, and Growth and Impact Strategist Grace Mathew for a workshop to learn the skills and knowledge needed to achieve profitable investments for transformative change. You’ll have the chance to network with other changemakers interested in impact investing, learn how to figure out if an investment is unintentionally doing harm and walk away with practical advice to develop your own impact investing strategy.

Breakout - Track 8


The role of philanthropy in disaster recovery


Naomi Moran (General Manager, Koori Mail)
Sarah Matthee (General Manager Partnerships, Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal)
Peter McArdle (Climate and Environment Leader, Humanitarian Advisory Group)


Over the last few years we have seen the impacts of devastating bushfires and floods on communities in Australia, and many of us have asked, what is the role of philanthropy in responding to, and supporting mitigation of, these crises. In this session you’ll hear an engaging panel discussion with diverse perspectives on the role of philanthropy in disaster recovery and investment in community building. We’ll cover funding advocacy and systems change, examples of supporting community power and capacity, and reactive vs proactive approaches to funding disasters.

Breakout - Track 12


(FUNDER ONLY) Managing challenging family conversations


Ali Green (CEO and Co-founder, Pantera Press)
Marty Green (Director, Pantera Press)
Bec Milgrom (CEO, Tripple)
Rachel English (Senior Foundation Manager, Mutual Trust)


In this session Rachel English will lead us through how to navigate difficult conversations about the direction of family philanthropy. You’ll have a chance to discuss and learn from peers who have a wide range of experience as next gen wealth holders.

 

DAY THREE | AFTERNOON TEA
3:30PM — 4:00PM

 

DAY THREE | CLOSING PLENARY
4:00PM — 5:30PM

Plenary - Bay 17


Transformative change from the NEXUS community and beyond: speaker relay


Vanessa Farrelly (Arrernte Language Project Officer, Partame Master-Apprentice Project)
Stuart Cook (Chair, For Purpose Co - OzHarvest Ventures)
JoJo Ferris (Head, Olympic Refugee Foundation)
Laurence Marshbaum OAM (Founder and Chair, 10x10 Philanthropy)
Melanie Tran (User Experience Designer, HireUp)
Bec Milgrom (CEO, Tripple)


These are the changemakers you don’t want to miss! Hear from Vanessa Farrelly, Grace Vegesana, Melanie Tran, JoJo Ferris, Laurence Marshbaum, Bec Milgrom and Stuart Cook, who’ll share insights from their thought-leading work to shift systems for a fairer future and transform ambitious plans from an idea to reality.

Performance - Bay 17


Musical PEFORMANCE


Little Green (Musician, Songwriter, Artist)


As we say goodbye after a mind-expanding few days Little Green, otherwise known as Amy Nelson will delight our ears with her unique blend of acoustic jazz, indie, folk and pop. Incorporating acoustic guitar loops, vocals, sax and flute into her live show, she has been likened to artists such as Joni Mitchell, Jethro Tull, Tash Sultana, and the guy from Anchor Man.

 

DAY THREE | CLOSING DRINKS
6:00PM — 8:00PM

Side Event


Closing Drinks


The Rose of Australia, Erskineville (1 Swanston Street, Erskineville)


A chance to debrief, share your lessons or maybe just relax and have a few drinks with new friends.

 

SUMMIT SPEAKERS