Official Programme for the Charitabl. Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney 2025
SXSW Sydney Impact Stage 2025 - Conference Program
Join us for the inaugural Impact Launch Party, Charitabl. in partnership with Social Enterprise Australia and Microsoft.
Where generosity meets innovation.
Welcome to The Impact Stage presented by Charitabl.—a curated space for conversations that matter, ideas that move us forward, and a vision for a more generous future.
Over three days, you’ll hear from some of Australia’s most compelling leaders, creatives, and change-makers as they explore the intersection of philanthropy, business, tech, art, and human flourishing.
Tuesday 14th October
5:00 - 8:00 — The Impact Launch Party @ The Bristol Hotel Rooftop (Free Ticketed Event)
Featuring: Charitabl., Social Enterprise Australia, Microsoft
Be part of history as we launch The Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney. Hosted by Charitabl. with Social Enterprise Australia and Microsoft, this free rooftop event brings together leaders from the social, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors for an unforgettable night of celebration and connection. Tickets are free but spaces are limited. Get yours early to secure your spot.
Be part of history as we launch The Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney. Hosted by Charitabl. with Social Enterprise Australia and Microsoft, this free rooftop event brings together leaders from the social, not-for-profit, and corporate sectors for an unforgettable night of celebration and connection. Tickets are free but spaces are limited. Get yours early to secure your spot.
Wednesday 15th October
10:00 - 11:00 — The Future is Generous
Featuring: Robyn King (CANVA), Ben Sze (Teacher's Buddy), Mike Gore (Charitabl.), Antonia Ruffell (Start Giving)
Philanthropy is no longer the domain of the few - it’s being reimagined by personal givers and global tech companies alike. In this dynamic conversation, join philanthropy advocate and tech founder Ben Sze, Canva’s Head of Social Impact Robyn King, and Founder + CEO of Charitabl. Mike Gore as they will explore how deeply personal acts of generosity, corporate responsibility at scale, and the catalytic power of technology can enable world-shifting impact. From rethinking the role of tech in social change to ensuring that wealth is employed for good, this panel will challenge old models and offer a bold vision for the future of giving. Hosted by Antonia Ruffell from StartGiving this is going to be a powerful conversation.
Philanthropy is no longer the domain of the few - it’s being reimagined by personal givers and global tech companies alike. In this dynamic conversation, join philanthropy advocate and tech founder Ben Sze, Canva’s Head of Social Impact Robyn King, and Founder + CEO of Charitabl. Mike Gore as they will explore how deeply personal acts of generosity, corporate responsibility at scale, and the catalytic power of technology can enable world-shifting impact. From rethinking the role of tech in social change to ensuring that wealth is employed for good, this panel will challenge old models and offer a bold vision for the future of giving. Hosted by Antonia Ruffell from StartGiving this is going to be a powerful conversation.
12:30 - 1:30 — Crisis Catalysts - The role of philanthropy and other unusual suspects in times of humanitarian need
Featuring: Dr Alaeldin El Malik (Sudanese Australasian Medical Professionals Association), Simon Eccleshall (Médecins Sans Frontières Australia), Julie Rosenberg (Australian International Development Network), Catherine Green (Minderoo Foundation)
With seismic shifts in traditional humanitarian funding, what are the new and emerging approaches to meeting humanitarian need and reaching people impacted by crisis around the world. Join the organisations making a real difference (Médecins Sans Frontières, Australian International Development Network and the Sudanese Australasian Medical Professionals Association) in their discussion of how we are meeting the growing need of a world in crisis.
With seismic shifts in traditional humanitarian funding, what are the new and emerging approaches to meeting humanitarian need and reaching people impacted by crisis around the world. Join the organisations making a real difference (Médecins Sans Frontières, Australian International Development Network and the Sudanese Australasian Medical Professionals Association) in their discussion of how we are meeting the growing need of a world in crisis.
2:00 - 2:30 — Turning AI Potential into Human Impact
Featuring: Shriman Kalyan (Nimbly), Mike Gore (Charitabl.)
The world is entering an AI inflection point, rapidly advancing yet still out of reach for many who could use it to create lasting impact. The next wave won’t just be about smarter algorithms, but about making the technology accessible, adaptable, and purpose-built for those driving change. Join us as we share how organisations can unlock practical AI opportunities, shaping the future of doing good, faster.
The world is entering an AI inflection point, rapidly advancing yet still out of reach for many who could use it to create lasting impact. The next wave won’t just be about smarter algorithms, but about making the technology accessible, adaptable, and purpose-built for those driving change. Join us as we share how organisations can unlock practical AI opportunities, shaping the future of doing good, faster.
2:30 - 3:30 — The Art of the Possible - Reimagining Education Through AI, Culture & Care (THE NEXT STAGE)
Featuring: Dr Anna Denejkina (The Insight Centre), Leigh Williams (Brisbane Catholic Education), Peta Toohey (Indigital), Dan Bowen (Microsoft Elevate)
This panel will explore the evolving role of AI in education—not as a standalone solution, but as a tool that must be shaped by human values, cultural wisdom, and the lived experiences of educators and learners. Together, we’ll unpack how AI can support inclusion, equity, and operational excellence, while also honouring the past and embracing the future.
This panel will explore the evolving role of AI in education—not as a standalone solution, but as a tool that must be shaped by human values, cultural wisdom, and the lived experiences of educators and learners. Together, we’ll unpack how AI can support inclusion, equity, and operational excellence, while also honouring the past and embracing the future.
3:00 - 4:00 — A Case for Creativity in a World Hooked on Panic
Featuring: Campbell Walker (Struthless), Michael Sun (The Guardian)
This one’s for the creatives, the burnt-out optimists, the quietly overwhelmed, and anyone trying to make meaning in a world on fire. Artist, author and YouTube phenomenon Campbell Walker (Struthless) takes us on a sharp, funny, and deeply real journey through the chaos. Drawing from his best seller book Doom & Bloom and his own experience with moving through the darkness of the world and reaching punk optimism. Through raw honesty and a hell of a lot of humour, Campbell shows how creativity isn’t just art, it’s survival. It strips away complexity, reframes thinking, and becomes a radical act of generosity.
This one’s for the creatives, the burnt-out optimists, the quietly overwhelmed, and anyone trying to make meaning in a world on fire. Artist, author and YouTube phenomenon Campbell Walker (Struthless) takes us on a sharp, funny, and deeply real journey through the chaos. Drawing from his best seller book Doom & Bloom and his own experience with moving through the darkness of the world and reaching punk optimism. Through raw honesty and a hell of a lot of humour, Campbell shows how creativity isn’t just art, it’s survival. It strips away complexity, reframes thinking, and becomes a radical act of generosity.
4:30 - 5:00 — 65,000 Years of Generosity
Featuring: John Harding (Barmal Bijiril), Kristen Stevenson (Minderoo Foundation)
Description: Only 1.5% of philanthropic giving was directed to First Nations communities in 2023. This session explores what meaningful giving looks like when led by community — and how philanthropy can move from good intentions to genuine partnership. Expect a candid, grounded, and hopeful conversation with lived experience and practical steps to give with impact, integrity, and respect.
Description: Only 1.5% of philanthropic giving was directed to First Nations communities in 2023. This session explores what meaningful giving looks like when led by community — and how philanthropy can move from good intentions to genuine partnership. Expect a candid, grounded, and hopeful conversation with lived experience and practical steps to give with impact, integrity, and respect.
4:30 - 5:30 — From Bystander to Action - Tools for Responding to Global Crisis (Room: ICC Convention Centre Cockle Bay 1)
Featuring: James Kozina (Charitabl.), Mat Tinkler (Save the Children), Helen Durham (RedR), Yaara Bou Melhem (Illuminate Films)
Description: When human rights are under threat, how do you move from witnessing to meaningful intervention? This session cuts through moral paralysis with concrete frameworks for effective crisis response. A humanitarian CEO, human rights lawyer, and frontline journalist turned film maker deliver practical tools to assess your sphere of influence, distinguish real impact from performative gestures, leverage technology for humanitarian outcomes, and build organisational capacity for rapid ethical response. Through real case studies, you'll gain decision-making frameworks for when neutrality becomes complicity. Essential for leaders, innovators, and professionals ready to turn moral clarity into measurable action.
Description: When human rights are under threat, how do you move from witnessing to meaningful intervention? This session cuts through moral paralysis with concrete frameworks for effective crisis response. A humanitarian CEO, human rights lawyer, and frontline journalist turned film maker deliver practical tools to assess your sphere of influence, distinguish real impact from performative gestures, leverage technology for humanitarian outcomes, and build organisational capacity for rapid ethical response. Through real case studies, you'll gain decision-making frameworks for when neutrality becomes complicity. Essential for leaders, innovators, and professionals ready to turn moral clarity into measurable action.
We’re proud to partner with some truly brilliant people to bring the first ever Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney to life.
Thursday 16th October
8:00 - 9:30 — Microsoft Breakfast - AI For Good - From Vision to Impact
Featuring: Anita Sood (Microsoft), Andrew Rowley (Ability First Australia), Caitlin Studdert (Gadali), John Galligan (Microsoft)
This session will spotlight how human-centred innovation and nonprofit leadership are driving real-world change through AI. Featuring the journey of Ability First Australia and Gadali, the panel will explore sector challenges, co-designed solutions, and the emerging human impact.
This session will spotlight how human-centred innovation and nonprofit leadership are driving real-world change through AI. Featuring the journey of Ability First Australia and Gadali, the panel will explore sector challenges, co-designed solutions, and the emerging human impact.
10:30 - 11:30 — Dance Workshop with Award Winning Dancer Tara Gower
Featuring: Tara Gower (Dancer)
For a session unlike any other at SXSW Sydney, join Artist Fund recipient and former Bangarra dancer Tara Gower for a dance workshop. This is a chance to experience the energy of Tara’s work firsthand.
Please wear comfortable clothing, socks, and bring water.
Join Tara as she shares her journey, from performing on the world stage to grounding her practice in community-led movement in Broome. Tara will speak to the power of dance as cultural connection and empowerment, before leading participants through a physical session designed to help you loosen, ground, and release.
For a session unlike any other at SXSW Sydney, join Artist Fund recipient and former Bangarra dancer Tara Gower for a dance workshop. This is a chance to experience the energy of Tara’s work firsthand.
Please wear comfortable clothing, socks, and bring water.
Join Tara as she shares her journey, from performing on the world stage to grounding her practice in community-led movement in Broome. Tara will speak to the power of dance as cultural connection and empowerment, before leading participants through a physical session designed to help you loosen, ground, and release.
11:30 - 12:30 — Shark Tank for Good - 10x10 Takes The Next Stage (THE NEXT STAGE)
Featuring: Carla Raynes (Bridge It), Joe Kwon (Confit Pathways) Edward Morgan & Aiden Porter (Bandu)
In this shark-tank-style session, three of Australia’s most innovative NFPs will pitch for funding and support as they tackle some of our most urgent challenges - from youth recidivism, to closing the gap for Indigenous Australians, to ending homelessness. Hear directly from the founders as they share how they’re reimagining systems and driving real change. Not only will you leave inspired - you'll have played an active role in shaping where the money goes. Walk in the door and receive $40 to give away - seriously. Thanks to the Minderoo Foundation, the first 100 audience members will each receive a $40 voting token to allocate to the social cause that moves them most.
In this shark-tank-style session, three of Australia’s most innovative NFPs will pitch for funding and support as they tackle some of our most urgent challenges - from youth recidivism, to closing the gap for Indigenous Australians, to ending homelessness. Hear directly from the founders as they share how they’re reimagining systems and driving real change. Not only will you leave inspired - you'll have played an active role in shaping where the money goes. Walk in the door and receive $40 to give away - seriously. Thanks to the Minderoo Foundation, the first 100 audience members will each receive a $40 voting token to allocate to the social cause that moves them most.
12:30 - 1:30 — The Founder, The Futurist + The Funder
Featuring: Brigid Grice (VENN), Annabelle Chauncy (School For Life), Kelly McJannett (Food Ladder), Belinda Hutchinson (Philanthropist)
This session brings together three powerhouse women who've each taken radically different paths to making impact — and proves that philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all game.
This session brings together three powerhouse women who've each taken radically different paths to making impact — and proves that philanthropy is not a one-size-fits-all game.
2:00 - 2:30 — Turning Fear Into Fuel: The Future of Climate Advocacy
Featuring: Adam Verwey (SIX), Heidi Lee (Beyond Zero Emissions)
As the climate clock ticks, good intentions aren’t enough, we need bold, effective action. This session flips the script from fear to hope-fuelled impact, showcasing powerful case studies of climate advocacy that’s delivered real results. This is a call to action for a new generation of givers and changemakers ready to lead in a new era of climate accountability. This session is for the climate hopefuls, with practical actions on how individuals can find climate empowerment.
As the climate clock ticks, good intentions aren’t enough, we need bold, effective action. This session flips the script from fear to hope-fuelled impact, showcasing powerful case studies of climate advocacy that’s delivered real results. This is a call to action for a new generation of givers and changemakers ready to lead in a new era of climate accountability. This session is for the climate hopefuls, with practical actions on how individuals can find climate empowerment.
3:00 - 4:00 — A Pandemic Of Loneliness
Featuring: Milly Bannister (AllKnd), Ben Vasiliou (The Man Cave), Dr Anastasia Hronis (But Are You Happy Podcast), Ashani Dante (But Are You Happy Podcast), Mike Gore (Charitabl.)
Loneliness is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. In this TED-style session, four powerful voices explore the deeper roots of disconnection — from modern masculinity to Gen Z identity, the courage to be seen, and the surprising science of generosity. Hosted by Mike Gore, this session offers new ways to understand loneliness and what it really takes to overcome it.
Loneliness is one of the most pressing challenges of our time. In this TED-style session, four powerful voices explore the deeper roots of disconnection — from modern masculinity to Gen Z identity, the courage to be seen, and the surprising science of generosity. Hosted by Mike Gore, this session offers new ways to understand loneliness and what it really takes to overcome it.
4:30 - 5:00 — Rapid Prototyping Your Fundraising Strategy: 1:1 Mini Masterclass
Featuring: Ryan Ginard (Minderoo Foundation)
Got a fundraising idea, challenge, or campaign? Put it to the test in this fast-paced, hands-on mini masterclass. In a 1:1 rapid prototyping format, you’ll work with a fundraising strategist to stress-test your concept, map out a lean plan, and leave with next steps you can action immediately. Whether you’re validating a new idea or sharpening an existing one, this session is practical, focused, and built to help you level up. Spots are limited.
Got a fundraising idea, challenge, or campaign? Put it to the test in this fast-paced, hands-on mini masterclass. In a 1:1 rapid prototyping format, you’ll work with a fundraising strategist to stress-test your concept, map out a lean plan, and leave with next steps you can action immediately. Whether you’re validating a new idea or sharpening an existing one, this session is practical, focused, and built to help you level up. Spots are limited.
Here are just three of the sessions you can catch at The Impact Stage @ SXSW Sydney 2025
Friday 17th October
8:00 - 9:30 — Cotton On Foundation Breakfast: The Power of Purpose in tackling the Youth Mental Health Crisis
Featuring: Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), Gemma Considine (Cotton On Foundation) & Special Guests
The global youth mental health crisis is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Its scale and complexity demand collective action - no single funder, organization, or initiative can solve it alone. This session highlights how global fashion brand Cotton On brings its purpose to life through the Cotton On Foundation, demonstrating how business can be a powerful force for good.
The global youth mental health crisis is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. Its scale and complexity demand collective action - no single funder, organization, or initiative can solve it alone. This session highlights how global fashion brand Cotton On brings its purpose to life through the Cotton On Foundation, demonstrating how business can be a powerful force for good.
10:00 - 11:00 — Corporate Courage: How the private sector can make a difference
Featuring: Angela MacMillan (Commonwealth Bank), Moo Baulch (Our Watch), Tarang Chawla (Not One More Niki), Kristine Kaukomaa (Minderoo Foundation)
How can organisations find the courage to make a real difference? This session is for leaders and changemakers ready to harness the power of their institutions for lasting social impact. Through an Australian-leading case study, this panel will explore how corporates can take bold action against gender-based violence, focusing on the often-hidden issue of financial abuse, which affects 1 in 6 Australian women.
How can organisations find the courage to make a real difference? This session is for leaders and changemakers ready to harness the power of their institutions for lasting social impact. Through an Australian-leading case study, this panel will explore how corporates can take bold action against gender-based violence, focusing on the often-hidden issue of financial abuse, which affects 1 in 6 Australian women.
12:30 - 1:00 — Power, Privilege and Philanthropy
Featuring: Trudi Mitchell (Australia for UNHCR), Kristy Muir (Paul Ramsay Foundation), Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), Mike Gore (Charitabl.)
This session unpacks the intersection of wealth, privilege, and philanthropy - challenging traditional models of giving and asking whether philanthropy is truly about impact or reinforcing existing power structures.
This session unpacks the intersection of wealth, privilege, and philanthropy - challenging traditional models of giving and asking whether philanthropy is truly about impact or reinforcing existing power structures.
12:30 - 1:30 — eDNA Activation - Listening To The Ocean (Darling Harbour)
Featuring: Michael Bunce (Minderoo Foundation), Jospeh Di Battista (Griffith University)
What’s really swimming beneath the surface of Darling Harbour? Join scientists Dr Michael Bunce and Dr Joseph DiBattista for a hands-on deep dive into Sydney’s marine ecosystem. Using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, they’ll test the water of Darling Harbour live, reveal the surprising species that call the harbour home, and unpack what these hidden traces tell us about ocean health. You’ll also get to see real fish samples and hear the stories they carry. This is not just science, it’s storytelling from the ocean. Discover how new technology is reshaping how we care for our ecosystems, and how you can play a role. Located on Level 2 of the ICC Southeast Foyer (right across from the registration and gallery)
What’s really swimming beneath the surface of Darling Harbour? Join scientists Dr Michael Bunce and Dr Joseph DiBattista for a hands-on deep dive into Sydney’s marine ecosystem. Using cutting-edge environmental DNA (eDNA) technology, they’ll test the water of Darling Harbour live, reveal the surprising species that call the harbour home, and unpack what these hidden traces tell us about ocean health. You’ll also get to see real fish samples and hear the stories they carry. This is not just science, it’s storytelling from the ocean. Discover how new technology is reshaping how we care for our ecosystems, and how you can play a role. Located on Level 2 of the ICC Southeast Foyer (right across from the registration and gallery)
1:30 - 2:30 — Stories That Stick: Shaping Social Norms Through Film
Featuring: Malinda Wink (Minderoo Pictures), Rebecca Huntley (89 Degrees East)
How can you tell a story that sticks in audiences' minds and makes a difference long after the screen goes black? An essential conversation for filmmakers and storytellers who want to use art and culture to enable change. Join Dr Rebecca Huntley (89 Degrees East) and Malinda Wink (Minderoo Pictures) in how strategic storytelling, shaped by research like the ClimateCompass and Gender Norms research and crafted in collaboration with advocates can challenge deeply held norms and inspire behavioural change.
How can you tell a story that sticks in audiences' minds and makes a difference long after the screen goes black? An essential conversation for filmmakers and storytellers who want to use art and culture to enable change. Join Dr Rebecca Huntley (89 Degrees East) and Malinda Wink (Minderoo Pictures) in how strategic storytelling, shaped by research like the ClimateCompass and Gender Norms research and crafted in collaboration with advocates can challenge deeply held norms and inspire behavioural change.
3:00 - 4:00 — How To Make A Movement
Featuring: Ronni Kahn (Ozharvest), Matt Pfahlert (ACRE), Ryan Ginard (Minderoo Foundation)
A society shifting panel of community superstars. Join Ronni Kahn, Ozharvest and Matt Pfahlert, Australian Centre For Rural Leadership, in a step by step guide on how to create a groundswell movement, mobilise community and enable change. The perfect panel for anyone who wants to create and mobilise a community that matters.
A society shifting panel of community superstars. Join Ronni Kahn, Ozharvest and Matt Pfahlert, Australian Centre For Rural Leadership, in a step by step guide on how to create a groundswell movement, mobilise community and enable change. The perfect panel for anyone who wants to create and mobilise a community that matters.
4:30 - 5:00 — Rapid Prototyping Your Fundraising Strategy: 1:1 Mini Masterclass
Featuring: Ryan Ginard (Minderoo Foundation)
Got a fundraising idea, challenge, or campaign? Put it to the test. Apply for one of only four one-on-one sessions with Ryan Ginard, award-winning author of *Future Philanthropy* and seasoned founder, funder, and fundraiser. In this exclusive fundraising lab, you’ll pressure-test your fundraising strategy, sharpen your pitch, and leave with clear next steps to boost your impact. It’s fast, focused, and built to help you level up. Spots are limited.
Got a fundraising idea, challenge, or campaign? Put it to the test. Apply for one of only four one-on-one sessions with Ryan Ginard, award-winning author of *Future Philanthropy* and seasoned founder, funder, and fundraiser. In this exclusive fundraising lab, you’ll pressure-test your fundraising strategy, sharpen your pitch, and leave with clear next steps to boost your impact. It’s fast, focused, and built to help you level up. Spots are limited.
Saturday 18th October
11:30 - 12:30 — Cause Club - Build Creative Kits For Kids (Next Stage)
Featuring: Milly Bannister (AllKnd)
You’re invited to a SXSW Sydney session like no other! Cause Club is taking over the Next Stage to build creative kits for children and young people doing it toughest, so every kid has the tools to imagine and create. Listen up - we need your help to assemble 50+ kits that light up big ideas and confidence (no skills required!) Spots are limited. We can’t wait to see you there!.
You’re invited to a SXSW Sydney session like no other! Cause Club is taking over the Next Stage to build creative kits for children and young people doing it toughest, so every kid has the tools to imagine and create. Listen up - we need your help to assemble 50+ kits that light up big ideas and confidence (no skills required!) Spots are limited. We can’t wait to see you there!.
The launch of the Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney marks the beginning of something bold: a global platform where generosity, social innovation, and purpose-driven leadership take centre stage. Year one will be just the start — small, scrappy, and full of energy — but over the next three years we’re committed to growing this into a flagship stage that inspires audiences, elevates voices, and drives change on a world stage.
We’re deeply thankful to the partners, speakers, and visionaries who are sowing into these small beginnings, knowing that true transformation always starts here. Together, we’ll prove that generosity is not only the most inclusive language on earth — it’s the one that shapes the future.
Hope to see you there!
Listening to the Ocean | Free Event | Friday 17th October | 12:30pm | Level 2, Southeast Foyer ICC Convention Centre (Opposite the gallery and registration halls, overlooking Darling Harbour)
