Official Programme for the Charitabl. Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney 2025
SXSW Sydney Impact Stage 2025 - Conference Program
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.
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.
3:00 - 4:00 — A Case for Creativity in a World Hooked on Panic
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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.
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. Tara will share her journey, from performing on the world stage to grounding her practice in community-led movement in Broome. She 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. Tara will share her journey, from performing on the world stage to grounding her practice in community-led movement in Broome. She 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.
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 — Workshop
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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 — Turning Fear Into Fuel: The Future of Climate Advocacy
Featuring: Adan 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 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. Expect practical steps 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 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. Expect practical steps on how individuals can find climate empowerment.
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. By mobilizing its people, partners, and customers, Cotton On is taking collective action to the next level - driving innovative, community-led solutions to support youth mental health around the world.
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. By mobilizing its people, partners, and customers, Cotton On is taking collective action to the next level - driving innovative, community-led solutions to support youth mental health around the world.
10:00 - 11:30 — 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.
Hear how banks, multicultural organisations, and frontline services are collaborating in new ways to provide debt relief, asset protection, and culturally sensitive support for women inside and outside the banking system.
Learn how to transform corporate responsibility to corporate courage, to catalyse systemic change.
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.
Hear how banks, multicultural organisations, and frontline services are collaborating in new ways to provide debt relief, asset protection, and culturally sensitive support for women inside and outside the banking system.
Learn how to transform corporate responsibility to corporate courage, to catalyse systemic change.
12:30 - 1:00 — Power, Privilege and Philanthropy
Featuring: Mat Tinkler (Save The Children), Kristy Muir (Paul Ramsay Foundation), Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), James Kozina (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.
Featuring Kristy Muir (Paul Ramsay Foundation), Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), and Mat Tinkler (Save the Children), this conversation dives into how large-scale philanthropy, purpose-led brands, and community-driven development can redistribute power for lasting change.
What does ethical, equity-driven philanthropy look like in practice? How do we move beyond top-down funding models toward approaches where those closest to the challenges lead the solutions? This session explores systemic change, community agency, and the evolving role of philanthropy in enabling a more just and generous world.
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.
Featuring Kristy Muir (Paul Ramsay Foundation), Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), and Mat Tinkler (Save the Children), this conversation dives into how large-scale philanthropy, purpose-led brands, and community-driven development can redistribute power for lasting change.
What does ethical, equity-driven philanthropy look like in practice? How do we move beyond top-down funding models toward approaches where those closest to the challenges lead the solutions? This session explores systemic change, community agency, and the evolving role of philanthropy in enabling a more just and generous world.
1:30 - 2:30 — How To Make A Movement
Featuring: Ronni Kahn (Ozharvest), Matt Pfahlert (ACRE)
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.
3:00 - 4:00 — 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.
4:30 - 5:00 — Workshop
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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 track 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!
Looking for discounted tickets? you can use our discount code to secure your space at SXSW Sydney.
