NSW/ACT Chapter Special Interest Group (SIG): Fundraising, Alumni and Leadership
The first Special Interest Group (SIG) event of the year will bring together our NSW/ACT members working across Leadership, Alumni and Community Engagement and Fundraising.
Hosted at Wenona School, participants will have the opportunity to select one of three Special Interest Groups for targeted professional learning, before coming together to network across the broader advancement community.
This event offers a valuable opportunity to learn from expert partners and practitioners, connect with peers, share best practice and strengthen professional networks across the sector.
Registrations for this event are limited so please register before Wednesday 25 February 2026
Leadership; In Conversation with Linda Douglas
Facilitated by Yvette Graniero & Linda Douglas
Join us for a Leadership SIG conversation with Linda Douglas, Principal of Wenona School and Vice President of the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools. In conversation with Yvette Graniero, Ms Douglas will reflect on her leadership journey and the experiences that have shaped her approach to school leadership.
Drawing on her extensive career across independent girls’ schools in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney, Linda will share insights into leading through growth and change, developing signature programs and balancing strategic vision with a strong culture and sense of community.
This conversation will be particularly relevant for advancement professionals seeking to strengthen their strategic influence, leadership, confidence and partnership with principals and executive teams.
Whether you are responsible for development, alumni engagement, or leading teams and initiatives, these SIGs offers valuable professional learning and the opportunity to connect with peers who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of education advancement!
Alumni & Community Relations
Facilitated by Hannah Atwell
This interactive Alumni & Community SIG event will bring together practitioners to share ideas, challenges and practical approaches to building meaningful alumni and community engagement programs. Through short provocations, small-group discussions and whole-group conversation, participants will explore key topics including engaging young alumni, connecting alumni engagement with annual giving, and the role of mentoring, careers and professional development programs in strengthening alumni relationships.
Designed to be collaborative and peer-led, the session will focus on real-world experience, honest discussion and take-away ideas that attendees can apply within their own institutions.
Fundraising; Strategic Fundraising in a Comptetive Landscape
Facilitated by Global Philanthropic
The Strategic Fundraising in a Competitive Landscape SIG event explores how organisations can sharpen and clearly articulate their value proposition, differentiate themselves in increasingly crowded funding markets, and build resilient, long-term donor retention strategies. The session will examine the evolving philanthropic landscape and the challenges and opportunities it presents for schools and organisations seeking sustainable impact.
This collaborative and interactive session features a peer-led Q&A discussion, designed to encourage open dialogue and shared learning. The event will include insights from sector peers and NSW/ACT Chapter Professional Development Sponsor Global Philanthropic, who will share best practices on aligning philanthropic mission with funder priorities, leveraging data and compelling storytelling to demonstrate impact, and navigating shifting donor expectations. Together, participants will explore practical approaches to strengthening engagement and positioning their organisations for success in an increasingly competitive environment.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday 3 March 2026
Time: 3:45 – 6:00pm
Arrival: 3:45pm
Welcome: 400-4:15pm
Stream Group Session: 4:15-5:30pm
Refreshments: 5:30-6:00pm
Venue: Wenona School Independent Theatre, 269 Miller St, North Sydney NSW 2060
Parking: Street side parking spots will be available along Ridge Street and Elliot Street. There is also covered parking at the Ridge Street further up managed by the North Sydney Council.
Cost: Free for Members and $75.00 +GST for Non-Members
When registering please select which stream you will be attending
