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Strengthening leadership and governance strategies to drive innovation, operations and growth

17-19 September 2025 | Sydney / Warrane

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200+
Attendees
50+
Speakers
35+
Sessions
2
Streams

Event overview

The Australian nonprofit sector faces mounting challenges. Rising service demand, stagnant government funding, and increased regulatory scrutiny put pressure on third-sector leaders to stay mission-focused while adapting to change. To secure sustainable funding and influence policy, sector leaders must actively engage with government, corporates, and philanthropy. 

A 2024 Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) report found that over 60% of nonprofits struggle financially, while 80% face workforce issues such as burnout, skills shortages, and declining volunteer numbers. Meanwhile, digital transformation is reshaping donor engagement, service delivery, and compliance, yet only 35% of Australian nonprofits feel equipped to harness data and AI effectively. 

The Third Sector Leaders Forum 2025 is designed to equip nonprofit leaders with the strategies, partnerships, and innovations needed to thrive in this evolving landscape. This forum is not just about discussing the challenges—it’s about equipping leaders with the tools to overcome them by providing practical solutions, policy insights, and a roadmap for sustainable impact. 

Attend this event and learn how to:

Develop effective leadership, governance and board capability to build resilient organisations

Strengthen trust, transparency and public perception to enhance community confidence and foster long-term stakeholder loyalty

Ensure financial sustainability and diversified funding to reduce reliance on grants and future-proof your mission

Increase data, technology and digital transformation literacy to streamline operations and improve service delivery

Address workforce burnout, development and retention to attract top talent and sustain high-performing teams

Request Brochure

Share a stage with 50+ industry experts

We invite you to join us and share your expertise or suggest a presenter. Please get in touch with us for more information on the event and how to participate. We look forward to hearing from you!

Speaking opportunity

Our Speakers

Hear from 50+ leading Not-for-Profit thought leaders including:

Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP2
Hon Andrew Leigh MP
Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury
Sue Woodward
Sue Woodward
Commissioner
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
Katherine Raskob
Katherine Raskob
Chief Executive Officer
Fundraising Institute Australia
Nicole Stanmore
Nicole Stanmore
Chief Executive Officer
Habitat for Humanity Australia
 
Nikki Kinloch
Nikki Kinloch
Chief Executive Officer
Cure cancer
Louise Cummins
Louise Cummins
Chief Marketing Officer
World Vision Australia
Rochelle Courtenay
Founder and Managing Director
Share the Dignity
Jess Wilson
Jess Wilson
Chief Executive Officer
Good Things Foundation
 
Enquire to speak
View all speakers

Event features

The event program the schedule and flow of activities. It includes details such as keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions, entertainment, and any other planned elements. The program should be designed to engage and captive the attendees.

Streams

Customise your learning journey with 2 inclusive streams encompassing all aspects of the industry, you can design a personalised schedule that maximises your time and experience.

Panel Discussions

Learn from expert panellists who will share their perspectives on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities from the industry.

Case Studies
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through engaging case study sessions, designed to present solutions and learnings to key challenges in the industry.
Workshops
Deep dive into an interactive and intimate classroom style workshops with like-minded individuals and discuss key topics.
Exhibition


Showcase your brand to senior NFP professionals by exhibiting at our event.

Sponsoring
Elevate your brands visibility and choose from a wide range of sponsorship packages to expose your organisation to a diverse audience.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with other industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow senior attendees as you contribute to a shared learning experience.
Streams

Customise your learning journey with 2 inclusive streams encompassing all aspects of the industry, you can design a personalised schedule that maximises your time and experience.

Panel Discussions

Learn from expert panellists who will share their perspectives on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities from the industry.

Case Studies
Gain valuable insights from industry experts through engaging case study sessions, designed to present solutions and learnings to key challenges in the industry.
Workshops
Deep dive into an interactive and intimate classroom style workshops with like-minded individuals and discuss key topics
Exhibition
showcase your brand to senior NFP professionals by exhibiting at our event.
Sponsoring
Elevate your brands visibility and choose from a wide range of sponsorship packages to expose your organisation to a diverse audience.
Networking Opportunities
Connect with other industry experts, thought leaders, and fellow senior attendees as you contribute to a shared learning experience.

What our Attendees say

"Third Sector Live is an incredible event bringing together leaders in the NFP space to share what works, and what doesn't. The event demonstrated the willingness of the sector to share for social impact through their considered and generous presentations."


"The quality of the event was excellent, the speaker line-up was outstanding and I was surprised by how generous the speakers were with sharing their knowledge, experiences and key learnings. I would highly recommend this event to anyone in the charitable sector who is looking for ways to sustainably grow their organisations, network and benchmark best practices"

"Hearing form leaders in our industry was inspiring and a boost of energy for the end of the year. It was fantastic to hear how organisations are planning, ensuring the wellbeing of their employees, and trying new things, particularly in regard to adapting technology and data. A lot of wisdom in the room to learn from."

The Third Sector Live 2025, a comprehensive three-day event addressing the critical issues head on. Attendees will learn invaluable insights and practical strategies to bolster their organisations’ capabilities, drive meaningful impact, secure long-term sustainability, and propel growth.

Who should attend

Job Titles

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • Chief Development Officer (CDO) / Chief Fundraising Officer
  • Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) / Chief Communications Officer (CCO)
  • Chief Information Officer (CIO) / Chief Technology Officer (CTO)
  • Chief Program Officer (CPO)
  • Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

Directors/Heads/Managers

  • Fundraising
  • Marketing
  • Communication/Engagement
  • Operations
  • HR
  • Program

Sectors:

NGO's

Governments

Philanthropies

Non-for-profits

Charities

Social Enterprises

Our Sponsors

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Networking Drinks Sponsor

Supporting Partner

Sponsor opportunities

Interested in partnering for Third Sector Live 2025 If you have any questions regarding the partnership options available or how we can collaborate to share your solution with our audience, then please get in touch with spex@akolade.co

Request Prospectus

Post event gallery

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