My recent visit to Larrakia country was a good time to reflect on what is different for charities working in remote, rural and regional areas. They face unique challenges as they strive to provide vital programs to support people and causes, needing to tailor their delivery for what works in local communities – for example, communities which may not have ready access to the internet.
So, what are the numbers? Our latest Australian Charities Report data shows 18.3% of charities are based in inner regional locations, 8.8% in outer regional areas, 2% in remote areas and 1.2% in very remote areas. All up, that is over 30% of registered charities - a significant number. Remember you can drill into the figures yourself using the postcode and other filters on our Charity Data Explorer.
On my trip to Garramilla (Darwin), I was able to connect with many charities, their professional advisers and the Northern Territory Council of Social Services, a key sector peak. I am grateful for the time that people took to explain their challenges and to listen to my update about all things ACNC - including the resources we have to support them.
At the Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG)-convened regulators event, I joined with Tricia Stroud, Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) and ASIC Chair Joe Longo, with NT Anti-Discrimination Commissioner Jeswynn Yogaratnam acting as moderator. The focus was on matters relating to Indigenous governance, self-determination, the public value of the charity sector and the role regulators can play. There is a free YouTube recording of this event.
In a breakfast forum hosted by the Institute of Managers and Leaders Australia and New Zealand, we had a great conversation that ranged from reshaping partnerships for authentic consultation, to strategies for leadership and governance training amid budget constraints, through to the hot topic of cost-of-living challenges for charities and those they serve.
A big thank you to the team at Saltbush Social Enterprises - an Indigenous-controlled charity which works to empower Indigenous people through access to accommodation, education, employment and other programs. They took time to talk about how they started and have transitioned to a majority-Indigenous board, as well as how they provided services during Covid 19 and how they navigate the competitive funding environment. I saw a training session run by the Australian Indigenous Governance Institute - another impressive Indigenous-controlled charity.
The underlying theme of my many conversations was a shared commitment to robust governance and sustainability. It was a busy and productive few days - although, of course, only a short trip to one part of the NT. I will be back.
Before the end of the year, I will be travelling to Tasmania and South Australia for various events and meetings with key peak bodies, charities and state government colleagues. I never tire of hearing from charities first-hand; it helps make me the best I can be at my job.
Warm regards,
Sue Woodward AM