
The Australian nonprofit sector faces mounting challenges in 2026. Escalating financial constraints from inflation and donor fatigue, workforce burnout amid volunteer declines, surging service demands from climate events and economic hardship, plus governance gaps and digital lags, are pressuring third sector teams to become more resilient.
A 2025 ACNC Report reveals unprecedented pressures making it more critical than ever for leaders to secure solutions. 60%+ of small/mid charities battle funding sustainability as expenses outpace income, while critical services are having to turn people away amid cost of living crises.
The Third Sector Leaders Forum 2026 is mission-critical for nonprofit CEOs and executive leaders facing 2026’s execution challenges. It delivers peer-validated frameworks tackling the sector’s top priorities and provides C-suite leaders the practical tools and partnerships needed to turn sector pressures into sustainable impact. This is the room where solutions happen.


Secure sustainable growth through funding innovation, leadership alignment and tech transformation

Build resilient teams, governance and partnerships that scale impact

Strengthen advocacy, accountability and financial stability for Australia's third sector

Navigate workforce challenges, policy pressures and digital disruption with confidence

Harness AI, data and digital tools to prove impact and drive operations
Tim Edmonds is Chief Executive of Blood Cancer NZ and Chair of CANGO, a coalition of leading New Zealand cancer charities working together to strengthen collective advocacy and improve outcomes for people affected by cancer
Tony Stuart is the CEO of UNICEF Australia since 2016. Tony is responsible for representing the UNICEF brand in Australia and fostering private sector partnerships with UNCIEF particularly in Asia Pacific and advancing child rights in Australia.
Cate Bennett is the Assistant Commissioner – General Counsel and Regulatory Services at the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)
Cath is a seasoned and highly skilled fundraising and marketing professional with over 25 years of management and executive experience.
Bianca Stern is the Head of Impact and a founding member of All Things Equal, a Melbourne-based social enterprise empowering people with disability through award-wage employment, purposeful training, and pathways
Felicity McMahon is the Head of Programs at Starlight Children’s Foundation.
Sarah Parker leads strategic growth and operations at The Freedom Hub, an Australian social enterprise working to end modern slavery and support survivors through long-term, wrap-around care.
Marella’s career of working with people started through leading teams in the public health and aged care sector.
Brad Kane is the Chief Operating Officer of Lifeline Central West and a senior executive with more than 20 years' experience leading organisational growth
Christine Duggan is a highly experienced community sector leader with more than 25 years’ experience across government and non-government services
Aaron Crowther is a senior executive leader with more than 25 years’ experience across the corporate and not-for-profit sectors
Darren is a former Army Officer and UN Peacekeeper with over 20 years’ experience as a CEO of purpose led not-for-profit organisations.
Chris is a results-driven leader with 15+ years of experience helping organisations navigate complex challenges and setting up for long-term growth.
Emily Briffa is the Founder and CEO of Hamlet Inc., a social entrepreneur and social impact leader working at the intersection of inclusive employment, social enterprise, and community connection.
Faye Spiteri OAM is the Chief Executive Officer of Fronditha Care and a highly regarded strategic leader with experience across the not-for-profit, corporate and government sectors.
Michelle Hage is an experienced leader in community development, settlement services and public policy, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer of Arabic Welfare Inc
John Cullen brings over 15 years of executive leadership experience in the social and human services sectors, with a strong focus on governance, risk management, and professional excellence.
Chris Coughlan leads Social Enterprise and Impact at VMCH, working across aged care, disability and community services to turn everyday operations into opportunities for inclusion and employment.
Cara is the Chief Executive Officer of NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS) and a strong advocate for equity, opportunity and dignity for all.
Alex Lee is the Chief Executive Officer at The Glen Group, NSWs largest Aboriginal community-controlled residential rehabilitation service based on Darkinjung Country on the Central Coast of NSW.
Nic has 30 years of experience with organisational leadership from Defence, Public Service and non-profit.
Stephanie is Chairwoman of Business Excellence Australia, CEO of Blue Crane Consulting Group, and Adjunct Faculty at AGSM (UNSW).
Ravi is a business excellence, governance, quality management and process improvement professional with more than 20 years’ experience working with Australian and Global organisations.
Michelle Lim is a governance, AI and organisational culture specialist helping leaders navigate the intersection of technology, ethics and public trust.
Kim Boyd GAICD is a senior commercial executive and growth leader with more than 15 years of experience driving business growth, strategic partnerships, and market expansion across the HR, payroll, workforce management, and technology sectors.
Ange Liston-McCaughley is the Founder and CEO of the Type 1 Foundation
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!
C-level executives and senior leaders responsible for:

The event program meticulously outlines the schedule and flow of activities, designed to fully engage attendees. It details keynotes, panel discussions, workshops, networking sessions, entertainment, and other planned elements, ensuring a captivating experience from start to finish.




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



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

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.

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



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















