For the first time, APS brought together staff from across Australia for a two-day conference focused on connection, collaboration and the future of our work.

While the conference provided an opportunity for colleagues to strengthen relationships and share knowledge, the conversation consistently returned to APS’s core purpose: supporting our clients to achieve their philanthropic goals and helping to grow giving for good.

Built around the theme The Power of Us, the conference explored how APS can continue to evolve alongside a growing and increasingly sophisticated giving landscape, while remaining focused on delivering the trusted expertise and support our clients rely on.

The value of perspective

A highlight of the conference was a candid discussion with the APS Board about the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of philanthropy in Australia and APS’s role in helping clients create meaningful impact through their giving.

Board members shared their perspectives on leadership, governance and long-term stewardship, reflecting on how APS can continue to support clients as their giving becomes more ambitious, strategic and complex. The discussion explored the opportunities that come with growth, the importance of maintaining a strong client focus, and the role APS can play in helping more Australians participate in structured philanthropy.

As Non-executive director, Michael Traill AM observed, “The challenge is not growth itself; the real risk is overlooking the gaps that become harder to see when success is achieved.” The discussion reinforced the importance of remaining curious, adaptable and focused on delivering exceptional service as APS continues to grow.

The conference also provided an opportunity for staff to hear directly from the APS Leadership Team about the experiences that have shaped their careers and approach to leadership. Through honest reflections on challenges, setbacks and lessons learned, leaders shared insights into resilience, decision-making and continuous learning.

A recurring theme was that every role at APS contributes to helping clients turn their philanthropic intentions into meaningful outcomes. Whether supporting gifting, managing compliance obligations, guiding donors or providing operational expertise, staff were encouraged to consider how their work helps clients make a lasting difference in the communities and causes they care about.

Presentations from sector leaders further connected staff to the impact philanthropy can have when donors, charities and advisers work together effectively.

Joel Pilgrim, co-founder and Director of Waves of Wellness Foundation, spoke about the growing demand for accessible mental health services and the organisation’s efforts to respond. His reflection on a waitlist of more than 1,500 people seeking support highlighted both the scale of need across the community and the important role philanthropy can play in helping organisations build capacity and deliver long-term solutions.

Aruna Sathanapally from the Grattan Institute challenged staff to think more broadly about the social, economic and democratic issues shaping Australia’s future. Her session prompted discussion about the unique role philanthropic capital can play in supporting innovation, addressing complex challenges and investing in long-term change.

Bringing our values into practice

Throughout the conference, staff worked through real-world client scenarios designed to strengthen collaboration, judgement and problem-solving. These sessions encouraged teams to draw on their collective expertise and consider how APS can continue to deliver an exceptional client experience in a changing environment.

The conference also provided valuable opportunities for colleagues from different teams and offices to deepen their understanding of each other’s work. By strengthening connections across APS, staff are better positioned to share knowledge, solve problems and provide seamless support to clients.

As APS continues to grow, one principle remains constant: our success is measured by the impact our clients create through their giving. The conversations, ideas and connections that emerged over the two days reinforced our shared commitment to helping Australians give with purpose, supporting our clients to achieve their philanthropic goals and ultimately growing giving for good across the community.

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