Building a better way through philanthropy

Registrations are now open for the inaugural Blak Loungeroom National Philanthropy Conference, a landmark three-day gathering in Melbourne in April.

Created by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working across philanthropy, community investment, and social change, the conference offers a rare opportunity to come together in a culturally grounded, empowering space where Blak voices lead every conversation.

For event founder John Harding it is an event about bringing together people to share ideas and to work together to align the world of Indigenous philanthropy.

“In the Australian philanthropy sector, over the last few years, a visible dramatic change has occurred in the efforts being made to authentically engage with First Nations people across a wide range of issues,” John told First Nations News.

Meaningful dialogue

“Sadly, due to the lack of engagement to date, few voices can represent the views of grassroots First Nations people, currently strategically placed in the sector to help lead this movement for change.

John says the traditional approach is slow and fragmented.

“Those of us already working within the sector need to support each other, as well as encourage the sector to employ more First Nations people, and provide opportunities for First Nations people to sit on Boards within the sector.”

Hosted by the Barmal Bijiril Foundation the Blak Loungeroom Conference invites participants to “slow down, connect deeply, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of First Nations-led giving.”

The event, says John is designed to nurture relationships, strengthen networks, and amplify the leadership of First Nations people in all corners of the philanthropic ecosystem.

“When we started on this journey in 2022 it was via zoom and I think we had four people. Within six months we had grown to 18, with some very influential people.”

Data from Philanthropy Australia and the Productivity Commission, indicates that First Nations component giving remains a small but growing percentage of overall philanthropic funding in Australia.

In 2022–23, out of 1.2 billion of total giving, 12 per cent of funding went to programs benefiting First Nations people, with 0.9 per cent directly reaching Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led organisations.

John says the traditional approach is slow and fragmented and up to 40 per cent of innovation investment is lost due to both duplication and inefficiency.

“The philanthropic sector needs First Nations led assistance with bridge-building,” John said.

“The philanthropic sector needs to close its own gap.”

Many of the issues are around trust, slow decision making and lack of alignment.

Tne Blak Lounge Room has many significant members, all working to address the aforenamed issues, led by the Barmal Bijiril Foundation.

Barmal Bijiril is Kuku Yulangi for “To take someone to dream” and John knows that they have to dream fast.

“The stats are alarming,” he said.

Collaboration

Across three days, attendees will experience a rich mix of yarning circles, keynote conversations, practical workshops, and opportunities for collaboration.

Together, we will explore themes of community self-determination, sustainable resourcing, cultural safety, and reshaping philanthropic systems so they reflect and respond to the priorities of First Nations communities.

“Whether you are already working in philanthropy, newly stepping into the space, or seeking to build stronger, community-led approaches to giving, the Blak Loungeroom Conference provides an inviting, supportive environment to learn, reflect, and be inspired.”

“This is more than an event,” John said. “It is a collective moment to imagine and build a better way forward.”

• The National Blak Loungeroom Philanthropy Conference, sponsored by the Minderoo Foundation, takes place from April 7-9 at The Pulman on the Park in Melbourne.

Book here: https://au.entegy.events/blnc2026

How it all started

Barmal Bijiril was created to address the critical need for a First Nations-owned and led organisation within Australia’s philanthropic sector.

With an establishment grant from the Towards a Just Society Fund in 2020 and additional support from Indigenous Employment Partners, the CEO formed a First Nations Elders Advisory Group and a Philanthropic Reference Group in early 2021.

The Elders Advisory Group refined and championed the vision for a national First Nations representative body of philanthropic professionals, which led to the formation of The Blak Loungeroom. This initiative provides a space for First Nations voices to influence the sector meaningfully.

John Harding was living in Sydney working as an actor, director and playwright, when he returned to Melbourne, looking for a new challenge. He wasn’t particularly interested in full-time work until he saw an advertisement at the Koorie Heritage Trust for a philanthropic intern. He then became involved in philanthropy.