On Thursday 15th March Swinburne Student Union’s General Secretary, Mr Fergus Clancy, along with the Union’s Executive Officer, Mr Matt Posetti, were pleased to attend the Collins & Co 2018 Not-for-Profit Conference on ‘Empowerment through Knowledge’.
Highlights from the day included keynote addresses by Mr David Locke, Assistant Commissioner, Charity Services, from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC), as well as by Ms Susan Alberti, Australian businesswoman, philanthropist, Vice-President of the Western Bulldogs Football Club and a lead instigator and advocate in the creation of the AFLW.
“As well as hearing from inspiring leaders working across the Australian community sector, we saw this conference as an opportunity to gain some real insight into the challenges and opportunities confronting non-profit community service organisations, which is what the Swinburne Student Union actually is” said Mr Fergus.
Other speakers of note included Mr Derek Mortimer from the legal firm DF Mortimer and Associates who addressed the evolving responsibilities of charities under Australian Consumer Law, Ms Natalie Egleton from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal with Practical tips on grant-seeking, and Ms Bianca Crocker from Fish Community Solutions with tips on building lasting relationships within the community sector.
“We also feel it’s important to take our responsibilities as directors of SSU, which is both an Incorporate Association and a registered charity… to take those responsibilities incredibly seriously. We play an important role representing student interests, delivering required services and running social events and activities. The value we contribute to Swinburne is high, so we need to take ourselves and our responsibilities seriously”.