Introducing The Impact Stage at SXSW Sydney

September 23, 2025

Generosity is evolving and, at SXSW Sydney, a new stage is putting it front and centre from Wednesday 15 October to Friday 17 October.

Curated by Charitabl., in partnership with Minderoo Foundation and Microsoft, The Impact Stage will bring together global changemakers, tech innovators, grassroots leaders, and philanthropy to challenge what generosity means in a connected, purpose-led world. (Wednesday 15 October to Friday 17 October.)

First Wave of Speakers

A powerful first wave of speakers features:

Robyn King – Social Impact Lead, Canva
Mat Tinkler – CEO, Save the Children Australia
Simon Ecceshall – Director of Field Operations, Médecins Sans Frontières
Ben Vasiliou – CEO, The Man Cave
Antonia Ruffell – CEO, StartGiving

Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss

This year’s lineup features thought-provoking and timely conversations in the philanthropy and impact space, including:

The Future Is Generous

Robyn King (Canva), Antonia Ruffell (StartGiving), Ben Sze (Mentorloop), and Mike Gore (Charitabl.) explore the future of giving and the cultural shifts shaping generosity in the next decade.

The Pandemic of Loneliness

Ben Vasiliou (The Man Cave), Milly Bannister (ALLKND), Dr Anastasia Hronis, and Ashani Dante (But Are You Happy? podcast) unpack the growing loneliness epidemic and how communities can reconnect in meaningful ways.

Crisis Catalysts

Simon Ecceshall (Médecins Sans Frontières), Julie Rosenberg (Australian International Development Network), Dr Alaeldin El Malik (Sudanese Australasian Medical Professionals Association), and Catherine Green (Minderoo Foundation) share powerful insights from the frontlines of global crises.

Power, Privilege and Philanthropy

Mat Tinkler (Save the Children Australia), Logan Whitaker (Cotton On Foundation), Kristy Muir (Paul Ramsay Foundation), and James Kozina (Equity Economics) challenge the sector to address inequities and redefine who holds the power in giving.

Charitabl.’s focus on positioning impact at the forefront aligns with our commitment to showcasing innovation that drives meaningful change, and SXSW Sydney is proud to welcome them as our official Social Responsibility Partner.

Explore more sessions happening on The Impact Stage now via the SXSW Sydney app, and secure your pass to attend SXSW Sydney today.

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