From the NSW/ACT Chapter President

Across the Chapter, one of the clearest themes emerging in 2026 is that Advancement teams are being asked to deliver increasingly strategic outcomes in environments where expectations continue to grow, while resources often remain tight.

For many members, this means balancing broad portfolios, responding to increasing parent expectations, navigating Enrolment pressures and continuing to strengthen understanding of advancement as a strategic function within their institutions. These pressures are real across our sector, but they also reinforce why professional connection and shared learning matter so much.

One of the greatest benefits of your educate+ membership is that it provides practical support in exactly these areas through access to professional development, current sector conversations, trusted peer networks and opportunities to learn from others facing similar challenges.

Across NSW and the ACT, our 2026 Chapter events program has been designed with this in mind, with SIGs focused on current priorities across Advancement, opportunities for cross-pillar discussion, informal networking that encourages open conversation and regional engagement that keeps connection accessible for all members.

Mentoring also remains an important part of the value of membership, particularly for those new to the sector or stepping into broader leadership responsibilities. Learning from colleagues across institutions continues to be one of the most valuable aspects of belonging to this professional community.

I strongly encourage members to participate in the State of the Sector Survey, currently being conducted, in partnership with McCrindle Research. This work will strengthen our collective understanding of the Advancement landscape while also providing valuable benchmarking data that members can take back to their own organisations to support planning, conversations and strategic decision making. To complete the State of the Sector Survey, click here.

With close to 700 members representing more than 150 institutions across NSW and the ACT, one of the defining qualities of our Chapter is the willingness of members to contribute, share openly and support one another. That spirit of generosity remains one of our greatest assets.

As a Committee, we remain committed to ensuring your membership continues to provide practical value, strong connection and relevant support as our sector evolves. Please continue to reach out, share ideas and tell us what matters most to you.

Yvette Graniero F.EdPlus GAICD

NSW/ACT Chapter President | Educate+

Director of Community Relations and Strategic Engagement
Santa Sabina College

Welcome to our Newest Members

We extend a very warm welcome to our latest Members, who have recently joined us since the last NSW/ACT eNewsletter.

We are thrilled to have you as part of our NSW/ACT Chapter community!

Shortly you will receive details of the next online ‘New Member Meet-Up’ event, where you will have the opportunity to hear from the team at educate+, receive assistance in navigating the website and community portal, and meet with colleagues across the Network. We can’t wait to meet you!

Hurry – Early Bird Closes in 1 Week

With more than 800 Delegates expected to attend, the Building Futures International Conference is shaping up to be the defining Advancement event of the year.

If you’re planning to attend, now is the time to secure your place and take advantage of Early Bird savings before they close on 31 March.

Designed to connect, challenge and elevate practitioners across every area of Advancement, the International Conference brings together global perspectives, practical insights and conversations that will stay with you long after the event.

Across four days, you’ll hear from leading voices, explore new ideas and engage in sessions that are built to stretch thinking and inspire action.

So where does your practice go from here… and what could shift if you were surrounded by fresh perspectives?

As the Advancement landscape continues to evolve, this is your opportunity to be part of the energy, the ideas and the community shaping what comes next.

Upcoming Events

You Are Invited…

We invite you to join us at our upcoming events, where you can deepen your professional knowledge, exchange ideas and connect with peers across our community. Whether you are looking to build new skills or strengthen your network, there is an opportunity waiting for you to connect, learn and grow.

	IN-PERSON CHAPTER EVENTS THU 21 MAY: SIG – People & Culture, MarComms & Admissions (SAVE THE DATE) THU 30 JUL: Coffee Catch-Ups (SAVE THE DATE) FRI 31 JUL: SIG – Residential Colleges (SAVE THE DATE)
	WEBINARS & ONLINE EVENTS TUE 24 MAR: Regional Conversations – Leadership, Culture and Influence  WED 25 MAR: Why Purpose-Led Schools Will Thrive in 2026: Building Brand, Philanthropy and Community Loyalty (Despite AI)  TUE 31 MAR: Successful Awards Submissions NEW
	ALL CHAPTER IN-PERSON EVENTS TUE 1-FRI 4 SEP: Building Futures International Conference (Brisbane, BCEC) To view Program, CLICK HERE To nominate for an Award, CLICK HERE Hurry – Early Bird Closes in 1 Week (31 MAR)

Excellence Awards – Nominations Now Open

We encourage all members to nominate themselves, their team, their leaders and/or their suppliers for the prestigious 2026 Educate+ Excellence Awards.

The Educate+ Excellence Awards are our premier industry honours, held every two years to celebrate the very best in Advancement across Australia, New Zealand and Asia.

The Awards shine a spotlight on the projects, people and teams who are not only raising the bar in the work they do, but also reshaping what is possible for our institutions and communities through courage, creativity and impact.

For more information and to nominate for an Award, CLICK HERE

The Awards will be presented at the Building Futures International Conference, to be held in Brisbane 1-4 September 2026.

	Admissions Campaign Admissions Event Admissions Collateral (Publications to be submitted in the Marketing category under Publication) NOMINATE NOW
	Alumni or Community Engagement Campaign Alumni or Community Event Alumni or Community Collateral (Publications to be submitted in the Marketing category under Publication) NOMINATE NOW
	Annual Giving Traditional Giving Appeal Capital Campaign or Major Gifts Campaign Bequest program or Stewardship program NOMINATE NOW
	Marketing and Communications Campaign Marketing and Communications Digital Campaign Marketing and Communications Video Campaign Marketing and Communications / Admissions / Alumni or Community Engagement Publication NOMINATE NOW
	Workplace Wellbeing Program Outstanding HR Initiative NOMINATE NOW
	Open to any Categories NOMINATE NOW
	Fellows Supplier Award – Leading the Industry Forward Supplier Award – Serving Our Teams Team Award Newcomer Award Mentor Award Volunteer Award Institutional Leader Award Trevor Wigney Award

Let’s Meet a Chapter Member …

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the first Member in the hotseat is: Adrian Quig, Head of Philanthropy and Fundraising, St Gregory’s College Campbelltown 

 
When and where did your career in education begin? 
My career in education began at St Gregory’s College, Campbelltown, where I have the privilege of working again today. What started as an opportunity to contribute through pastoral care and support, has evolved into a deeply rewarding vocation within Philanthropy, Advancement and Relationship Management. Being part of a school that values tradition, faith, and future-focused education has shaped both my career and purpose. 

What interests you most in terms of your role? 
What excites me most is the people — connecting Alumni, families, donors, staff, students and community partners in meaningful ways. I’m fascinated by the power of storytelling and relationships to create opportunity, preserve legacy, and build a stronger future for the College. 

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job? 
Seeing generosity turn into real impact is incredibly fulfilling. Whether it’s through scholarship support, facility upgrades, student opportunities or community events, knowing that the work we do directly benefits young people makes every long day worthwhile. 

What do you love most about your role? 
I love that no two days are ever the same. One moment I’m working on a strategic partnership, the next I’m helping plan a major community event or reconnecting an Old Boy with the College after decades away. It’s dynamic, relational, and purpose-driven. 

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in educate+? 
Right now, I’m leading partnerships for the return of our iconic St Gregory’s College Rodeo, which will be one part of our Centenary celebrations in 2026. We’re actively seeking corporate partners, sponsors and community collaborators, and it’s a fantastic example of how events, engagement and Advancement strategy intersect to celebrate tradition while driving future impact. The re introduction of our College Rodeo is the perfect mix of nostalgia and excitement to create an event to welcome as many  “home” as possible. With 2000 tickets sold in the first hour and at 80% capacity in the first week it’s heartwarming to see the majority of attendees are “Old Boys”.  

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement, what advice would you give them?
Start with relationships before revenue. Listen deeply, understand motivations, be patient, and always act with integrity. Advancement is ultimately about trust, and trust takes time. Also, stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of telling your school’s story well. 

What’s one small daily ritual that helps you do your best work? 
A cold drink bottle, a quick prayer, and a look at my calendar before the rush of the day begins. It helps me centre myself and keep perspective on why I do what I do. 

What’s one thing about your school community that always makes you smile?
Two things:

Firstly – There’s something truly special about walking through our school of 1,700 staff and students and being greeted at every turn. Often by name by both staff and students — it speaks volumes about the culture we share. It makes the busiest and longest of days worthwhile. 

Secondly - The genuine loyalty of our Old Boys. No matter how long they’ve been away, once a Gregs boy always a Gregs boy — and that sense of belonging never fades. 

What motivated you to join the educate+ Committee? 
I was motivated to join the Committee because I genuinely believe in the power of collaboration and shared wisdom within our sector. Advancement work can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be complex — and having a community of like-minded professionals who are willing to share ideas, challenges and successes is invaluable. I was also keen to give back to a profession that has given me so much, and to contribute in a way that supports the growth and sustainability of advancement across schools more broadly. 

Thank you Adrian… it’s been wonderful getting to know you!

Jerry Maguire on How to Find Your “Hello” Moment.

Article supplied by Jeremy Baird, Managing Director, Blueboat 

“Shut up. You had me at hello,” said Renée Zellweger to Tom Cruise. You’ll know the line if you were watching movies in 1996. (If not, search “Jerry Maguire” on Netflix!)

There’s a reason this exchange has lived rent-free in our collective memory for three decades. It captures something profoundly human: the power of authenticity to cut through everything else.

In that scene, Jerry is mid-speech. Earnest, passionate, saying everything he feels he needs to say. And Dorothy stops him. Because he already had her, long before the speech. It was the simple, honest version of Jerry that won her over rather than the pitch.

Like Jerry, your school is most likely increasingly facing strong competition. And, like Jerry, you might be wondering how to demonstrate what sets you apart. How do you make families stop scrolling, stop comparing, and connect with you?

Well, we thought, why not ask Jerry himself?

Jerry, it took you a while to understand the power of one real, honest moment. What can schools learn from this, especially when it comes to connecting with families?

I almost talked my way past the most important moment of my life! If I can give any advice to brands, whether schools or not, the key is to lead with what makes you genuinely special. Schools, in particular, already have a culture, a community, a way of doing things that families would connect with on an emotional level. Let that truth do the heavy lifting. The proof points, like the programs and the achievements, all have their place, but they land so much better when a family feels something first.

How can schools uncover the simple, powerful truth that sets them apart?

It’s already in the building, I’d bet on it. It’s in the reason your longest-serving teacher has never left. It’s in what your alumni say when nobody’s asking them to say anything nice. It’s in the moment a current parent tries to describe your school to a friend and reaches for something that isn’t on your website. The work is in listening carefully enough to find it, and then understanding how to lean into it.

What if a school doesn’t know where to begin on this journey?

A good brand strategy always starts with not knowing. Don’t skip straight to the new website or the new campaign without doing the thinking first. Strategy is what helps you find your unique truth and then connects that truth to the families you’re trying to reach. It’s the difference between communication that looks good and communication that actually works. Do that first, and everything else becomes so much clearer.

At Blueboat, we’ve spent more than 30 years strategically helping schools find their “hello” moment. As a full-service brand and communications agency, we help you pull all the pieces together, including strategy, messaging, website, creative and more, and guide you on how to share your purpose with the world.

Not sure where to start? We’d love to have that conversation. Coffee’s on us.

Jeremy Baird 
Managing Director 
Blueboat 

0414 401 975
Jeremy@blueboat.com.au
blueboat.com.au 

Connecting. Learning. Growing

EVENTS NETWORKING @ REDLANDS

Thursday 19 March, 2026

A great start to the day at the NSWACT Chapter Events SIG — great food and even better conversation!

Huge thanks to Julie Wood and the Redlands team for hosting us. We were warmly welcomed by Principal Sean Corcoran, who set the scene with a glimpse into Redlands’ history.

Chapter President Yvette Graniero got things underway with a lively Q&A, sparking a room full of ideas, shared experience and chatter.

A brilliant opportunity for those working in events across education to connect, learn and exchange ideas.

With thanks to our event sponsor Eddie Chen at Enrol HQ, Chapter sponsor Sonic Sight, and strategic partner McCrindle for joining us.

COFFEE CATCH-UPS

Friday 20 February 2026

What a brilliant way to start the day, with close to 80 Members coming together across multiple locations in NSW and the ACT for the Coffee Catch-Ups or Networking Drinks on Friday!

Each venue reported a wonderful sense of energy, with lively conversations, practical insights and plenty of curious questions. From how Advancement Teams are structured and which CRM platforms are being used, to welcoming new Principals and hearing how colleagues are settling into new Schools, the discussions covered it all.

SIG | Fundraising, Alumni & Leadership
Tuesday 3 March 2026

Our first NSW/ACT Special Interest Group (SIG) gathering for the year was hosted by Marie Soghomonian and the amazing team at Wenona School, bringing together Advancement professionals from across our community for an engaging afternoon.

In the Leadership in Conversation Session, facilitated by Yvette Graniero, Wenona Principal Linda Douglas generously shared her wisdom and reflections on leadership in schools today and the important role Advancement teams play in supporting strong communities and shaping thriving educational environments.

In the Strategic Fundraising in a Competitive Landscape Session, facilitated by Dana Casimaty and Marie Soghomonian, our Fundraising colleagues explored how organisations can sharpen and clearly articulate their value proposition, differentiate themselves in increasingly crowded funding markets, and build resilient, long-term donor retention strategies. Thank you to Chanel Hughes, F.EdPlus from Global Philanthropic for contributing to this discussion.

There was also robust conversation during the Alumni and Community Engagement roundtable, faciliated by Hannah Atwell. These sessions are always where some of the most practical ideas and shared insights emerge!

Let’s Meet Another (!) Chapter Member …

Each eNews, we introduce you to some of our wonderful Chapter Members, through a question-and-answer type interview article.

This week the second Member in the hotseat is:  Amelia Zaraftis, Director of Advancement, Burgmann College, ACT

When and where did your career in education begin? 
Throughout my primary and secondary schooling, I enjoyed tutoring my peers and learning how other people formed knowledge. I have always delighted in teaching; establishing a shared understanding, then witnessing the ‘ah-ha’ moment. While I trained as a Primary School teacher, my first specialist teaching role was teaching weekend visual arts classes for children and teens at the ANU, closely followed by my first ‘proper job’ as a museum and gallery educator at Canberra Museum and Gallery. Education, equity and community are the common threads of my career.  

What interests you most in terms of your role?
The remarkable strength and power of community. I am interested in the transformative experience our residents have at college, and equally, in the broader intergenerational community of our Alumni and friends. I think being part of a healthy community supports people on their pathway to self-knowledge. Our Alumni often reflect on their time at Burgmann as a place where they felt truly cared for, where mistakes were made and challenges were overcome with the support of others, and where lifelong friendships were formed. What a gift this experience is alongside a university education and as one transitions to adulthood.  

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
As a first-in-family university graduate, I was supported by a National Undergraduate Scholarship to attend ANU. I find it incredibly rewarding to work to strengthen our scholarships program. Together, we are opening doors for students who may otherwise miss out on the transformative opportunity to live as part of a vibrant residential community and access a university education.   

What do you love most about your role?
People, people, people! My role affords me the privilege to engage and work closely with so many inspiring people. I love getting to know people, hearing about their stories and aspirations, and working together to make a positive difference in the world.  

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in educate+?
I have the great honour to work as a co-facilitator of the Sharing Stories Arts Exchange (SSAE) program at the ANU School of Art & Design. SSAE is a creative participatory project focused on building positive reciprocal relationships between members of the Canberra community and local regional Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. Each year, our program participants engage in structured creative field programs visiting communities and culturally significant sites on Country and are invited to share in truth-listening and truth-telling as they meet and gain understanding from First Nations knowledge holders and community members. 

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement what advice would you give them?
Jump on in! You’ll be joining a wonderful community of practitioners who generously share their knowledge and experience. It is incredibly rewarding work.   

What’s a surprising skill or hobby you have that colleagues might not expect? 
I love to sing! A few years ago, we formed a staff band ‘The Fun Police’ with colleagues across student residences on ANU campus and we were the warm-up act for the interhall “Big Night Out” student battle-of-the-bands competition. There was some serious musical talent amongst my colleagues, and the highlight for me was singing Aretha Franklin’s RESPECT on an outdoor stage on University Avenue.  

What motivated you to join the NSW/ACT Chapter Committee?
So many things! Foremost, it is the professional, respectful, and welcoming culture of the organisation. What a lovely bunch of people! When I first started out in Advancement, I was provided with so much support and encouragement from other members of educate+. I’ve since had the pleasure of contributing to the Residential Colleges Conversations online program, and I see joining the Committee as an extension of that opportunity to collaborate with great people and to give back.  

Thank you Amelia… it’s been wonderful getting to know you!

Belonging Before Giving: Rethinking Philanthropy in Residential Education

Article Supplied by Hannah Atwell, Director of Advancement, St Andrew’s College

In Advancement, it can be tempting to view philanthropy as the final stage of a relationship — the moment when connection becomes contribution.

In residential university colleges, however, philanthropy is rarely the starting point. More often, it is the outcome of something earlier and more fundamental: belonging.

From the first enquiry or application, students and families begin forming impressions about who we are, what we value, and whether this is a place where they will feel known. The tone of our communications, the care shown in Admissions interviews, the welcome on move-in day, and the quality of daily student life all shape something far more enduring than a few years of residence. They shape attachment.

Residential colleges occupy a distinctive place within the education landscape. We are not simply providers of accommodation. We are intentional communities where young adults learn to live alongside difference, take responsibility for others, develop leadership, and form friendships that often endure for life.

These formative experiences become the emotional foundation for lifelong engagement — and, ultimately, for philanthropy.

Positive student experiences do not happen by chance. They are the result of alignment across the institution: thoughtful Admissions processes, authentic communications, strong pastoral and academic support, vibrant co-curricular programs, and operational excellence that allows students to flourish.

For those working in Advancement, this interconnectedness is especially visible. Philanthropy in residential education is not a standalone function; it is a whole-of-college endeavour. It requires executive alignment, regular strategic collaboration, and shared ownership across Admissions, student life, education, operations, communications, and Alumni Engagement.

When this alignment exists, the lifecycle of belonging becomes tangible.

It can be seen when a current scholar meets the donor who made their scholarship possible. In that moment, gratitude and generosity meet across generations, and philanthropy becomes relational rather than abstract.

It is evident when Alumni mentor current students, offering career guidance, internships, or reassurance about life beyond college. These touchpoints allow students to begin seeing themselves not only as residents, but also as future custodians of the community.

When this lifecycle is nurtured intentionally, students leave not simply as Alumni, but as advocates — carrying the story of the college into their professional and personal lives. Advocacy often precedes philanthropy.

This continuity is also reflected in governance. Council and Foundation members, many of whom are Alumni themselves, model what it means to give back over time through stewardship, wisdom, and generosity.

In this context, philanthropy is less about Fundraising and more about sustaining a community across generations.

This idea also has relevance beyond the college sector. In schools, too, philanthropic culture is often built on the quality of belonging, connection, and shared purpose experienced by students and families over time.

For residential institutions seeking to strengthen philanthropic culture, the lesson is clear: the future donor experience begins with the present student experience. Every thoughtful interaction contributes to a story that may one day return as generosity.

When we honour the whole lifecycle — from first enquiry to Alumni leadership — philanthropy is no longer something we ask for at the end.

It becomes something that grows, quietly and steadily, from the very beginning.

Hannah Atwell
Director of Advancement
St Andrew’s College

Engagement Isn’t Always Visible

The Hidden Cultural Dynamics in School Communities. 

Article provided by Jiani Chen, International Program and Marketing Manager, Stella Maris College

At a Year 7 information evening, a mother arrived with her daughter in tow. The event had been designed for parents, with drinks and informal conversation. The mother spoke limited English. When I spoke with her, she explained that she knew the evening was important but had no one who could help interpret. So she brought her daughter to listen and support. 

From the school’s perspective, she was quiet and unfamiliar in the room. From her perspective, she was making a deliberate effort to stay connected. 

Moments like this show that some of the most committed families are not always the most visible. 

In my role working across Admissions and Community Engagement, particularly with many Asian background families, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern: commitment to education is strong, expectations of the school are high, yet visibility at social events is often low. 

In independent schools, engagement is often measured through what we can see — event attendance, public questions, informal conversations and visible enthusiasm. These indicators are useful, but they are also culturally shaped. When we rely on them alone, we risk overlooking families who are engaged in quieter ways. 

Many families hold high expectations and deep investment in their child’s education. If we rarely see them in our engagement spaces, it may be less about their interest and more about how those spaces are designed. 

Communication preferences can differ. Rather than raising questions publicly, some parents wait for a private conversation with a trusted staff member. Silence is often interpreted as satisfaction. It isn’t always. Sometimes it reflects respect, uncertainty, or simply not knowing how or when to speak. 

Over time, I’ve often found myself acting as a bridge in parent conversations — helping colleagues interpret expectations and helping families understand the school’s processes and constraints. Frequently, the gap is not about effort or goodwill but perception. A school may feel it has provided reasonable options; a family may interpret those options as a lack of commitment. Staff may assume everything is fine; a family may be waiting for the right relationship or setting before raising a concern. 

These gaps are rarely about values. More often, they are about interpretation. 

Engagement does not always announce itself. Some families participate visibly; others engage through trust, consistency and private communication. If we rely only on what we can see, we risk misreading both commitment and concern. 

Cultural awareness in school communities is not only about celebration. It is also about interpretation — how we read behaviour, expectations and silence. When we broaden our understanding of engagement, we see more of the families already trying to stay connected. 

Sometimes the most engaged families are simply the least visible. 

Jiani Chen 
International Program and Marketing Manager, Stella Maris College 

Jiani works across Admissions, Marketing and Community Engagement at Stella Maris College in NSW, supporting families from diverse cultural backgrounds. 

Thank You to our Partners and Sponsors

We’d like to extend a huge ‘Thank You’ to our valuable Strategic Partners and Chapter Sponsors, who support Educate Plus and the NSW/ACT Chapter in our activities and enable us to provide wonderful opportunities to our members and non-members.

We ask that you please consider supporting them, so that in turn, they can continue to support us. 

Thank You to our 2026 NSW/ACT Chapter Sponsors

Thank You to our 2026 NSW/ACT Professional Development and Promotional Sponsors

Thank You to our 2026 educate+ Strategic Partners

A New Way to Connect with Colleagues!

New Community Circles – A Great Way to Connect…

Did you know … there are now 14 Community Circles up and running on the new educate+ Community Portal!

Becoming a member of a Community Circle connects you with like-minded professionals who understand the realities of Advancement work. It’s a trusted space to ask questions, share ideas, learn from others and contribute your own perspective… and to collectively influence the future of the Advancement industry.

Below is a mix of some of the Circles on offer. If you have an interest in any of the following areas, we invite you to join a Circle: 

• Best Practice Alumni Engagement
• Fundraising Major Gifts
• Digital Safety Issues
• Enquiry to Enrolment – And Everything in Between
• Residential Colleges
• International Student Enrolment
• The Events Network
• Regional Conversations
• People & Culture

To join a Community Circle, or find out more, CLICK HERE

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