From the NSW/ACT Chapter President

Last month, I had the privilege of facilitating a professional learning session for our Professional and Operational Staff at Santa Sabina College.

It reinforced something I’ve long believed. Those of us working in Advancement, and across the broader Professional and Operational space, aren’t always afforded the same professional learning opportunities as our teaching colleagues. Yet the work we do is critical to the experience of every student, parent, staff member and visitor who walks through our doors.

The session explored the interconnectedness of our roles. While every team has a different function, none of us works in isolation. Whether we’re welcoming a prospective family, processing an enrolment, supporting a community event, maintaining our campuses or communicating with stakeholders, we’re all contributing to the same outcome. It was a powerful reminder that every interaction matters.

One of the strongest reflections from the session was that people simply wanted a better understanding of each other’s work. They wanted others to recognise the value of what they do, to understand how their role contributes to the bigger picture and to feel more connected to the mission of the organisation.

It also got me thinking about educate+.

So many of us have experienced that feeling at some point in our careers, wondering if others truly understand the complexity, expertise and impact of the work we do. That’s why organisations like educate+ matter.

Educate+ provides something that’s often difficult to find within our own workplaces: a community of people who understand our profession. A place where we can share ideas, celebrate successes, seek advice, build confidence and continue developing our skills. It’s where many of us find not only professional learning, but also mentors, colleagues and lifelong friends who genuinely understand the unique challenges and opportunities of working in Advancement.

As our NSW/ACT Chapter reaches the wonderful milestone of 700 members, I’m reminded that our greatest strength isn’t the number itself. It’s the generosity of our members, the willingness to share knowledge and the community we’ve built together.

I hope many of you will join us at the International Conference in Brisbane, where the strength of that community will be on full display. And if you are attending the Conference, it would be wonderful if you could join us at the NSW/ACT Chapter Gathering that we are having on Wednesday night. If you’re unable to attend the International Conference, there are still plenty of ways to stay connected. Post a question on the forum, apply for a mentor, explore the fantastic resources available on the educate+ website, or keep an eye out for our Semester 2 professional learning opportunities.

However you choose to engage, I encourage you to make the most of your membership. The more you connect, the more you’ll learn, grow and discover the value of being part of a profession that understands and supports one another.

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!

Welcome to our newest Members:

Imagine Yourself There!

Ever Wondered What Delegates are Likely Thinking?

I’m looking forward to stepping away from the day-to-day and into four days that will challenge my thinking, stretch my perspective and remind me why I chose a career in educational Advancement.

Every conversation, every Keynote and every unexpected encounter has the potential to inspire a new idea or shift the way I see what’s possible. I can’t wait to discover what those moments will be.

When I leave Brisbane, I know I’ll be carrying more than a Conference satchel. I’ll be taking home new possibilities, meaningful connections and a renewed belief in the difference our profession can make. I’ll return with new stories to tell, ideas ready to explore and the confidence to turn inspiration into action.

And perhaps most importantly, I’ll leave knowing I’m part of an incredible community that’s building the future of Advancement together.

The big question is…

With now just 2 weeks to go, will you join over 700 Delegates and invest in your future while helping to shape the future of our procession?

Event Details
Date: Tuesday 1 – Friday 4 September 2026
Place: Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Four inspiring days. Engaging with hundreds of colleagues from across Australia, New Zealand and Asia. Experiencing a choice of over 50 learning opportunities. Having countless conversations that could change the way you think.

If you’re ready to invest in your professional growth, expand your network and return home inspired, the Building Futures International Conference is the place to be.

Join us in Brisbane this September and experience the Conference that’s shaping the future of Advancement.

To view the most updated Program, click here

To reserve your place at the NSW/ACT Chapter Gathering, click here

Register Here / Mind Out More | International Conference

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 WED 2 SEP: NSW/ACT International Conference Chapter Dinner (Rydges Southbank)  TERM 4: Regional Professional Development Day (Save the Date – See Further Details Below)
	WEBINARS & ONLINE EVENTS TUE 18 AUG: CONVERSATIONS (People & Culture) | The Future of Flexible Work in Education: Opportunity or Operational Challenge WED 26 AUG: WEBINAR | St Hilda’s Approach to Safer School Social Media WED 9 SEP: WEBINAR | How Schools Win or Lose Prospective Families: Building Trust through Storytelling in the Inquiry Journey
	ALL CHAPTER IN-PERSON EVENTS TUE 1-FRI 4 SEP: Building Futures International Conference (Brisbane, BCEC) To view Program, CLICK HERE Hurry – Just 2 Weeks to Go!

Save the Date: Regional Professional Development Day 

Term 4, 2026 

Join advancement professionals from across the region for a day of professional learning, collaboration and networking.

The program will commence with an engaging and practical workshop led by Robyn Edwards (AISNSW), exploring: 

Leading Through Influence: Extending Your Impact Across Your Institution 

Advancement professionals are often required to lead change, build relationships and drive strategic outcomes without always having a formal seat at the decision-making table. This interactive session will focus on how to increase your influence, build credibility, foster collaboration and strengthen your strategic impact across your institution. 

Following the workshop, attendees will participate in facilitated roundtable discussions aligned with the Educate+ Special Interest Group (SIG) pillars: 

• Fundraising 

• Community Relations 

• Marketing 

• Communications 

• Admissions 

These peer-led conversations will provide an opportunity to share challenges, exchange ideas and explore best practice with colleagues from across the sector. 

Date: To be confirmed (Term 4, 2026) 
Venue: St Gregory’s Campbelltown 

Further details and registration information will be released soon. 

Save the date and join us for a day of learning, connection and inspiration. 

Bringing the Education Community Together

Article provided by NSW/ACT Principal Chapter Sponsor, Beaumont People

Bringing the education community together

At Beaumont People, we work closely with organisations across the education sector to deliver tailored recruitment and consultancy support. But our work doesn’t stop there. We’re also focused on bringing people together, creating space for shared insight and supporting the wider education community to connect and learn from one another.

A space for practical, peer-led conversations

In July, we brought together professionals from across the sector for two Sydney-based roundtables, focused on Tertiary Development and Human Resources.

Facilitated by Kate Larkin, Katie Badman and Kiah Hillier, these sessions created space for open, practical conversation among peers facing many of the same challenges.

Development Roundtable: navigating fundraising pressures

At the Development Roundtable, we had our guest speaker Denise Cheng GAICD, Senior Philanthropy Advisor AU & NZ at UBS, sharing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of philanthropic giving from a funder’s perspective, including the trends shaping the sector and what she expects to see in the year ahead.

There was a lot of discussion in the room around the wealth transfer and how much of this will occur horizontally with an estimated US$9 trillion in wealth transfer to occur between spouses prior to moving to the next generation, with attendees valuing the opportunity to share real experiences and compare approaches.

HR Roundtable: attracting and retaining talent

At the Human Resources Roundtable, HR leaders from schools explored experiences and practical approaches to some of the key challenges facing the sector. We had some really engaging discussions around:

• Empowering leaders to confidently navigate complex people matters.
• AI in recruitment and the opportunities it presents.
• Psychometric assessments and their role in recruitment and talent management.
• Risk registers and psychosocial safety.
• Creating a culture where staff feel safe to raise child protection concerns and provide feedback on safeguarding matters.

There were some fantastic conversations, with everyone generously sharing their experiences, ideas and practical insights.

The value of trusted peer networks

Across both sessions, one theme stood out: the importance of trusted peer networks. These were not traditional networking events, but facilitated discussions where participants could openly share challenges, test ideas, and learn from one another in a supportive and confidential setting.

Supporting the sector beyond recruitment

For us, these conversations are a key part of how we support the education sector. Beyond recruitment, we are committed to building connections, sharing insight, and supporting the people who shape this community.

If you would like to be part of an upcoming roundtable, or explore how we can support your organisation, we would love to hear from you.

Beaumont People
02 9279 2777

E: hello@beaumontpeople.com.au
W: https://www.beaumontpeople.com.au

AI – Authentic Interaction or Artificial Intelligence

Article provided by NSW/ACT Principal Chapter Sponsor, Sonic Sight

AI is here to stay, and can be a wonderful productivity tool, but it does have its drawbacks. Companies are starting to realise the financial and environmental costs of AI computing, and in some instances, it’s actually cheaper for a human to do the job.

But that’s not the real cost of AI. The real cost is what we at Sonic Sight have dubbed the “AI ick”.

You’ve experienced it already.  You’re sitting on your couch, scrolling on your phone, multi screening the latest episode of that Netflix show that was recommended to you, and you come across a Video that… just… doesn’t quite feel right. Instantly, you’re put off. The spell is broken. Whatever you were watching, is instantly discredited because it doesn’t feel real – it’s “fake”.

Your opinion of the brand that you were just engaging with is shattered. They’re cheap, unreliable, unbelievable and fake. AI content may be fast, it may be easy and it may be cheap.

But, just like in dating, when you get the “ick”, you don’t want to pursue a relationship with someone that’s fast, easy and cheap. As a brand, you need to tell compelling, engaging stories and vitally, do so in an authentic way. Your customers are humans. You can’t engage with an audience in a real way when you’re not real.

As School Marketers, our job is to make our prospective families and our existing school communities feel at home, like they’re a part of something special. Sporting and Music facilities, extracurricular programs and of course results are all important when families are deciding on a school. But it’s often how they feel about the school that makes the difference. That feeling comes from real people sharing their actual experiences, not from generic AI generated slop. 

For more than 30 years, Sonic Sight has been helping to tell authentic stories. If you want to truly engage with your community without the ick, ask us how.

Ben Pride
Managing Director and Video Production Specialist
Sonic Sight

E: info@sonicsight.com.au 
w: https://www.sonicsight.com.au

Connecting. Learning. Growing

Term 3 Coffee Catch-Ups

On what felt like the coldest morning we’ve had all winter so far (or maybe I’m exaggerating!), Advancement professionals gathered across Sydney, Southern Highlands and Canberra in what was our best attended catch ups event to date – just approaching 100!  

These events may seem innocuous or perhaps inconsequential, but those who have attended know the value of connection and professional trust they nurture. Through the coffee catch-ups, Educate+ has cultivated small moments with big impact, hardening the bond between professionals through shared challenges and triumphs, skill and knowledge sharing, and camaraderie. For the cost of one coffee (yes, the first coffee is always on us!) the caffeine buzz is supplemented with an intellectual one built on respect and industry insight. 

 Sebastian Wattam 

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 Member in the hotseat is Amberley Guilly, Advancement Manager, Oxley College

When and where did your career in education begin? 

I started in the education sector in 2019 when I returned to my old high school, Santa Sabina College, as their inaugural Development Manager. I loved how people centric schools are and quickly saw that there is a wide range of skills and talents needed to keep things turning outside the classrooms. 

What interests you most in your role?

Firstly, as a true people person, I love the people. The mix of characters in a school is incredible, and I love the variety in each day. I find that after a big day on the business side of schools, it’s always grounding to spend time with the students, especially the Pre-K Joeys. They bring a sense of life and perspective to everything we do. They’re also genuinely hilarious.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

I love watching a family travel through the enrolment process, from meeting them at an Open Morning, to checking in on their first nervous day of school, and then seeing that student happy, confident and kicking goals in the classroom and out on the playfields.
I remember one family who came down from Sydney for an Open Morning. The mother said to me, “I just can’t believe it. Is this place real?” We invited them to come and see Chicago, our school musical, a few weeks later. I honestly didn’t think they would travel back down on a Saturday night, but sure enough they were there, wanting to see us and our school life authentically in action. It made me so proud that simply by being who we are, we enrolled both the brother and sister. They made the big move out of Sydney and I bumped into the mum and daughter just last weekend trying a new restaurant in town, living their best lives. 

What do you love most about your role?

I always joke that we are the good news story people. Since arriving at Oxley I committed to posting on social media a minimum of five days a week. I have gone from chasing teachers for content to them actively sending things through, and it still amazes me that we never run out of stories.

What are you currently doing that would interest other members in Educate Plus?

We are getting ready to release the 2026 line up for our Centre for Ethics Speaker Series events. Some of our past speakers have included authors and journalists Leigh Sales, Peter Greste, Julia Baird and Stan Grant, along with the philosopher Professor AC Grayling and Jennifer Robinson, lawyer for Julian Assange. We invite students, families and the whole Highlands community to come along.

For anyone embarking on a role in Advancement, what advice would you give?

Take the time to truly get to know your school and your community. No two are the same and just because something worked in your last role, it does not mean it will suit your new school.

And for fun … What is one small daily ritual that helps you do your best work? 
Coffee. 

Thank you Amberley. it’s been wonderful getting to know you!

Enrolments Contracts: More than Just a Signature

Article supplied by Trish Cartwright, Admissions Consultancy

For many schools, the Enrolment Contract is one of the most important documents a family will sign. Yet it is often treated as an administrative step rather than an opportunity to establish a shared understanding of the relationship between the school and the family. 

An Enrolment Contract is more than an agreement to pay school fees. It sets out the mutual obligations of both parties – the school’s commitment to provide educational services and the parents’ commitment to support their child’s education, comply with school policies and meet their financial obligations. 

One clause that frequently causes confusion is a clause stating parents are to be jointly and severally responsible for fees. In simple terms, this means each parent is individually responsible for the full amount owing. Schools should ensure parents understand this obligation before signing, rather than discovering its implications only if fees become overdue. 

Schools that conduct Enrolment interviews have a valuable opportunity to discuss these contractual commitments, answer questions and confirm that families understand the terms before entering into the agreement. However, some schools have moved away from interviews or rely on digital Enrolment processes alone. Simply providing a lengthy contract for electronic acceptance may not be sufficient to ensure families genuinely understand their obligations. 

Clear communication around school fees, withdrawal notice periods, parent codes of conduct, student behaviour expectations and other key contractual terms help establish the culture of the school from the outset. It also reinforces that Enrolment is a partnership built on mutual expectations, transparency and accountability. 

A well-communicated Enrolment Contract does more than reduce future disputes – it lays the foundation for a positive and informed relationship between families and the school from day one, and when that occurs, everyone wins. 

Trish Cartwright 
Admissions Consultancy

NSW/ACT Chapter Committee | educate+ 

Connections that Outlast Institutions

Article provided by Lyn O’Neill, Community Development Director, St Vincents College

Recently, I attended a wake following a funeral. As is often the case at these gatherings, alongside the sadness there were conversations, stories and unexpected moments of connection. 

I found myself chatting with a woman in her eighties from a regional community. During our conversation she mentioned she would be travelling to Sydney in the coming weeks for a lunch meeting. 

Being naturally curious, I asked what was bringing her to the city. 

She told me she was meeting with fellow committee members to plan her school’s annual reunion. 

At first, that didn’t seem unusual. 

What came next certainly was. 

The school had closed more than sixty years ago. 

Yet here she was, enthusiastically talking about reunion planning, committee meetings and catching up with fellow alumni. Decades after the school had ceased to exist, the alumni association was still going strong. 

As we spoke, I found myself reflecting on the remarkable power of alumni communities and the ties that continue to bind people together across generations. What struck me most was the genuine enthusiasm with which she spoke. There was no sense of obligation or duty. She remained involved because it mattered to her. 

And it got me thinking about the work we do with our own alumni. 

At reunions, it is often the stories that take centre stage. The memories that still spark laughter, the friendships that have endured, the shared experiences that shaped a particular time in people’s lives. But these gatherings are about more than looking back. 

They are a reminder of the lasting influence institutions can have on the people who pass through them. 

The friendships formed, the lessons learned, the challenges navigated and the people who inspired us during our formative years become part of our personal story. They help shape our values, influence our decisions and contribute to the people we become. Perhaps that is why alumni communities endure. They are not simply connected by a place. They are connected by experiences that continue to hold meaning throughout their lives. 

As someone working in community development, I often reflect on what makes communities strong and enduring. Rarely is it the buildings, programs or organisational structures alone. It is the relationships that are formed, the sense of belonging that develops and the shared commitment people feel towards one another. 

The woman I met reminded me of this. 

More than sixty years after her school closed, she and her fellow alumni continue to organise events, maintain friendships and keep alive a connection to an institution that no longer exists in a physical sense. The school’s legacy lives on through them. 

We often measure the success of institutions through growth, achievement or longevity. Yet perhaps another measure is the strength of the relationships that remain long after people leave. The fact that alumni continue to gather, volunteer their time and invest in one another decades later says something profound about the impact an institution has made. 

In a world where so much feels transient, there is something powerful about connections that endure. 

As I prepare for our next Alumni meeting, I find myself looking beyond the agenda. Our real work is not simply to engage alumni, but to strengthen the connections that give people a lasting sense of belonging. If we’re successful, the impact of that work will be measured not in attendance numbers or event outcomes, but in the relationships that endure for generations. 

Lyn O’Neill 
Community Development Director
St Vincent’s College 

NSW/ACT Chapter Secretary | educate+

Milestone Reunion Experience: Alumni Engagement in Action

Article provided by Dana Casimaty, Alumni Council Member and Reunion Class Lead, London Business School

A Reunion with Purpose 

Thirty years after I first walked through the doors of London Business School, I returned in June for our Class 30-year milestone reunion. It was both nostalgic and energising! The campus has grown, buildings and courtyards have been renewed, class sizes have tripled and the number of programmes has expanded dramatically. Yet the spirit of the place, and the friendships formed there, felt instantly familiar. 

Last September I was asked to bring together Class volunteers to support the organisation and raise philanthropic funds. In the lead-up, we searched for old photos, contacted classmates and revived stories that had shaped our shared experience. Those small acts reminded me that alumni engagement begins well before people arrive at an event! 

Technology Supports Connection 

A dedicated Class WhatsApp group and Reunion app, created by volunteers, kept classmates informed in one place. They showed how simple digital tools can sustain momentum, reduce barriers and help alumni feel part of a event preparation. MyLBS app made it easier to connect beyond our Class, reinforcing belonging to a global alumni community of more than 40,000 alumni. 

Giving and Volunteer Leadership 

The reunion highlighted the enduring value of a holistic education. The global perspective, curiosity and networks fostered at LBS continue to influence how alumni lead, serve and give back. A faculty-led programme demonstrated the school’s continuing relevance, while the Advancement team’s recognition of volunteers and donors reinforced stewardship and gratitude. 

Across the wider programme, almost 3,000 alumni and friends attended more than 30 class events in London. Reunion giving reached over £2 million, showing how engagement, stewardship and philanthropy can reinforce one another. I was so proud of our Class which ranked in the top five for both participation and contribution, reflecting our cohort’s connection to the school, to each other and to the role education has played in our professional journeys. 

Lessons for Advancement Professionals 

For advancement professionals, milestone reunions are more than celebrations of the past. They deepen belonging, honour volunteer leadership, demonstrate impact and invite alumni to help shape the future. I left grateful for renewed friendships, proud of what our Class achieved and energised by the role alumni can play in supporting education. 

Most importantly, the weekend reminded me of the power of volunteer leadership. Collaboration between alumni volunteers and LBS staff turned a milestone anniversary into a warm, inclusive and strategically valuable engagement moment. 

Does this sound familiar? Please reach out if you would like to learn more and/or share your experiences. 

Dana Casimaty 
Alumni Council Member and Reunion Class Lead
London Business School

NSW/ACT Chapter Treasurer | educate+
Former Director of Development, Redlands

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

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