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Gem Spotlight - Chris McKenzie
Interview Troy Varcoe Interview Troy Varcoe

Gem Spotlight - Chris McKenzie

As Head of Philanthropy at Vinnies Victoria, Chris is driven by impact and collaboration. “All good things happen collaboratively,” he says, reflecting on a career shaped by community, connection, and a deep respect for those delivering frontline services.

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Celebrating Fundraiser Appreciation Day 2025
News Troy Varcoe News Troy Varcoe

Celebrating Fundraiser Appreciation Day 2025

In the spirit of appreciation, we ran a competition on our LinkedIn page where we invited our network to nominate fundraisers making a real difference in Australia, and whose work deserves to be recognised. We had initially planned to gift three Endota Gift Cards, but the response was so great that we awarded a fourth. Here’s to the winners – may you enjoy some well-earned relaxation after tax time!

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Gembridge at events, Connecting with People (Gems)
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Gembridge at events, Connecting with People (Gems)

It’s been a big week of events! Tessa shares her insights from attending the CEOs in Fundraising event, the Down-Under Tour with Ken Burnett, and speaking at the FIA Victoria event on growing your donor pool, strategies for donor acquisition and retention.

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Gem Spotlight - Francine Poisson
Interview Troy Varcoe Interview Troy Varcoe

Gem Spotlight - Francine Poisson

We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA fellowship.

With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.

Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions…

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Gem Spotlight - Sharon Hillman, Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award
Interview Troy Varcoe Interview Troy Varcoe

Gem Spotlight - Sharon Hillman, Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award

Sharon Hillman FFIA has received the prestigious Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to fundraising. With over 30 years of experience, she has been a leader, innovator, and advocate for best practices.

A dedicated member of FIA, Sharon has served as Past President of FIA Victoria, a Board Member, and a volunteer on key committees, helping to shape the future of fundraising in Australia.

Let’s see what Sharon has to say when we caught up with her…

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Preparing for a phone screening
Resources Troy Varcoe Resources Troy Varcoe

Preparing for a phone screening

An important part of a recruitment process is the phone screening. This stage allows recruiters narrow down the pool of possible candidates to take through to formal interview. From a candidate perspective, this is your second opportunity to shine (first being your written application!).  

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Starting a new job is a journey
Resources Troy Varcoe Resources Troy Varcoe

Starting a new job is a journey

Starting a new job is a journey—one that’s both exciting and challenging. The important thing to remember is that you’re not starting from scratch in a new role; you’re starting from experience. Let’s unpack all the emotions you may feel when starting a new role.

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Leadership Coach | What's on Your PD Plan For 2025?
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Leadership Coach | What's on Your PD Plan For 2025?

Whether stepping onto a senior leadership team, transitioning to an executive position, or taking on the CEO role—we often recommend engaging a formal coach as they can be an invaluable partner during these career transitions, providing a safe space for reflection, growth, and strategy.

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