Empowered people and communities.

Bennelong Foundation (Australia) is established as a Prescribed Private Foundation by Jeff Chapman AM and Carena Shankar, founders of the Bangarra Family Office.

First round of grants distributed in Victoria, Australia supporting medical and crisis support.

Medical Research, Community Health, Youth, Crisis Support and Migrant Welfare confirmed as focus areas.

First paid employee – Susan Frances - appointed as General Manager; Malcolm Gray joins the board; Bruce Reid and Phil Honeywood join as advisers; The first website launched; Bangarra Group staff volunteering and engagement commences.

Inspired by the Foundation’s support for the Victorian Arabic Social Services’ Anti-Racism Action Band; Directors adopt a philosophy of supporting grassroots work that is ‘obviously making a difference for the people involved’; First granting framework is developed.

More than $1 million distributed for the first time; The first grant supporting a First Nations-led program is made to Ganbina; The Concept of ethical investing is introduced.

A Youth Committee is formed; focusing on Education; Chris Cunningham; Peter Polson and Alison Watkins appointed as directors.

Geographic focus expanded to funding projects across all of Australia.

The Foundation transitions to a Private Ancillary Fund; becoming the 35th registered ‘PAF’ in Australia.

Education and employment focus areas introduced; Greater support for indigenous wellbeing projects adopted; Medical Research removed from focus areas; First annual report published.

Mike Pratt appointed as a Director; The first Bennelong Foundation Tan Track Clocks gifted to the City of Melbourne; the first Tan Track Challenge was held; The Youth Committee expands to include employees across the Group.

First Bennelong Foundation scholarships and internships awarded; Focus areas consolidated to Education; Training & Employment; Community Health; and Migrant & Indigenous Community Welfare.

Carena Shankar appointed as Deputy Chair; Fiona Rowland appointed as General Manager.

First Pitch In events held in Melbourne and Sydney; Craig Bingham appointed as Director.

Gary Toomey joins as CEO of Bangarra Group and is appointed as a Director; Sandra Jacobs appointed as inaugural CEO.

Phil Honeywood appointed as a Director; Alice Wong joins the Bennelong Foundation as an adviser.

Omar Al Kassab joins the Bennelong Foundation as a lived-experience adviser; First non-financial grant distributed by way of pro-bono rent at Bennelong House; Rapid response grant distributed in support of Black Summer bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic; Kelly Chapman and Christine Fleer appointed as Directors; Bennelong Foundation UK established in June 2020.

First Impact Investment from the Foundation’s corpus; Employee committee renamed the Philanthropy & Engagement Committee; Sandra Jacobs appointed as Executive Director; Bennelong Foundation Investment Culture published; First grants distributed in the UK to organisations supporting welfare and young people in London and Cornwall.

Foundation celebrates 20 year anniversary; The UK Foundation introduces migrant welfare as a focus area; hosts it first Pitch In event and establishes a UK Philanthropy & Engagement Committee for employees.

The Foundation submits its first ‘Reflect’ Reconciliation Action Plan; Liem Nguyen appointed Grants & Administration Manager; The Bangarra Group launches Bennelong BetterWorld to increase focus on responsible investments.

Laura Cochrane appointed CEO and Managing Director; New Investment Committee formed; Strategic aim established to increase pathways to economic empowerment and social cohesion; with a focus on (a) opening education; training and employment pathways to those facing ingrained barriers to participation; and (b) developing community sport as a pathway to inclusion and cultural connection for those facing ingrained barriers to participation.