Gather for Good 2026 Reflection
We’re still buzzing from the ‘Gather for Good’ Conference delivered by Local Impact, on June 26th at Victoria University.
It was a fantastic day of connection, conversation and fresh ideas, bringing together the Doing Good community across Melbourne’s west. Over 200 attended, with 40 speakers and 9 breakout sessions unpacking not for profits hot topics including
Mapping Community Connections,
AI for Not-for-Profits
Fundraising That Works
Collaboration Not Competition
Mentoring That Matters
Storytelling for Impact
Co-Design in Actions
Diversifying Revenue
Not-for-Profit Structures 101
Delivered under Local Impact pillars of Connection, Education and Support, this event provided an opportunity for participants to network, collaborate, and workshop practical solutions to build and grow our community organisations.
It was great to have such a variety of individuals and organisations from the West of Melbourne and beyond join us, making the day such a success.
Our stellar lineup of speakers and panellists, shared their knowledge, wide variety of experience and insights as leaders within their organisation, their generosity and passion made the day truly special.
Seeing so many organisations, community connectors and the Doing Good community come together for such an engaging and impactful day was incredibly rewarding.
We loved hearing the positive feedback from attendees. Here are just a few of the comments they shared.
“Absolutely incredible event – a day filled with inspirational people doing good for the community. Couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”
“I left the day feeling inspired by the people I met and excited about what can happen when organisations come together with a shared purpose.”
This conference highlights the power of community connection and collaboration over competition, creating opportunities for participants to build partnerships and learn from the lived experiences and successes of others.
Attendees left with practical knowledge, expanded networks and actionable strategies to strengthen their organisations and deepen their impact across the community and the opportunity to hear directly from funders as they pitch to participants to access their grant programs.
Our day finished with an innovative ‘Flip the Pitch’ session, where funders convinced attendees why they should apply to their fund turning the traditional funding pitch on its head.
Our funders:
– Bendigo Community Bank, Seddon
– Greater Melbourne Foundation
– Maribyrnong City Council
– Rotary
– The Jack Brockhoff Foundation
– Equity Trustees
The Westsider newspaper and Westsider Radio are proud media partners for Local Impact’s Gather for Good 2026. We thank them for their valued support in helping share and amplify our premier community event and their ongoing commitment to telling the stories of the West.
We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors Community Bank Seddon, Collins & Co Audit Pty Ltd and Cape Group for their support.
Thank you to our Gold Sponsor
Thank you to our Sliver Sponsors
