I don’t feel I can start this column without acknowledging the horrific attack directed at Jewish people peacefully celebrating Chanukah at Bondi Beach on 14 December 2025. This act of terrorism by two gunmen will have lasting effects on the Jewish community, and more broadly. I offer my condolences to those impacted, directly and indirectly.
Moments like these remind us why charities matter so deeply. As the sector has done throughout history, charities will be key to recovery—fostering unity and connection as well as providing practical support. The opening message in the Not-for-profit Sector Development Blueprint (a 10-year roadmap developed by the sector) articulates this role beautifully:
Australian civil society is our nation’s connective tissue, and the Not-for-profit (NFP) and charity sectors (NFP sector) its beating heart. … It brings people and communities closer together to support each other and devise responses to local and collective problems. Australia’s NFP sector enriches social cohesion… and protects our democratic system.
During the Bondi attack there were acts of bravery by (charity) volunteers, such as those of the surf lifesavers and the Hatzalah (Jewish first responders). Since then, many others have stepped up—like the Australian Red Cross coordinating blood donations which received a massive response.
In the weeks that followed, charities provided what they always do: meals and gifts around Christmas and food relief, including the huge 7-tonne food donation that came from the MCG after the Boxing Day Test. As I write, volunteers are on the ground fighting bushfires in Victoria and battling floods in Queensland; local and national charities providing shelter and support. They will also be integral to helping communities get back up on their feet, long after the fires and floods subside.
More broadly, many charities are working to fight extremism, discrimination and racism. Many are working to support a vibrant and multicultural Australian community. Under the ACNC Act, charitable purposes include:
- Promoting reconciliation, mutual respect and tolerance between groups of people that are in Australia
- Advancing the security or safety of Australia or the Australian public
- Advancing public debate (to further other charitable purposes).
These purposes are not just words on paper. They are living and active, impacting the lives of all Australians. If you are involved in running a charity you must keep your charitable purpose front of mind. Ask: how does our work advance public debate about human rights, for example. Being able to explain to the public (and the ACNC) how and why your work furthers the charitable purpose(s) your charity is registered for, is a core obligation. It’s the foundation for public trust.
All charities must also comply with Australian laws. If your charity advocates (including advancing religion), ensure it doesn’t publish offensive, discriminatory or hateful material. Every charity must act for public benefit. If there are new laws (such as those proposed about hate speech), we’ll provide guidance and support, so you understand your obligations.
Another way Australians respond in times of crisis is through generosity. Before Christmas, we launched our annual media campaign urging Australians to give wisely and avoid scammers. You can help—make sure your reporting is up to date so donors using the Charity Register see you’ve met this core transparency obligation. Last year there were 2.1 million searches (up 8%), showing the Register is a powerful tool for connecting charities with community.
Finally, as I watched the commemoration ceremony for the Bondi victims, I was touched by the request Jewish faith leaders made in the aftermath of such an expression of hatred. A simple request was made by Rabbi Nochum Schapiro who encouraged everybody to perform one ‘mitzvah’. He explained that a mitzvah is a good deed: an act of kindness, charity or compassion, whether big or small, that can help shine light through darkness. To me, this call echoes across our charity sector. In challenging times, going to kindness can be powerful, and I feel confident that Australian charities will, as they have done before, work to help repair and strengthen connective tissue for our nation.
Warm regards,
Sue Woodward AM