Trust underpins everything charities do. More than 2 million searches of the Charity Register last financial year show how much Australians rely on transparent, up-to-date information before giving their support.
In this month’s Commissioner’s Column, Sue Woodward AM highlights why timely reporting is essential for maintaining a charity’s reputation and trust in uncertain times.
Read more: https://t.co/K0V530mLWR
Hard moments show us what strong, caring communities really look like. Going to kindness is powerful, and I feel confident that Australian charities will, as they have done before, work to help repair and strengthen our nation’s connective tissue.
In this month’s Commissioner’s Column, Sue Woodward AM reflects on the recent Bondi Beach tragedy and the devastation of floods and bushfires - and why charities are integral in helping communities recover.
Read more: https://t.co/QJunReWbcz
We all feel heartbroken by events at Bondi. Checking the Register should be the first step in researching a charity that is conducting a crowdfunding campaign before you donate.
ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM is advising those who want to donate to fundraising appeals following the Bondi terror attack to ensure their donation is going to a well-governed, regulated charity. https://t.co/4DFfCQwNcI
We all feel heartbroken about events in Bondi. It’s natural that we want to help in some way, and one way to help is to make a donation to a fundraising appeal. But please be cautious and give to a registered charity.
Following Sunday’s tragic terror attack on Bondi Beach in Sydney, the ACNC is urging donors to be cautious before donating to fundraising appeals, and check the Charity Register. https://t.co/EDXQ5hvKpA
I’ve seen how a simple idea can grow into something extraordinary when charities have the right support. This year, we registered for more charities than ever. As we look ahead to 2026, we’ll keep cutting red tape and maintaining data on the Charity Register.
In this month’s Commissioner’s Column, Sue Woodward AM highlights the resilience of Australia’s charity sector in 2025, with a record number of new registrations bringing the total to 64,691.
Read more - https://t.co/jDQol5GyHT.
ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM spoke at the @SACOSS conference in Adelaide today. Pictured left to right - Cara Varian (CEO NCOSS), Juanita Pope (CEO VCOSS), Sue Woodward (Commissioner ACNC) and Dr Catherine Earl (CEO SACOSS) #VitalSupport
I’ve seen how effective record-keeping can transform a charity’s ability to deliver on its mission. That’s why record-keeping is one of our regulatory priorities for the year ahead - simple practices can make a big difference.
In this month’s Commissioner’s Column, Sue Woodward AM reminds us that strong governance is the backbone of a well-run charity and that one of the most powerful tools for good governance is effective record-keeping.
Read more https://t.co/AidjPgFSER
Our Governing For Good Forum was a wonderful opportunity to hear from more than 20 speakers, sharing insights on a range of topics. Let’s keep working together with a shared purpose to continue to build public trust and confidence in Australia’s charities and not-for-profits.
In this month’s Commissioner’s Column, Sue Woodward AM reflects on the ACNC’s recent Governing for Good Forum. The event brought together advisers, academics, policy makers, and charity members from right across the country, and the world.
Read more 👉 https://t.co/nQaSdCfCKv
Memorable AGMs always do more than meet their legal obligations. They celebrate achievements, inspire and engage their members and support a smooth handover when board members change. If you’re thinking ahead, my latest column has some practical tips and tools to help you plan.
In this month's Commissioner's Column, Sue Woodward AM reminds charities to consider their obligations in thinking ahead to their Annual General Meeting.
Read more 👉 https://t.co/OOQ5Xyu9aS
Great to catch up with @ALeighMP and to launch the Australian Charities Report. It shows that the charity sector is a powerhouse of good, bringing benefits to people and communities who need support.
Read more: https://t.co/ay2XBZfkH0
1.5 million Australians work for a charity, nearly 11% of the workforce. With the latest Charities Report hot off the press, Charities Commissioner Sue Woodward takes us through some of the highlights. Read more: https://t.co/fIgZIleRAB @ACNC_gov_au#auspol
Honoured to visit the NT Working Women’s Centre and attend the Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards on a recent visit to Darwin. Always a pleasure to listen and learn from those who do vital work in their communities. Thank you for the warm welcome.
ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM recently visited the NT Working Women’s Centre and attended the Northern Territory Volunteer of the Year Awards – celebrating frontline support for women and the vital role volunteers play in NT communities.
For a national regulator, being on the ground matters. Getting out of the office and into community settings gives us a clearer view of how regulation plays out day to day. It’s how we stay connected, responsive and grounded in the realities charities face.
This week, ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM has been in Darwin – joining fellow regulators at a forum and meeting charities including ANKA and Ironbark to hear directly about the work they’re doing and challenges they face on the ground.
I was honoured to visit Purple House in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and hear from CEO Sarah Brown AM. Their model is saving lives – improving access to life saving dialysis in remote communities so people can stay on Country, connected to culture and family.
In Alice this week Commissioner Sue Woodward AM met with Purple House, an Aboriginal community-controlled health service doing lifesaving work, delivering dialysis services in remote communities across the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia.
Great to be on Arrernte country to meet with the charities and not-for-profits making a difference in this remarkable part of Australia. These grassroots organisations are the lifeline of their communities, preserving culture and empowering those who need it most.
Today, the ACNC teamed up with fellow regulators in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) for a day of insights, inspiration and connection – bringing together the passionate charities and not-for-profits that make a real impact in the region.
Encouraging to see charities navigate rules around political advocacy with confidence. Recent insights show a drop in concerns raised with the ACNC – a positive sign that the sector is finding the balance between speaking up for their causes and staying within the rules.
In this month's Commissioner's Column, Sue Woodward AM speaks about insights into political advocacy concerns raised during the recent federal election campaign. Read more: https://t.co/S49qtL79jZ
Technology is transforming how we work, but the real impact of charities still comes from human connection and their mission to serve people. For charities to thrive, governance must keep pace with innovation, ensuring tech is used ethically and with purpose.
@ACNCommissioner Sue Woodward AM spoke at the @Infoxchange Technology for Social Justice Conference this morning, discussing the pace of technological change in the sector and how to support charities to navigate the challenges and opportunities for governance.
Great to recently meet with charity regulators from Canada, England & Wales, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, NZ, Singapore & the US. While our regulatory regimes differ, we’re united in our goal to support good governance and best practice across the sector.
Now that a federal election has been called, it’s important to be mindful of how your charity conducts its advocacy. In the heat of an election campaign, if your charity plans to take a public stance or launch a campaign, make sure it links back to your charitable purpose.
In this month's Commissioner's Column, Sue Woodward AM reminds charities that focusing on issues, not party politics, is key to advocacy as an ACNC registered charity. Read more: https://t.co/7GbvSHnW7p
I am very proud to work alongside many remarkable women here at the ACNC. The strong representation of women across all levels of the ACNC also reflects the charity sector we regulate. A sector where the impact of the contribution of women is profound and long standing
Tomorrow is International Women’s Day, and we’d like to celebrate the incredible women who shape and strengthen Australia’s charity sector. Thank you to all the women working to create meaningful and positive change.
#IWD2025#AccelerateAction#ForAllWomenAndGirls
Senate Estimates hearings are part of our accountability – in my opening statement I talked about the work we are doing on advocacy to help ensure charities understand how to engage in these activities lawfully.
This month’s column features ACNC Commissioner Sue Woodward AM’s opening remarks to the Senate Estimates Economics Committee at Parliament House in Canberra. Read more: https://t.co/txfN9sds4u