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"Project Compass" title graphic with a pink star icon on a textured cloudy blue background, featuring the Girl Guides Australia logo above and Carla Zampatti and ACRE Thriving Rural Futures logos below.
Articles

7 Mar 2026

Project Compass: A Social Enterprise Learning Program Empowering 11,500 Girl Guides

By Jamie Meyer

This report, developed by the Blueprint Expert Reference Group with support from the Department of Social Services, sets out a ten-year plan to strengthen Australia's not-for-profit and charity sector. It argues for stronger funding, regulation and government partnership so charities can keep supporting communities long term.

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Summary

This report, developed by the Blueprint Expert Reference Group with support from the Department of Social Services, sets out a ten-year plan to strengthen Australia's not-for-profit and charity sector. It responds to long-standing calls for reform, noting that charities contribute over $200 billion to the economy and employ 1.47 million people, yet remain under-resourced and inconsistently regulated.

The Blueprint is built around three priorities: creating a fairer regulatory and funding environment, supporting the people and volunteers who make up the sector, and helping it adapt to challenges like digital change and climate risk. It sets out 18 initiatives, including full-cost government funding, stronger advocacy rights, and greater self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community-controlled organisations.

It's useful for charity leaders, funders and policymakers wanting to understand the reforms shaping the sector's future, and how government and NFPs are expected to work together to deliver them.

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