Leadership
Social Impact Leadership Australia
“When we are taught about leaders we always hear about the great and famous leaders and we are told that the qualities of leadership are courage, willpower, initiative and knowledge. The majority of us then say, “leadership is not for me, fancy me hoping to have all those qualities.” (…) My message to you is that you all must and can be a leader.”
Sir Vincent Fairfax
In March 2019, the VFFF Board approved a grant to establish a landmark leadership and capacity development program for Australia’s not-for-profit sector. Social Impact Leadership Australia (SILA) emerged from this vision as a bold collaborative initiative, partnering with The Myer Foundation, Sidney Myer Fund, and the Paul Ramsay Foundation to strengthen the leadership capabilities of for-purpose CEOs, their organisations, and the sector. A key feature of SILA is its focus on rural and regional leadership, with at least one-third of participants serving these communities. This is a reflection of VFFF’s deep commitment to supporting leaders outside metropolitan centres.
Delivered by the Centre for Social Impact (CSI), SILA’s innovative model combines immersive retreats, tailored sabbaticals, executive coaching, and capacity-building funds. The program’s impact has been profound: the latest independent evaluation by Nous Group found that 20 out of 23 Cohort 4 participants rated SILA a perfect 10 out of 10, with a Net Promoter Score of 96. CEOs reported transformative growth in confidence, strategic clarity, and wellbeing, while organisations experienced renewed leadership, improved culture, and enhanced succession planning. SILA Alumni have become catalysts for sector-wide collaboration and joint advocacy initiatives, driving systemic change and better outcomes for communities.
VFFF committed to funding SILA for a further five years (2026-2031), approving a grant of $4.1 million to support five new cohorts alongside the initial peer foundations and welcoming the Snow Foundation to the funding partnership. Rural and regional leaders will continue to be prioritised, ensuring VFFF’s legacy of supporting those who serve Australia’s heartland remains central. Based on feedback from previous cohorts SILA will strengthen the sector by deepening inclusivity, refining coaching and retreat formats, and enhancing support for Step Up Leaders.
VFFF Director Tim Fairfax, a SILA advocate and champion from the program’s initial days, reflected,
“We see the SILA program as a living legacy in the sector. A legacy that grows leadership capacity, strengthens organisations, and empowers communities, especially in rural and regional Australia. It’s a privilege to witness the ripple effect of this investment, as sector leaders step forward and shape a better future for all.”
From one generation to the next, the Fairfax family’s commitment to leadership continues to support the transformation of the for-purpose sector, ensuring that these leaders are equipped and capable to create systemic change in Australia’s social impact journey.