Hello from our CEO • September 2024

By Hanna Ebeling, Chief Executive Officer

As we step into the new financial year and welcome the warmer days of spring, there’s an undeniable buzz across Sefa’s activities. From the EmpowerHER Hub celebrations in Northern Rivers to the remarkable stories of ShoreTrack’s impact, it’s been a season filled with growth and celebration. 

I recently had the pleasure of participating in the "Impact Investing in Practice" Masterclass at the Philanthropy Australia Conference in Adelaide. This sparked some deep thinking around the maturity stages of social purpose organisations and the vital support they need—be it capital or capability—to push towards greater impact. 

I’m also excited to share that Sefa is a proud partner for Social Traders Convene 2024—an event focused on using business as a force for good through social enterprise. Taking place on 29th October in Sydney, this free event will bring together social enterprises, businesses, and government leaders to shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable future. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and learn from industry experts and passionate leaders committed to making a difference. Register here before 5pm on Friday, 25th October to join us!

We've also been excited by the opening of the third Tender Funerals site, and while we say farewell to Max, we're also preparing for new beginnings, with a search for our next Social Finance Manager and Team Assistant now underway. 

Sefa Partnerships, our sister organisation, continues to flourish, now supporting seven active auspicing partnerships. One fledgling project we’re particularly excited about is Regen Labs, which is preparing to design and develop a bespoke, place-based capital product for regenerative enterprises. 

Lastly, in our Behind the Impact series, we’re shining the spotlight on Kate, a powerhouse in our Social Finance team. She’s been instrumental in advancing our loan pipeline and driving growth. We're gearing up to unlock even more capital for social impact, recognising the urgent need for accessible capital for early-stage organisations. 

On a personal note, I recently marked my 10-year anniversary at Sefa. The team surprised me with a celebration that was equal parts heartfelt and fun, culminating in an escape room challenge where we, like in our client work, solved all the pieces together. 

Looking forward to sharing more of what’s next for Sefa as the year unfolds! 

Hanna