Gandel Foundation backs national initiative to strengthen civility in Australia

The Menzies Leadership Foundation is pleased to announce Gandel Foundation as a key funding partner in the next phase of Reimagining a Civil Australia, supporting the development of the systems, partnerships and shared learning needed to strengthen civility, social cohesion and leadership for the greater good. 

Launched in Ballarat in February 2026, Reimagining a Civil Australia brings together individuals, communities and organisations to identify ways to help all Australians strengthen our social fabric at a time of rising division, distrust, racism and intolerance. The initiative is supported by General Sir Peter Cosgrove AK CVO MC (Retd), who chairs the National Civility Taskforce, and is being delivered through community trials and a broad Civility Coalition of place-based, philanthropic, non-profit and civic organisations. 

Gandel Foundation is supporting the initiative’s national convening, sense-making and co-design. This will help the Menzies Leadership Foundation and its partners connect communities and organisations, generate shared learning and move from dialogue to practical action. 

Menzies Leadership Foundation CEO Liz Gillies said the support from Gandel Foundation would help deepen the initiative’s national impact.

“We are enormously grateful to Gandel Foundation for joining us in this important work. At a time when antisemitism, racism, tribalism and distrust are placing pressure on Australia’s shared values, this support will strengthen the national convening, sense-making and co-design needed to connect communities, generate learning and support practical action,” Ms Gillies said. 

“Civility is not simply about politeness. It is about how we hold difference, rebuild trust and strengthen the conditions that allow people and communities to act together for the greater good.”

The initiative seeks to develop a unifying narrative about race, diversity and shared values; encourage Australians to challenge bias and division; and support systemic strategies that strengthen inclusion, respect and civic leadership across the country. 

Gandel Foundation CEO Adam Ognall said the Foundation was pleased to support the Menzies Leadership Foundation’s Reimagining a Civil Australia initiative and its important work to strengthen social cohesion, respect and civic leadership across Australia.

“We are enormously grateful to Gandel Foundation for joining us in this important work. At a time when antisemitism, racism, tribalism and distrust are placing pressure on Australia’s shared values, this support will strengthen the national convening, sense-making and co-design needed to connect communities, generate learning and support practical action,” Ms Gillies said. 

“Civility is not simply about politeness. It is about how we hold difference, rebuild trust and strengthen the conditions that allow people and communities to act together for the greater good.”

The Menzies Leadership Foundation looks forward to working with Gandel Foundation and its partners as Reimagining a Civil Australia continues to grow.

Rebuilding trust and civility across Australia takes more than goodwill — it takes communities and organisations willing to move from dialogue to practical action, holding difference rather than retreating from it. At a time when division, distrust and intolerance are testing our shared values, the work that matters most is the work that connects people across communities and turns shared learning into lasting change.

At the Menzies Leadership Foundation, this is precisely the kind of leadership we exist to support. Through Reimagining a Civil Australia, and with the support of Gandel Foundation, we are strengthening the national convening, sense-making and co-design needed to help all Australians build civility, social cohesion and leadership for the greater good. Connect with our Work.

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Natasha Eskinja

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Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

LinkedIn | natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au

Sarah Jenkins

Strategic Communications Manager

Sarah has more than 18 years’ experience in communications and marketing leadership across a range of sectors.

Communications strategy and organisational growth is a continuing theme in Sarah’s career. Most recently, she leads the development of a Leadership Movement, evaluated by Menzies Viral Co-efficient Model; a contribution to the NFP. 

Sarah’s early career centred around best practice in marketing and communications which later culminated into the establishment of her very own agency. This work extensively spanned across PR, traditional media, event management, strategy, digital marketing, graphic design and business development consultancy. 

In 2019, Sarah joined the lean and robust team at the Menzies Foundation. She has since crafted the Foundation’s narrative and communication strategy. The development of this strategic communications platform is essential for ‘movement building’ and requires a strong strategic, management and communication skills set. Sarah has brought so much to this important work, which sits at the forefront of communication practice. 

Sarah continues to contribute to the NFP sector through her commitment to Purpose; as she reflects on her own leadership, builds her own leadership capability and contributes to the greater good. 

LinkedIn | sarah.jenkins@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0401 880 071

Rohan Martyres

Director, Strategy and Partnerships

Rohan has 15 years’ experience in facilitating cross-sector collaborations to address complex social and health challenges.  He has worked with the World Economic Forum in Australia, led an international conflict resolution field team in Nepal, and directed a 10-year £40m initiative to reduce health inequity in London.

Most recently, Rohan was Major Grants Development Manager at the Ian Potter Foundation.  He refined the foundation’s major grants strategy, and co-developed a series of large scale initiatives, including joint philanthropic-government funding for a new national organization to support place-based approaches across Australia.

Rohan has held several non-executive roles, including with an international NGO and with London Funders, the peak body of independent foundations in London.  He holds several qualifications including a graduate degree in innovation and strategy from the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.

When Rohan isn’t exploring Melbourne’s creeks with his partner and 6yo daughter, he’s working on his currently weak Australian accent (after 15 years in the UK).

LinkedIn | rohan.martyres@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0404 505 954

Trudy Morrison

Operations Manager

A marketing and communications specialist with over 20 years experience in government, corporate and consumer marketing, Trudy brings her adaptive and organisational project management skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

With a BA degree in Public Relations, Trudy began her career with the City of Melbourne and in magazine publishing, before moving into marketing communications consulting. She has worked in strategic marketing leadership roles with retail brands and enjoys juggling many projects and tasks simultaneously. Her skills were further enhanced when managing her own communications business representing industries across private education, financial services, aviation, government and the health industry. 

Trudy is passionate about leadership and all people being encouraged to reach their full potential through research and educational initiatives and opportunities throughout Australia. A skilled and accomplished writer and editor Trudy is enthusiastic about bringing her variety of skills to the Menzies Foundation team. 

LinkedIn | trudy.morrison@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0402 361 878

Liz Gillies

Chief Executive Officer

Liz Gillies has had over 25 years experience in a range of fields focused on initiatives for social impact. She has held roles in multiple sectors and academia.

In 2018, Liz was appointed CEO of the Menzies Foundation which aspires to build a leadership movement that supports Australians to pivot to purpose, build their leadership capability and contribute to the ‘greater good’.

Liz joined the Melbourne Business School in 2009 and was instrumental in establishing the Asia Pacific Social Impact Centre (APSIC) and The Centre for Ethical Leadership. In November 2011 she was appointed as research fellow to lead a partnership focused on strategic philanthropy which culminated in the release of the reports: Philanthropy: Towards a Better Practice Model (2018) and the Philanthropy: The Continued Journey to Real Impact and better Practice (2021).

Liz has extensive governance experience, having served on the Board of the Publish Galleries Association of Victoria, Social Firms Australia, Uniting Care Community Options, United Way Australia and the Development Committee of the Towards a Just Society Foundation. She is currently on the Philanthropy Reference Group of Barmal Bijiril and a Director of Philanthropy Australia.

LinkedIn | liz.gillies@menziesfoundation.org.au | 0416 112 703

Natasha Eskinja

Digital Communications Coordinator

Natasha is driven by a profound passion for both creativity and analytics, a synergy that fosters authentic storytelling in the digital realm with both innovation and integrity. 

Throughout her career, she has consistently integrated the overarching marketing and communications narrative with the emotional connections of audiences. She is currently pursuing a Certificate in Society and the Individual from Flinders University, furthering her exploration of human behaviour and the critical importance of connectedness between organisations, individuals, and communities.

natasha.eskinja@menziesfoundation.org.au