People Inspired By Purpose - Purposely Podcast Mark Longbottom

We are delighted to welcome Ian Bird, the new CEO of Community Foundations Australia (CFA), to the Purposely Podcast.


In this episode, Ian shares his vision for the future of Australian community foundations, drawing from his extensive experience as the former CEO of Community Foundations of Canada and his remarkable career as an Olympic hockey player. Interestingly, Ian represented Canada in field hockey at the Australian-hosted Olympics in 2000 in Sydney, as well as in South Korea. Having played hockey from a young age, Ian speaks passionately about his love for the sport and the camaraderie it fosters.

A natural leader, Ian began his career in Vancouver and later founded the first youth Field Hockey club in Quebec, called Chelsea Phoenix Field Hockey, where he also served as the head coach. Under his guidance, the Quebec team achieved multiple national championships.

During his tenure as the CEO of Community Foundations of Canada from 2011 to 2020, Ian Bird proved to be a transformational leader. He oversaw the organization's evolution into a "network of purpose" by fostering collaboration with various sectors and addressing diverse priorities, including reconciliation with Indigenous communities, gender equity, social finance, and evolving patterns in giving.

Ian's primary goal as the CEO of CFA is to expand the reach of community foundations across Australia. Currently, only slightly over half of the Australian population has access to a local community foundation. With more than 40 community foundations already established, Ian aims to build upon the existing strength and vision within the network. He firmly believes that Australian community foundations have the potential to leapfrog ahead in development by incorporating Indigenous peoples' experiences from the start and drawing on the Australian ethos of directness and openness.

Ian Bird is a champion for inclusivity in Australian community foundations. His vision revolves around creating opportunities for those who may not typically participate. He aims to develop a network that ensures all Australians have access to a community foundation, fostering self-determination and empowering communities to generate funding and solutions on the ground. By building a strong network of purpose, community foundations can address local issues and collaborate on challenges that transcend any one community, such as climate change and housing challenges.

Ian draws inspiration from the success of the community foundation movement in Canada, which has a rich history spanning 100 years. He highlights the importance of highly trusted local institutions that allow neighbors to witness and participate in giving. The Canadian experience has shown that having a tangible place to make a gift accelerates the pace of giving and creates a social messaging that encourages more philanthropy. Ian aims to replicate this success in Australia by leveraging existing infrastructure and fostering partnerships with private funders, universities, health authorities, and other civil organizations.

Ian believes that the current moment presents an opportunity for Australians to create a different future by sharing resources and building a true community support infrastructure. By fostering grassroots-driven change and community-based self-determination, Australia can become more resilient and effectively address pressing issues with a fresh perspective. Ian's vision aligns with the shared agenda of political leaders across parliamentary parties, emphasizing the power of collaboration and collective action.




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Welcome to Purposely Short, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Eric Ressler founder of Cosmic a creative agency for social impact organisations and brands.



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Welcome to Purposely Short, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Tracy Clark CEO of Young Gloucestershire




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Welcoming Jon Tanner, a former international hockey player and the co-founder of Coach For Life Foundation to Purposely where he shares his organisation's mission to inspire and educate the next generation of sports coaches.

Founded in January 2021, the Coach For Life Foundation aims to elevate the quality of youth sport coaches in New Zealand. Their mission is clear: to inspire and empower coaches to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young athletes. Through fostering a connected and engaged community, they're building a platform for motivated coaches to thrive and excel.

Jon's roots in Hamilton, where he attended St Paul’s Collegiate, laid the foundation for his remarkable trajectory. Armed with a BCom from Otago University, Jon made his mark on the hockey field, representing the Black Sticks Men’s Hockey team in 1982. But his contributions extend far beyond the sports arena.

In the world of finance and community engagement, Jon is a force to be reckoned with. His involvement in various boards and trustee roles, including Momentum Waikato, Cure Parkinson’s NZ, and Hamilton Gardens Development Trust, underscores his commitment to making a difference. Not to mention his instrumental role in fundraising for organizations like the Neuro Research Charitable Trust and the Halberg Trust.

Despite his many achievements in business and philanthropy, Jon's heart remains intertwined with the world of sports, especially hockey. From his successful coaching career to his pivotal role in establishing Midlands Hockey in 1998, Jon's dedication to the sport is unwavering. As a former Hockey New Zealand board member and Founding Chair for the Hockey Foundation, he continues to shape the landscape of New Zealand's sporting community.

For Jon, youth sport coaching holds a special place in his heart. His own enriching experiences as a young athlete, coupled with his belief in the importance of nurturing coaches, drive his passion for this cause. It's a passion that has earned him recognition, including being awarded a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order for his services to hockey.

As Jon Tanner embarks on this new chapter with the Coach For Life Foundation, his journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for us all. Through purpose-driven initiatives and unwavering commitment, Jon is not just shaping the future of sports coaching; he's leaving a lasting legacy of empowerment and transformation.






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Welcome to Purposely Short, a weekly episode, featuring one of our friends or past guests and their expertise on a certain topic.

This weeks episode features Vicki Cardwell




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Helen Robinson, the Auckland City Missioner, recently shared insights into her career and the Mission's unwavering commitment to helping those in need with Purposely. Rising from the ranks, Helen was promoted to the role of CEO in April 2021, succeeding Chris Farrelly as the Missioner.

Growing up in Johnsonville, Wellington, amongst a family of five, Helen describes her upbringing as one filled with love and warmth. Inspired by her parents' leadership within their community, she embarked on a path dedicated to serving others. With a background in youth development and a law degree under her belt, Helen's journey led her to work internationally in Ethiopia and to obtain a master's degree in social and community leadership, focusing on researching food insecurity.

Currently overseeing 240 staff members across various services including housing, food, health, and social services, Helen acknowledges the immense responsibility she holds. She emphasises the importance of meditation in managing the demands of her role, finding solace in the serene surroundings of her New Lynn home.

Helen's professional journey has been marked by her dedication to addressing social issues in New Zealand. With significant experience in community development, she has worked with marginalised populations and led initiatives to combat homelessness and food insecurity. Her tenure as the General Manager of Social Services at Auckland City Mission saw notable improvements in service delivery, aimed at providing dignified support to those in need.

In addition to her practical work, Helen has contributed to research on food insecurity in New Zealand and played a pivotal role in initiatives like Kore Hiakai, striving towards a food-secure Aotearoa. Her academic background in law and social policy, coupled with her deep understanding of social issues, underscores her commitment to justice and equity.

Founded in response to the aftermath of World War I and the Spanish flu epidemic, Auckland City Mission has a long-standing history of community service devoid of prejudice. From helping individuals battling addiction to offering assistance during the AIDS crisis, the Mission remains steadfast in its ethos of inclusivity.

The recent completion of HomeGround—a $100 million facility—marks a significant milestone in the Mission's journey. Serving as a central community hub, HomeGround provides permanent housing, healthcare services, addiction support, and a welcoming environment for all individuals and families in need.

The profound impact of the Mission's work is evident in the countless individuals and families it assists annually, offering vital services ranging from food assistance to residential care. Guided by Helen's leadership, the Mission remains dedicated to its pursuit of justice and hope amidst the challenges posed by poverty.






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