Working in the non-profit sector for over 24 years, I have seen a number of changes, both good and not-so-good. On the whole, the services being provided to the community are exceptional, however, there are still gaps that need filling.

Each year, more and more charities register through the ACNC, and as Susan Pascoe mentions in this article (http://goo.gl/usqFUd), many cease to operate each year also. Even though this should balance itself out, there seems to be an increase in the number of new campaigns, fundraisers and appeals, which puts pressure on, not only the organisations trying to raise funds, it also has an effect on the donor, who may eventually feel ‘donor fatigue’, and simply stop giving.

If we all take the simple approach of looking out for each other and band together for the common cause, being ‘let’s do everything we can to ensure the planet we live on and the community we live in are ok’, the world would be a different, and somewhat better place.

Are there too many charities in Australia? I tend to agree with Susan, “we can only say yes to that when we are confident that we are efficiently and effectively meeting all community needs not covered by government in every part of this vast continent.“