Case Study: Camberwell faced a significant challenge: to recruit a senior fundraising professional capable of leveraging the existing foundation of philanthropy and connections to achieve growth, and implement a strategic and integrated program.
Work-Ready and Empowered: A Shared Mission with SisterWorks
Every few months, Gembridge has the privilege of visiting SisterWorks to run an interview preparation session with their hospitality program participants. These inspiring women, from migrant, refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds, are just about to graduate a 10-week training program, and our session is focused on building their confidence and helping them feel ready to step into work.
Across the hour, we role-play interviews — practising introductions, sharing personal stories, and exploring how to communicate why they would make a great hire. Many feel more comfortable chatting one-on-one, which gives them the space to open up and practise their English. Together, we identify transferable skills — from raising children and managing households to volunteering or past work experience — and show how these translate into qualities hospitality employers truly value.
Smiles, stories and strength! Gembridge Senior Consultant Lisa Krishtul, standing 4th from the right, with SisterWorks participants (September 2025).
What always stands out to us is the transformation that happens in just one session. Women who begin unsure and hesitant, often finish with a stronger sense of self-belief, standing taller and feeling more confident about their next steps. Being part of this journey is incredibly rewarding, and at Gembridge, we’re proud to support SisterWorks in preparing these women for meaningful employment here in Australia.
Leading with purpose | BCorp Journey
Why certify as a B Corp so early?
Gembridge became a Certified B Corporation in 2022—just a few years after launching. We wanted to embed purpose from the start, building strong frameworks and a lasting commitment to people, planet, and profit.
With only 19 certified recruitment agencies in Australia, we’re proud to stand out in a sector of 8,000. Early certification keeps us focused on impact, ethics, and continuous improvement—reflected in our rising B Impact Score.
PD and Recruitment Brief: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Change is the Constant: Insights to help you stay ahead in a shifting recruitment market
Gem Spotlight - Alisa Vartuli
Alisa is driven by a passion for health equity and meaningful impact. “I love being part of a team committed to improving health outcomes across our communities,” she says, reflecting her dedication to values-driven work and collaborative fundraising at Cancer Council NSW as a Trusts & Foundations Specialist.
Gem Spotlight - Chris McKenzie
Ideas and Impact at Educate Plus VIC/TAS Chapter Summit 2025
Celebrating Fundraiser Appreciation Day 2025
In the spirit of appreciation, we ran a competition on our LinkedIn page where we invited our network to nominate fundraisers making a real difference in Australia, and whose work deserves to be recognised. We had initially planned to gift three Endota Gift Cards, but the response was so great that we awarded a fourth. Here’s to the winners – may you enjoy some well-earned relaxation after tax time!
Interview Success: Why Delivery Is Just as Important as Experience
Case Study - Finding a new CEO for Learning for Life Autism Centre
B Corp | Gembridge, Recertified & Increased Impact Score
Gembridge at events, Connecting with People (Gems)
Gem Spotlight - Francine Poisson
We were so excited to see that Francine Poisson was awarded the FIA fellowship.
With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit sector, Francine is the Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at the Black Dog Institute, a leading Australian medical research institute dedicated to mental health across the lifespan.
Here is what Francine has to say after we put her through the Gem Spotlight questions…
Gem Spotlight - Sharon Hillman, Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award
Sharon Hillman FFIA has received the prestigious Arthur Venn Lifetime Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions to fundraising. With over 30 years of experience, she has been a leader, innovator, and advocate for best practices.
A dedicated member of FIA, Sharon has served as Past President of FIA Victoria, a Board Member, and a volunteer on key committees, helping to shape the future of fundraising in Australia.
Let’s see what Sharon has to say when we caught up with her…
