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The effective interaction of the corporate sector, philanthropists, investors, not-for-profit service delivery agencies (and governments) is increasingly crucial to delivering improved social and community benefits to people across social service areas and those in need, according to Winthrop Professor Paul Flatau, Director of the Centre for Social Impact at The University of Western Australia.

Professor Flatau will deliver the keynote lecture at the First Ordinary Meeting of Convocation (UWA Graduates Association) in UWA's Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery at 7pm on Friday March 16.

"Social policy has almost by definition been the preserve of government," he said.  "It is governments that have taken primary responsibility for financing and, with not-for-profit organisations, delivering social programs in Australia.

"However, we are now seeing a stronger role being played by the corporate sector and by philanthropists in financing social programs, and new forms of partnership between the corporate sector, philanthropists and not-for-profit agencies around programs in communities.

"There is a yet untapped market for impact investors in the social sphere. People should not underestimate the importance of linkages between the corporate world and not-for-profit bodies as we seek to ensure the continuance of a civil society."

The Warden of Convocation, Associate Professor David Hodgkinson, said the public was welcome to join UWA graduates to hear Professor Flatau speak on a topic of major community significance.

"It will also be an opportunity to hear the University's new Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paul Johnson, report on current UWA activities and developments, and future directions," he said.

The results of recent Convocation elections will be announced at the meeting.

Registration is required.

WHAT: Keynote lecture, First Ordinary Meeting of Convocation

WHERE: Lawrence Wilson Art Gallery, UWA

WHEN: 6.30pm for 7pm start, Friday 16 March 2012

COST : Free, light catering provided.

Media references

Associate Professor David Hodgkinson (+61 8)  6488 3668  /  (+61 4) 02 824 832
Michael Sinclair-Jones (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 3229  /  (+61 4) 00 700 783