2023 was another big year for SIMNA!

This year saw a packed events calendar, with a total of 38 learning events, gatherings and roundtables taking place both online and in person across the country. We were particularly excited to see events starting up again in Queensland in the second half of the year. Topics covered through our learning events included accessible impact reporting, outcomes measurement in place-based approaches, impact investment defined and measured, engaging children and young people in impact measurement and unpacking our options in social impact measurement.

In July, we participated in the inaugural Social Impact Summit in Sydney joining leaders from the social, corporate and government sectors with a shared vision to create a fair, just and inclusive Australian society. On Day 2, our Executive Officer, Laura Glynn and SIMNA board member Edmund McCombs, Head of Social Impact at Lendlease, took part in a panel discussion on social impact measurement and management in the ESG age.

Outside of events, we were pleased to start offering the SVI Level 1 Social Value and Impact Management Exam in September, which we believe provides members with a great opportunity to achieve an internationally recognised qualification.

We also welcomed the opportunity to take part in two government submissions: Measuring what Matters and A Stronger, More Diverse and Independent Community Sector.

We closed the year by celebrating the fantastic work being done across the country in social impact measurement via the SIMNA Awards. The winners and runners up were announced at a virtual ceremony at the end of November, which also included a lively panel discussion and video address from Andrew Leigh.

None of this would have been possible without our amazing volunteers – our Organising Committee Members in Queensland, Sydney, Western Australia, Western Sydney and Victoria, our Awards Judges, our Board Members and the Senior Impact Leaders Roundtable Enablers. A huge thank you to you all! An equally huge thank you to our partners – Clear Horizon, Our Community, SVA Consulting and Urbis’ Social and Economic Advisory Unit – as well as our Awards Platinum Sponsor the Department of Social Services, Australian Government for their support throughout the year.

We’re looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together in 2024.