Imagine an evening filled with rapid-fire inspiration, genuine connection, and tens of thousands of dollars flowing directly into the hands of grassroots local charities.
That is the magic of Community Pitch, and it is returning to Upper North Shore on Tuesday 25 August 2026.
Key Takeaways
- High-Impact Event: Community Pitch returns to Magpies Waitara on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, aiming to surpass last year's $89,000 distributed to ten local charities.
- Seed Funding Pledged: Community Bank Lindfield has already committed $30,000 to launch the 2026 funding pool.
- Direct Allocation: Ten grassroots organisations deliver three-minute pitches, allowing Pitch Partners to hand-deliver tax-deductible funding directly to their chosen causes.
- Partner Benefits: Pitch Partners (pledges from $500) gain high-visibility marketing, business networking, and local community recognition.
Last year, the extraordinary generosity of our Pitch Partners resulted in more than $89,000 distributed to ten local charities in a single night. This year, the goal is to dream even bigger, stretch every dollar further, and make an even greater impact across our community.
To kick things off, Community Bank Lindfield has already committed an incredible $30,000 to start the funding pool – and they are inviting local businesses, organisations and community-minded individuals to join them.
How Community Pitch Works: Simple, Fast-Paced, and High-Impact The concept is as dynamic as it is rewarding:
- The Pitches: Ten deserving local community organisations take the stage. Each group gets just three minutes to present their project, share their story, and inspire the room.
- The Allocation: As a Pitch Partner you’ll listen to each presentation and decide where your funds go. At the end of the night, you take your pitch cheques directly to the charity groups that touched you the most.
Why Become a Pitch Partner?
Community Pitch isn’t just about donating – it’s about actively shaping the local community while connecting with like-minded local leaders. As a Pitch Partner, you receive a range of fantastic promotional benefits and networking perks:
- High-Visibility Marketing: Logo placement in pre- and post-event EDMs sent to 3,500+ local members, inclusion on the official Community Pitch website, and placement in the event opening video montage.
- Featured Profile: Your logo, business profile, and contact details included in the official printed Community Pitch event booklet.
- Social & Marketing Assets: Access to professional photographs from the event and promotional social media tiles/banners to showcase your community spirit to your clients.
- Direct Connection: Unrivalled networking opportunities with proactive business leaders and community movers-and-shakers across the region.
- 100% Tax-Deductible: Receive tax-deductible receipts directly from the registered charities you choose to support on the night.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you are a returning partner or looking to join this rewarding initiative for the first time, your pledge helps local charities bring life-changing projects to reality.
Register as a 2026 Pitch Partner
Ready to make a direct impact on the Upper North Shore? Join local business and community leaders at Magpies Waitara on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.
Which Ten Local Charities Will Be Supported?
The Village Chef by Meals on Wheels
Does more than deliver meals, it nourishes community connection. By providing wholesome, home-style food to older people and those in need, The Village Chef helps combat isolation, brings people together, and ensures everyone feels cared for and included.
Lifeline Harbour to Hawkesbury Sydney
Provides 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention services across Sydney's north and west. With more than 1,400 people in their workforce - 86% volunteers - they operate the Lifeline 13 11 14 crisis line and deliver counselling and mental health programs to people who need someone to talk to.
St Edmund’s College in Wahroonga
A specialist school for more than 110 students with intellectual disabilities, built on the belief that every young person has something valuable to contribute. Since 1951, they have provided purposeful education and real community connection - opening doors and changing perceptions about young people with disability.
Streetwork Australia
Has supported vulnerable young people across Sydney's north and west since 1980. Through mentoring, assertive outreach and early intervention, they work alongside young people aged 11 to 18 - meeting them where they are.
Killara Rural Fire Brigade
An all-volunteer emergency service protecting our local community across bush fires, structure fires, storm damage and search and rescue. Every member gives their time freely - training, responding, and working year-round on bushfire mitigation to keep this area safe before emergencies happen.
Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Women’s Shelter
Provides safe accommodation, support, and pathways forward for women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness. By offering a secure place to stay, practical help, and connection to vital services, the Shelter helps women rebuild their lives and feel part of a caring community.
Bushlink
A social enterprise creating real employment for adults with disability through environmental and community work. For more than 17 years, their supported workers have delivered bush regeneration across the north shore - meaningful work that benefits both the people doing it and the places they care for.
EPIC (Empowering Parents in Crisis)
Supports parents and carers of young people aged 12 to 25 experiencing mental health challenges. Peer-led and community-based, they connect people who are struggling with others who have been through it. With 500 members across Northern Sydney, their model is simple: when parents are supported, young people are better off.
Jacaranda Lodge - Cancer Support Centre
Located in Wahroonga, Jacaranda Lodge has supported people affected by cancer since 1993. Free counselling, wellbeing programs, support groups and practical care are available to patients, families and carers - no referral needed, no cost. Because a cancer diagnosis should never mean facing it alone.
Kate’s Place
Will be the sister to Dom's Place - a no-referral, no-waitlist drop-in centre in Hornsby offering meals, showers, social workers and practical support to anyone in need. Kate's Place will be a dedicated space being developed specifically for women and children, providing a safe environment during some of life's hardest moments.
