As this will be the last Third Sector news article of the year, we thought we’d give you a brief look at which stories captivated you the most.

• The first product philanthropy organisation to launch in the country, Good360 Australia explained how its revolutionary platform is set to change the not-for-profit (NFP) sector.
• A whole of sector study released by the Australian Institute of Company Directors revealed that many NFPs saw consolidation on the cards within the next two years.
• The ever changing technology space has been an area of increased focus for the sector making the top IT trends affecting NFPs in 2014 one of our reader’s favourites.
• Collaboration and corporate partnerships have been hot topics for the sector over the past 12 months. Audette Exel, a founder of the ISIS Group explained how NFPs can successfully partner with business to achieve greater social impact.
• A decrease in Government funding saw the sector’s heavy weights weigh in on the best way to generate funding from other sources. David Crosbie, CEO of the Community Council for Australia shared his thoughts on this in an interview with ABC Wide Bay QLD.
• In just six years innovative NFP origination, FebFast has generated over $5.6 million. Howard Ralley, the organisation’s National Director explored how one simple idea was the catalyst for this.
• Volunteers play an integral role in many organisations, however best practice risk management protocols are often not undertaken when managing them. Risk management specialist, Deirdre Blythe provided tips on how to manage risks and mitigate losses when managing volunteers.
• Professor Peter Shergold, Chancellor at the University of Sydney provided a thought provoking insight into his vision for a functional and beneficial harmony between the public, private and third sectors.
• beyond blue collaborated on an Australian workplace mental health survey which revealed what employees look for in an employer of choice.
• Third Sector caught up with NFP leader, Hannah Wheaton who is the Country Commodity Manager for Monpi Cocoa Exports in Papua New Guinea. We found out how she navigates the challenging environment and delivers on the organisation’s missions.

Our online news service will resume on Monday 5 January 2015 and our first Third Sector update of the New Year will be sent out on 7 January 2015.

From all of us here at Third Sector, we would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!