‘Empowered Giving for a Fairer Future’ is an inspiring series of short videos from Australians Investing In Women featuring some of Australia’s most influential voices in philanthropy.

In episode 12, Hugh Belfrage, Director of the VNF Housing Enterprise Foundation, shares his unexpected path into philanthropy. Inspired by figures like Tom Snow, who championed marriage equality, and Julie Reilly OAM a leader in gender advocacy, Hugh has embraced philanthropy as a tool for meaningful change.

Hugh highlights the housing crisis as a key area where gender disparities are evident. Recognising this, he emphasises the need for policies that tackle the structural inequalities built into the system and his desire to develop frameworks that support vulnerable groups and ensures that philanthropy actively contributes to gender equity.

At the heart of Hugh’s vision and work is the belief that philanthropy should drive long-term cultural change. By addressing the root causes of gender-based disadvantage in housing, he sees an opportunity to build a fairer, more inclusive system—one where all disadvantaged groups, including women, can find security and stability.

Watch Episode 12 today.

Produced by Ella Mitchell with filmmaker Maggie Eudes, Milestone Films