Not-for-profit organisations in search of a collaborative workspace are invited to register interest in a subsidised tenancy at Yirranma Place, Australia’s newest social purpose precinct. Located in Sydney’s culturally rich and vibrant Darlinghurst, Yirranma Place brings together organisations aligned to a common purpose of breaking cycles of disadvantage.

Yirranma Place features the new home of Australia’s largest philanthropic foundation, the Paul Ramsay Foundation, alongside two floors of specially designed tenancy and meeting spaces for purpose-led organisations, a public gallery showcasing contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and design, and café, catering and concierge services by social enterprise Two Good Co.

Yirranma (yeer-rahn-ma) is a Gadigal word meaning “many create” and was carefully chosen through extensive consultation with local Aboriginal leaders and organisations including local Gadigal Elders as a strong representation of the precinct’s vision and purpose of sharing place and ambition.

To enable a diverse cross section of not-for-profit, social enterprise and for-purpose organisations to benefit from the precinct, the Foundation is offering collaborative tenancy and meeting spaces at significantly subsidised rates.

Organisations wishing to enquire about tenancy and meeting spaces should email cowork@yirranmaplace.com.

Among the first organisations to call Yirranma Place home is the NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), the peak body for the social services sector in NSW, which will move into the precinct in the coming weeks.

“Finding the right place to base ourselves is a perennial problem and the opportunity to be part of a social purpose hub and collaborative effort with like-minded people was too good an opportunity to pass up,” NCOSS CEO Joanna Quilty said.

“Being a part of the Yirranma Place community is very welcoming and very supportive. It feels like the start of a new chapter in our work advocating to alleviate poverty and disadvantage.”

Other organisations in the Yirranma Place community include Philanthropy Australia, Shelter NSW, Social Enterprise Finance Australia, PRIMER and For Purpose Investment Partners.

Paul Ramsay Foundation CEO Glyn Davis AC said the Foundation is looking forward to welcoming people to what is set to become a thriving social purpose hub.

“Yirranma Place is the definition of partnership, collaboration, and the value of diversity,” Professor Davis said.

“Whether as tenants or to meet with tenants, as guests for an event, for coffee or a bite to eat, or to view the exhibitions, we look forward to welcoming organisations and people who are like-minded in their determination to break cycles of disadvantage.”

About the Paul Ramsay Foundation and Yirranma Place

In 2006, Paul Ramsay AO established the Paul Ramsay Foundation. A leading Australian businessman, Paul was a generous benefactor throughout his life to a variety of educational, cultural, artistic and sporting organisations. Following his death in 2014, the Foundation has continued through his generous bequest.

We continue Paul’s philanthropic legacy through a shared commitment to break cycles of disadvantage in Australia by investing in partnerships for potential. Initiatives supported by the Foundation reflect the humility, integrity and values of our founder.

The Foundation’s new home, Yirranma Place, was purchased in 2019 and sits within the historic former Church of Christ, Scientist, which was built in 1927. The building has been meticulously and lovingly restored and reimagined to both honour its significant heritage value and create a landmark precinct for Australia’s philanthropic and for-purpose community.

Building works included restoring the original pipe organ, which will be played several times a year as a way of maintaining links with the building’s significant heritage and integrating accessibility measures and modern amenities such as end-of-trip facilities.

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