Reviewed by Michael Seberich, managing director, Wider Sense

‘The philanthropic sector has grown over the last 10 years in Australia, but nowhere near the growth of wealth creation,’ says Peter Winneke, who believes that especially wealthy Australians could contribute a lot more to solving the pressing issues of our time, at home and overseas. In Give While You Live he argues for a change in the giving culture and the communication of stories of giving with impact in his home country. His book can be understood as a contribution to this new narrative of giving.

His book is an insider’s view of somebody who has been at the forefront of philanthropy in Australia as an adviser to The Myer Foundation and The Myer Family Office, both of which have a long philanthropic legacy. He has also been a leader in establishing philanthropy infrastructure through various board positions, for instance at Philanthropy Australia.

What I cannot tell you is what kind of book this is. It has a strong biographical touch, but also includes advice for donors, philanthropy advisers and many other stakeholders in the world of giving.