MEET HEATHER HAMILTON

Strategic perspective. Practical advice.

Founder and Principal Consultant, Advfinity.

A CAREER ACROSS SECTORS

Commercial grounding.
Purpose-driven work.

My career began in marketing, reputation management, and stakeholder relations in Canada’s oil and gas industry. That work brought me to Australia and gave me a lasting appreciation for commercial discipline, stakeholder confidence, and the importance of reputation.

I began my not-for-profit career at a medical research institute before moving into education. My career also included media roles with the Sydney 2000 Olympics and time in Jakarta, followed by work across higher education, schools, health and medical research, membership associations and community organisations.

EXPERIENCE AND PERSPECTIVE

More than 30 years across Australia, Asia, and Canada.

I have led and advised work across medical research, universities, colleges, schools, philanthropy and advancement, membership bodies, and community organisations.

My experience spans strategy, governance, organisational readiness, fundraising and philanthropy, partnerships, stakeholder relationships, feasibility, research, and organisational performance.

I have worked alongside boards and executive leaders to understand complex challenges, test assumptions, and determine what will make the greatest difference.

This breadth helps me see how issues connect, bring the real challenge into view, and translate evidence into practical decisions organisations can act on.

Read my full biography →

Heather Hamilton, Founder and Principal Consultant of Advfinity

Strategy and governance

Clarifying direction, decision-making, and the foundations needed to deliver.

Philanthropy and advancement

Strengthening readiness, relationships, and a sustainable culture of philanthropy.

Partnerships and income

Connecting purpose with credible propositions, aligned partners, and sustainable income.

Research and evidence

Turning inquiry, insight, and evidence into practical organisational decisions.

Let’s talk about what comes next.

If your organisation is navigating complexity, preparing for change or trying to decide what to strengthen first, I would be pleased to hear what is happening.

Start a Conversation

HOW I WORK

Evidence-based, practical, and candid.

I work with Boards, leaders, and teams to understand the context, clarify the issues and what matters, and shape advice that supports your organisation’s capacity.

I listen carefully and bring together strategy, evidence, and lived realities.

The aim is always to strengthen capability, not create dependency.

"Heather gave Duchesne College strategic insight through an organisational review that helped us see our fundraising and philanthropic priorities more clearly.

Heather then worked with our Director of Advancement for three months as an Advisor, providing practical support across several immediate priorities.

Heather was thoughtful, responsive and easy to work with, and her assessment continues to inform our longer-term planning as we build our fundraising capacity."

Michelle Allan | Head of College and Chief Executive
Duchesne College within The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

WHAT CLIENTS VALUE

Clarity without unnecessary complexity.

I bring candour, curiosity, and a whole-organisation perspective. I am comfortable working through ambiguity while keeping the conversation grounded in what is practical and useful.

PLACE AND PERSPECTIVE

Grounded in Mandjoogoordap. Connected to the world.

I am based in Mandjoogoordap—Mandurah, Western Australia.

The Noongar name for Mandurah, Mandjoogoordap, means “meeting place of the heart”. A meaning that deeply resonates with me.

Place shapes how I understand community, connection, and responsibility.

From here, I work with organisations across Australia and internationally.

Aerial view of Mandjoogoordap—Mandurah, Western Australia