When Purpose Becomes Practice: The Collins Hume Story

There are places in the world where change begins quietly — not through grand statements or dramatic campaigns, but through consistent, meaningful action.

Ballina, a coastal town in Northern New South Wales, is one of those places.

It’s known for its ocean breezes and its community spirit.  It’s the kind of community where everyone knows someone, and where the ripple of a single decision travels far.

And in Ballina, one accounting firm has been creating a ripple effect that is now felt globally.

This is the story of Collins Hume and how purpose, done quietly and consistently over time, can inspire a movement.

A Decision Made 14 Years Ago

In August 2011, Collins-Hume made a decision that would eventually change not only their business, but also the way others around them saw what business can be.

They joined B1G1.

At that point, they were already generous supporters of their local community — sponsoring sports clubs, supporting neighborhood charities, and showing up when someone needed help. But with B1G1, their giving took on a new dimension:

It became global, everyday, and embedded.

Today, after 14 years, that decision has translated into more than 14 million impacts created. That’s an average of one million meaningful moments of help every single year.

And yet — if you walked into their office during those early years, you wouldn’t have known.

Because Collins Hume didn’t talk about it...

A Turning Point in Bali

In 2016, the team attended the very first B1G1 Global Conference in Bali.

And something shifted. During conversations with other members, they began to see that sharing their journey wasn’t about praise or public image — it was about leadership.

It was about giving other businesses permission to care and to do it with structure, intention and consistency.

By speaking openly about their commitment, they realized they could inspire others to join them in creating impact.

And from that moment on, something remarkable began to happen.

Impact Turned Into Influence

From that point forward, Collins Hume didn't just give — they became advocates, connectors and catalysts.

They started communicating what they believed in. They showcased the impact their business was creating. And they invited others to explore what meaningful giving could look like.

And the local community responded.

Awards began to follow (and follow repeatedly). The newspapers wrote about them. Their reputation elevated. And their business grew.

They became known not just as accountants but as leaders for good.

A Full-Circle Moment: Our Visit to Ballina

Earlier this year in September we had the privilege of visiting Collins Hume in person as part of the B1G1 Founders’ Visit Series.

They invited local business owners from across the region to a gathering and the room was full. People were curious, some skeptical and many were hopefully wondering: “Can a business like mine really make a difference?”

Then, they heard the Collins Hume story. They saw what consistency of intention and actions looks like. And they understood: "Yes — it is possible...."

....even in a small town. Even without huge resources. And even without perfect beginnings.

The event became an opening of something special. Perhaps more businesses will start creating positive impacts in the world because of the inspiration they experienced on that day.

And after the event, we even had the privilege of spending the entire afternoon with their team, listening to them and discussing ideas.

Together, we talked about the impact of their giving over the years. We also shared stories from the projects they had supported. The team had so many new ideas as well. And the emotion in the room was palpable.

Some told us the reason they joined the firm and loved working there was because of its B1G1-induced giving culture. Some experienced further realisation of the true extent of how their work had made a massive difference locally and globally on the lives of people.

We saw some tears in their eyes as these team members realised how every invoice. Every client. Every number they processed had created life-changing impacts. And those impacts are real and profound.

We shared smiles, laughter, ideas, thoughts and feelings. It was more than a meeting. It was a re-membering. A remembering of why work matters when purpose is embedded into every part of it.

Where They Are Now

Collins Hume is now one of B1G1’s Platinum Impact Partners (it’s the highest level of the Impact Partner status).

But what makes their journey so special is not the numbers even though the numbers are extraordinary.

What makes them remarkable is their intention.

Their leadership team — Peter Fowler, Chris Atkinson, Kelly Crethar and Jamie Doyle — are grounded, humble, deeply committed individuals who see giving not as marketing, compliance, or obligation, but as a responsibility, a privilege and a legacy.

Their culture has become a magnet. People want to work there. Clients want to partner with them.

And the community sees them as an example of what a modern business can (and perhaps should) look like.

A Simple Truth

Collins Hume is proof of something powerful. You don’t have to be a global corporation to create global impact. You simply have to decide to act.….consistently.

Accountants are known for recording history.

Collins Hume has chosen to create it.

At the beginning of this blogpost, we shared the video from our visit  — so you can feel what we experienced: the authenticity, the excitement, the legacy already unfolding.

We hope their story reminds us all of this truth:

When purpose and impact become practice, business becomes a force for good — not someday, but every single day.

Thank you for reading this story and being on this journey with us too.