This week, ACFID participated in a series of constructive meetings with the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Minister for International Development. These included engagements with the secretariat, the ACFID Board, and some of the DFAT funded ACFID humanitarian organisations (AHP, EAA, Red Cross).  Together, we discussed the importance of ACFID partners, the key role of Australian NGOs, the opportunity of a potential Australia–Pacific COP in 2026, and the ongoing challenges in humanitarian settings.

We look forward to working closely with Minister Aly to build on the strong foundations established by the Albanese Government.  We are also starting to reach out to the recently announced Shadow Ministers.

ACFID also held its Special General Meeting this week, where the election of three new Board members was announced.  Congratulations and a warm welcome to Stav Zotalis (Indigo Foundation), Melanie Gow (AVI), and Nayomi Kannangara (IWDA).

Finally, we concluded our ACFID Members and Philanthropy webinar series, co-hosted with AIDN, with a final session focused on health. Thank you to all members who contributed their time and insights throughout the series.

Looking ahead, the ACFID 2025 Statistical Survey is now open. The data you provide plays a vital role in shaping informed, evidence-based decisions on behalf of the sector. Thank you for taking the time to complete it—full details are available in the section below.

To Attend

ACFID 2025 Statistical Survey – Now Open!

It’s that time of year again – the ACFID Statistical Survey has landed in inboxes! Each year, we ask member organisations to share data on their international aid and development work. The survey has been sent to each organisation’s CEO and designated survey contact. We know it’s an additional task (and we really appreciate you making time for it), but your responses help spotlight your organisation’s impact and build a complete picture of our sector’s collective work. This also ensures that ACFID can help connect interested donors and other stakeholders with your work.

If you have any questions or need support completing the survey, please reach out via email at [email protected] – we’re here to help!

Where: Register here

To Attend

Analysis on impacts of US funding cuts

To Note

ACFID in the Media

Recently, ACFID’s CEO Matthew Maury wrote a piece for The Diplomat, discussing the impacts of US funding cuts to NGOs. You can read the piece here.

To Attend

ACFID CEO Members Summit: Shaping the Future Together

ACFID invites member CEOs to a one-day summit on 13 June at La Trobe University, Melbourne. The event will address major shifts in how global aid is conceived, funded, and delivered, offering a space for reflection, strategy, and collaboration. It will feature expert speakers, insights into global trends, and structured discussions to support strategic thinking among peers.

Date: Friday 13 June

Time: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm

Venue: La Trobe University, Bundoora Campus, Melbourne

Audience: ACFID member CEOs (1 participant per organisation)

Registration ​here

ACFID Conference 2025 – Early call for International Speakers

ACFID is making an early call for possible speakers for ACFID’s National Conference, with the theme of ‘Driving Transformation in Development and Humanitarian Action’.

While the program is still being developed, we would love to know if any members will have international visitors or partners in Australia at the time of Conference (5th and 6th of November), who could be possible keynote or panel speakers.

If you have any confirmed or possible visitors who will be here at Conference time, please let us know at [email protected]

here.

To Action

ACFID Conference – Save the Date

The 2025 ACFID National Conference has been confirmed for the 5th and 6th of November in Canberra. More details will be shared soon, please stay tuned.

To Attend

ANCP CoP – Peer learning and Networking Event in Brisbane

The ANCP CoP is hosting an in-person Peer Learning event on ANCP and ADPlans followed by Networking Drinks. If you are interested in attending either or both events, contact Darren Raeburn at [email protected].

RDI Network Exchange 25

Registrations are now open for the RDI Network Exchange – a dynamic and inclusive event for development professionals working in the Indo-Pacific region. The RDI Network Exchange will be a space for researchers, practitioners and policymakers to engage in lively dialogue, knowledge exchange and learning, with an emphasis on future-focused thinking, new perspectives and diverse voices. The RDI Network Exchange will explore the conference theme of ‘Driving better development through evidence and collaboration’ with insightful discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities

When: 10th and 11th July 2025

Where: University of Technology Sydney, and online

Find out more about the program and registration here.

Food for thought

Writing for Asia-Pacific Leadership Network, AP4D’s Melissa Conley Tyler, Grant Wyeth and Tom Barber say that, set against the backdrop of global cuts, “the substance and direction of Australia’s development aid program… will become a stabilising factor in uncertain times”.

“Rather than narrowly being seen as expenditure that could be directed towards current domestic or defence concerns, foreign aid is a cost-effective tool for the prevention of problems that may be far more costly in the future – and an essential tool for building relationships in its region. It may take other countries repeating Australia’s mistakes to remember the enlightened self-interest in development cooperation.”

The Good Neighbour: As Aid Cuts Abound, Australia Steps Forward

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