Friday 22 August 2025

The Weekly

This week on World Humanitarian Day, ACFID joined Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, Caritas Australia, Islamic Relief Australia, Jewish Council of Australia and Safer World for All, alongside representatives from government, civil society and diverse faith communities, to honour the dedication and sacrifice of humanitarian workers.

At the commemorative service, Minister Aly announced that Australia will launch the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel at the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Week next month.

Next week there is a lot happening in Canberra as many members come to hold events and meet with parliamentarians during this second sitting period for this parliamentary term. Thanks to those of you who have reached out to us to connect while you are here – we love the chance to meet up and where possible also participate in events.

Many of you have asked me about ways you can get involved in ACFID’s work as well as about interesting professional development opportunities for you and your teams. Please note the opportunity listed below to nominate to serve on the Code of Conduct Committee – it is quite a strategic engagement opportunity to consider.

 

To Action

Call for Case Study Nominations – ANGOs as Strategic Delivery Partners

ACFID is conducting a sector review to highlight the impact and unique value of Australian NGOs (ANGOs) as strategic delivery partners in achieving development outcomes under Australia’s International Development Policy.

 

We invite members to nominate case studies that showcase best practice in one or more of the following themes: Value for money; Localisation; GEDSI/inclusion; Climate change; Civil society development; Sustainability; Risk management; and, Agility.

Submit your project details via this form. Multiple submissions and consortium examples are welcome.

To Attend

DFAT Anti-Corruption Briefing

 

The Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Section in DFAT invites staff from NGOs to attend a briefing on recent anti-corruption updates, including: 

·       DFAT’s new Fraud and Corruption Control Framework and Partner Toolkit

·       New foreign bribery offences

·       New corruption clauses in DFAT agreements and arrangements

Date: Wednesday, 3rd September

Time: 2:30-3:30pm

Teams: Join Link

Meeting ID: 468 763 793 296 3

Passcode: hN9eP9Qy

To Attend

Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Online

ACFID will be hosting an online Introduction to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector Workshop in August. This participatory event will include an overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action; an introduction to ACFID’s Code and role in the sector; guest speakers from a range of ACFID’s members; and opportunities for networking and further learning. The event will be broken into 4 x 90-minute sessions, run over two days. 

Part 1: 9:30-11 Thursday 28th August

Part 2: 11:30-1 Thursday 28th August

Part 3: 9:30-11 Friday 29th August

Part 4: 11:30-1 Friday 29th August

Register hereFor queries, contact [email protected]

To Attend

ACFID Code of Conduct Drop-In

The Code team will be hosting its online drop-in session again on Thursday, 28 August 2025!

The session will take place from 1-2 pm (AEST) on Thursday, 28 August 2025.  This session will not be recorded and aims to provide an informal space to discuss anything related to the ACFID Code.

Please come and drop by to meet Whitney and Marvin from the Code team and give feedback or ask your compliance questions.

Log in to your MY ACFID account and register your interest here.

If you have any questions, please email the Code team at [email protected]

To Action

Career Opportunity! ACFID is looking for an External Relations Coordinator

We’re looking for our next External Relations Coordinator to lead ACFID’s communications and strengthen our voice across media, digital platforms and publications. This is a great opportunity to apply your creativity and strategic skills while making an impact in Australia’s international development and humanitarian sector.

Read more and apply here

To Note

CCC Meeting Update & Nominations

The Code of Conduct Committee (CCC) meets four times each year. The CCC recently met on Friday 8 August 2025 for its third meeting and here is a summary of the day. The next CCC meeting will be in Canberra on Friday 7 November 2025.

Four elected member positions on the CCC will be open for nomination ahead of ACFID’s AGM on 5 November 2025. Representatives from any ACFID member are encouraged to nominate. ACFID provides support for members to attend CCC meetings.

Read more to find out how!

 

To Attend

Parliamentary ACFID CEOs Lobbying Round, 2025:

Ahead of the Conference, ACFID will facilitate our annual Lobbying Round on Tuesday, 4  and the morning of Wednesday, 5 November. Member CEOs will meet with parliamentarians to advocate on the sector’s most pressing issues. This will be the only Lobbying Round held in 2025.

If you are available to participate, please complete this form with your details and availability at the bottom above. Meeting times will be confirmed closer to the date, but we kindly request that you keep your selected times available unless otherwise notified.

For questions about the Lobbying Round, please contact Naomi at [email protected]

 

To Attend

The ACFID National Conference 2025 is fast approaching.

On 5–6 November, we’ll gather in Canberra for two days of connection, collaboration, and bold conversations shaping the future of international development and humanitarian action. Make sure you’ve secured your spot. Register here

 

To Attend

AP4D Event: Diversity in Development, Diplomacy and Defence

Australia’s diversity is an invaluable asset for its international engagement, providing a deep and broad reservoir of perspectives and experiences. As Minister Wong put it in a 2023 National Press Club address: “our national power, more than anything else, comes from our people”. Against a backdrop of rising hostility toward diversity, equity and inclusion, there is added impetus to consolidate and build upon progress already achieved.

Join us on Thursday 21 August, 12:00-1:30pm (Canberra time) to hear from a distinguished panel on their experiences leading positive change across Australia’s development, diplomacy and defence communities.

Speakers include:

  • Senator Jordon Steele-John, Greens spokesperson for Disability Inclusion and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Youth and Health & Mental Health
  • Dr Carolyn Bull, Director of RAND Australia
  • Dr Elise Stephenson, Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership
  • David Poulton, President and Co-Founder of the Association of First Nations Australians in Development
  • Professor Maria Rost Rublee, President of Women in International Security – Australia
  • Dr Se Youn Park, Director of Research at Women in International Security – Australia

Who: Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D) and Women in International Security – Australia

 

Date: Thursday, 21 August

 

Time: 12:00-1:30 pm (Canberra time)

 

Register: via Zoom at here

 

Consultants

Exclusive Offer – Transform Your Board & Committee Governance

Athena Board is proud to partner with ACFID to help not-for-profits save time, secure documents,and improve governance.

Trusted by charities, international aid agencies, and community organisations across Australia,Athena Board’s secure platform makes it easy to collate, produce, and share board materials while protecting sensitive information. ISO27001 certified and fully encrypted, it’s built to meet the highest standards of security – at a price designed for the NFP sector.ACFID members receive 10% off Athena Board’s already low NFP rates, giving you a high-performing,low-cost solution to:

• Reduce admin time and streamline meeting preparation

• Strengthen governance and compliance

• Provide directors with tools like digital voting, annotations, conflict registers, and offline access

Upgrade your governance with a platform your board will actually enjoy using. Read more here

Food for thought

Amid Western aid cuts, AP4D Senior Policy Analyst Heather Wrathall see’s opportunity for Australia to work with Asian partners and forge new models of development cooperation.

“The global retreat from development assistance is not just a loss for the world’s poorest. It is a test of global resilience, cooperation, and leadership. Faced with this challenge, Australia has chosen to preserve its development program. Now is the time to lead with purpose, alongside partners like Korea and Japan, and in collaboration with business.

Glass Half Full? Reimagining Development Cooperation

Asia Society Asia Agenda | Heather Wrathall

Jobs 

External Relations Coordinator  | ACFID | Read more  here

 

Food for thought

Amid Western aid cuts, AP4D Senior Policy Analyst Heather Wrathall see’s opportunity for Australia to work with Asian partners and forge new models of development cooperation.

“The global retreat from development assistance is not just a loss for the world’s poorest. It is a test of global resilience, cooperation, and leadership. Faced with this challenge, Australia has chosen to preserve its development program. Now is the time to lead with purpose, alongside partners like Korea and Japan, and in collaboration with business.

Glass Half Full? Reimagining Development Cooperation

Asia Society Asia Agenda | Heather Wrathall

Jobs 

External Relations Coordinator  | ACFID | Read more  here

 

After more ACFID engagement? Why not visit

Loading...