The Weekly
This week we’ve been busy preparing for the second-to-last ACFID Board meeting of the year, focusing on the long-term steer of the sector and preparations for the ACFID Conference – now 55 days away! We’ve also just started the process with some external consultants to develop our new strategic plan. Members will have opportunities to feed into the development of the plan, including at ACFID Conference.
Also this week, I joined some of the team from Conciliation Resources at the launch of their report on “Legacies of Conflict in the Pacific”. The report is a worthwhile read for anyone thinking through their approach to development or humanitarian practice with communities who have experienced a history of conflict.
We’re continuing to work with members who attended the Fiji ACFID/PIANGO/WWF Summit ahead of COP31 to plan next steps for our partnership with PIANGO and the broader Australian climate groups. There will be updates via the Climate COP.
For members with operations in Sri Lanka, please remember to join our upcoming prep call at 3PM on Monday the 15 of September ahead of the briefing with the new Australian Deputy High Commissioner
If you haven’t registered for the ACFID Conference yet, now is the time. Details and registration links are below.
To Action
Expressions of Interest Now Open – Code of Conduct Committee
ACFID is inviting nominations for four positions on the Code of Conduct Committee (CCC). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to ethical standards and accountability in our sector. All ACFID members are encouraged to apply. The CCC meets quarterly, and ACFID supports member participation. Nominations close 30 September 2025. For details on responsibilities, required skills, and participation, please refer to the CCC Position Description. Help shape the future of our sector – submit your EOI today!
To Attend
Building Whole-of-Nation Asia Literacy for the 21st Century
Next month marks 13 years since the Gillard government released its Australia in the Asia Century White Paper. While much has changed in the intervening years, it remains true that “Australia’s future prosperity and security are inextricably linked to what happens in the region”. Indeed, as geopolitical tensions rise, Australia’s security and prosperity are arguably even more tied to Asia. The need for deep understanding of our region is more urgent than ever.
You are warmly invited to the online launch of a new paper as part of AP4D’s Studies in Statecraft series on Monday 22 September, 1:00-2:00pm (Canberra time). Authored by Philipp Ivanov, the paper being launched identifies a whole-of-nation opportunity for Australia to redefine Asia literacy for the 21st century — integrating technology, demography and mobility together with education, advocacy and policy institutions.
Join us to hear from an expert panel on the types of initiatives and investments that build Australia’s Asia literacy, and how these threads can be more coherently woven together.
Speakers include:
- The Hon Tim Watts MP, Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs and Chair of the New Colombo Plan External Advisory Group
- Philipp Ivanov, Founder and CEO of GRASP (Geopolitical Risks and Strategy Practice)
Who: Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D)
Date: Monday 22 September
Time: 1:00-2:00pm (Canberra time)
Register: via Zoom here.
To Action
Member Resolutions – ACFID AGM 2025
Each year at ACFID’s Annual General Meeting, members are invited to bring resolutions to come before the membership. Please submit resolutions to Rae Lans, NLT 30 Sept 2025. If you would like to discuss a resolution beforehand, please contact Rae Lans, NLT 30 Sept 2025. If you would like to discuss a resolution beforehand, please contact Matthew Maury or Jess Mackenzie.
To Attend
Save the Date: Green Climate Fund Member Consultation – Sydney | 17 Sept, 1–2:30pm
ACFID members are invited to join GCF Director Hermat Mandal for an in-person consultation hosted by Save the Children in Sydney. The discussion will focus on how GCF projects can better deliver community benefits, share insights on GCF operations, and explore opportunities for greater NGO participation. This builds on the 2023 meeting and GCF’s growing partnerships with ACFID members.
Venue to be confirmed; limited online participation may be considered via [email protected]
To Attend
ACFID Nepal CoP meeting
The Nepal CoP will be meeting next week to share updates and discuss the unfolding events in Nepal and the implications on partners and projects. All ACFID members welcome.
Date: Tuesday 16th September
Time: 11-12 AEST
To join: find the invite in the Nepal CoP or email Co-Convenor, Santosh ([email protected]) for details.
To Attend
ACFID Community of Practice Convenor Check-In
Are you currently convening a Community of Practice (CoP), or thinking about stepping into the role? Join us for a refresher and orientation session on Wednesday 24th September to support experienced, new and future Convenors.
This session will cover:
- An overview of ACFID’s CoPs – their purpose, structure, and how members participate
- What’s expected of Convenors, and the support available to you
- Guidance on using the Communities platform
Whether you’re already in the role or just curious about what’s involved, we’d love to see you there.
To register your interest or find out more, contact Anne at [email protected].
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 connection, collaboration, and bold conversations shaping the future of international development and humanitarian action.
Speaker Announcement
We’re honoured to welcome Prof Jayati Ghosh, global economist, author, and advocate for economic justice, as our keynote speaker at the conference. She joins us fresh from her appointment to the G20 Expert Committee on Global Wealth Inequality.
Register now to secure your spot, and stay up to date with new speakers and side events by signing up for the conference newsletter.
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
Jobs
Supporter Services and Administration Office | WaterAid Australia | Read more here.
Upcoming Events
|
Date |
Event |
|
16 September |
ACFID Nepal CoP meeting |
|
17 September |
Green Climate Fund Member Consultation |
|
22 September |
|
|
24 September |
ACFID Community of Practice Convenor Check-In |
|
5 & 6 November |
Parliamentary ACFID CEOs Lobbying Round, 2025 |
|
5 & 6 November |