The Weekly
This week, I was pleased to meet with Her Excellency Jenny Da Rin, the Australian High Commissioner to Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and Somalia. We were able to discuss regional developments as well as the work of ACFID members in East Africa. High Commissioner Da Rin emphasised how impressed she has been with the work she has seen by ANGOs in the region and wanted me to convey to all of you a strong encouragement to visit their offices in Nairobi any time you or your teams are passing through Kenya.
We have just concluded two days of comprehensive ACFID Board meetings, with a strong focus on the early-stage work on the development of our new strategic plan. There will be opportunities for everyone who comes to ACFID National Conference to participate in adding your perspectives to the emerging strategic issues.
Preparations are also underway for an October 1st meeting between Melbourne-based ACFID CEOs and the Hon. Dr Anne Aly, Minister for International Development. If you are a Melbourne-based CEO and did not receive our email this week – please contact me directly for more information. We are looking forward to holding a similar event in Sydney in the near future.
Finally, if you have not registered for the ACFID Conference yet, now is the time! Details and registration links are below.
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.
‘Panel Announcement: Beyond the Optics: Building Transformative Partnerships That Matter
Join a thought-provoking discussion on what truly makes partnerships in international development and humanitarian work effective and transformative. Our panel will explore power dynamics, shared value, and the practical steps needed to build collaborations that genuinely matter.
- Moderator: Chey Mattner – CEO, CAN DO, with over 20 years of senior leadership and board experience in humanitarian and development sectors.
- Panellist: Upenyu Mawande – Partnership and Program Lead, Judith Neilson Foundation (Africa portfolio), with 16 years of experience in international aid and development.
More to be announced soon! Read more here.
Register now to secure your spot, and stay up to date with new speakers and side events by signing up for the conference newsletter.
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 Read
ACFID Media Release on Gaza
ACFID is calling for urgent intervention after the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
“The international community cannot look away. This report found intentional targeting of civilians, the deliberate starvation of a population, and statements from Israeli leaders that clearly point to genocidal intent,” said Matthew Maury, CEO of ACFID.”
Read ACFID’s full media release here: UN Commission concludes that genocide is being committed in Gaza
To Read
Consolidated Appeal Afghanistan Earthquake 2025
On 31 August, a devastating 6.0 magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan, followed by several significant aftershocks. Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) members are taking immediate steps to respond to the crisis. ACFID has launched its consolidated appeal page for Afghanistan.
Members who are raising emergency funds for Afghanistan are encouraged to join ACFID’s consolidated appeal. If your organisation has launched an appeal for this crisis and would like to have it included in ACFID’s consolidated list, please submit your appeal to the Code’s online compliance form.
You will be asked to provide a short description (no more than 100 words) describing your organisation’s appeal and response priorities. The text you provide will be used on the ACFID appeals page, so please ensure it is accurate and concise.
If you wish, you can send a high-resolution image to accompany your appeal description. The image should reflect the activities or context of your appeal, meet Code requirements and include a short image description and any source/copyright information.
If you have any questions, please direct them to [email protected]
To Attend
Sri Lanka DHOM Briefing
Australia’s incoming Deputy Head of Mission to Sri Lanka has requested a briefing from ACFID members who have programs within the country. This is a great opportunity for ACFID Members to showcase your work and strengthen your engagement with the High Commission. Please contact Ujjwal if you are interested in attending.
Date: Monday 22 September
Time: Online via Teams 3:00-4:00 pm
To Attend
AI Learning Pathways: Resources, Training and Community
Join Infoxchange, the ACFID Data Governance Community of Practice, and the ACFID Secretariat for a practical briefing on new opportunities to build AI capacity within your organisation and across the sector.
This session will introduce ACFID members to the Infoxchange’s AI Asia-Pacific Nonprofit Learning Community, offering a guided tour of tools and resources designed to support AI literacy and application.
We’ll also share details about upcoming AI Foundations training, and a new AI-focused discussion group within the Data Governance Community of Practice.
Date: Tuesday September 30th
Time: 2:00-2:45pm AEST
Register: AI Learning Pathways
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
Climate Policy and Practice Community: Updates and sharing on COP30 and COP31
The CPPC is holding a check-in to share member plans for COP30 and hear updates on COP31 preparations. This is a space to exchange insights, coordinate efforts, and stay informed about ACFID members’ engagement in the UN Climate COPs. All ACFID members welcome to join.
Date: Tuesday 7th October
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
To join: Dial in details are in the Communities Platform, or email [email protected] to receive the link.
To Attend
Exploring a Risk & Compliance Community of Practice
Are you interested in connecting with others on risk management and compliance? We’re hosting a 30-minute informal chat to gauge interest in forming a new Community of Practice. This is a chance to connect with others, share what you’d like to see from such a group, and consider how it might complement existing Communities of Practice. Whether you’re experienced in the space or simply curious, we’d love your input. No commitment – just a conversation to explore possibilities!
When: Wednesday 15 October
Time: 12:30 – 1pm (AEST)
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].
Consultants
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Upcoming Events
|
Date |
Event |
|
22 September |
Sri Lanka DHOM Briefing |
|
24 September |
ACFID Community of Practice Convenor Check-In (contact Anne at [email protected]) |
|
30 September |
|
|
7 October |
Climate Policy and Practice Community: Updates and sharing on COP30 and COP31 (contact Anne at [email protected]) |
|
15 October |
|
|
5 & 6 November |
Parliamentary ACFID CEOs Lobbying Round, 2025 |
|
5 & 6 November |