The Weekly

Like many across the country, our thoughts have been with those affected by the recent incident in Bondi. Moments like these reinforce the importance of compassion, solidarity and our shared humanity — values that sit at the heart of our work.

As we close out the year, I want to sincerely thank our members for your commitment, generosity and leadership throughout 2025. Your work continues to uphold these principles in often complex and challenging contexts.

In our last edition of The Weekly, do check out some of the great events coming up early next year and consider the fabulous offer from OSKY to have a free website cyber security audit conducted over the break while you enjoy a well earned rest! We have also reshared some of the key documents that have been released by ACFID.

ACFID’s office will be closed from 24 December and is reopening on 12 January 2026.

From all the staff here, we wish you a safe and restorative break with family and friends and look forward to the year ahead.

To Join

Introduction to ANCP for new applicants: Webinar

Is your organisation looking to apply for DFAT Accreditation for the first time? Join this webinar co-hosted by ACFID and DFAT to learn more and ask any questions about the application process and what to expect. DFAT Accreditation Assessors, Belinda Lucas and Geoff Simkiss, will provide tips to help your organisation prepare and unpack the accreditation criteria.

Date: 25 February 2026

​​Time: 1:00PM – 2:30PM (AEDT)

​​Where: Online

​​Register ​here

To Join

​​Introduction to the Sector Workshops 

ACFID will be hosting a series of Introduction to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector Workshops in 2026. These participatory face-to-face events 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. For queries and to access free registration for Small Members, please contact ​[email protected]​ 

Sydney: 4 March 2026 Register ​here​ 

Melbourne: 25 March 2026 Register ​here​ 

Adelaide, Brisbane and Online: Register interest ​here​ 

To Join

Call for Guest Speakers

In 2026, ACFID will run Introduction to the Development and Humanitarian Sector workshops for new staff and board members within ACFID membership, along with students, others in the sector and job seekers. These sessions explore the sector’s history, priorities, and emerging issues. 

We’re seeking speakers from ACFID member organisations to join panels and share insights on their roles and key issues for newcomers. We aim for a mix of perspectives across areas like Programs, Communications, Finance, Advocacy, Fundraising, and Management. 

If you’re passionate about your work and enjoy connecting with others, nominate yourself! Selections will ensure diversity across roles, gender, and organisations. 

If you are interested, please contact Anne Fitzpatrick at ​[email protected]​. 

To Action

Free cyber security audit for ACFID members

ACFID has partnered with OSKY to offer a limited number of complimentary website cyber security audits for member organisations. You will receive a plain-English report mapped to the ASD Essential Eight with a 30-day action plan, plus an optional 30-minute debrief.

Places are limited and if you get in fast, it can be done over the Christmas break.

Read more and reserve a place here.

To Circulate

Racial Justice Training Consultancy 

ACFID is seeking an experienced consultant or training provider to facilitate training on Racial Justice to support ACFID Members to understand and implement racial justice and anti-racism strategies in their workplace. The consultancy will also include facilitation of a policy writeshop and development of a guidance document. 

For more information find the ​Terms of Reference here​.

To Note

Learn with ACFID Maintenance

We are making some changes to the back end of Learn with ACFID, and you may find that you are redirected to an alternative site for the next few weeks. We are also working to resolve some issues in setting up new accounts and resetting passwords – thankyou for your patience as we improve this site.

​​ACFID 2025 HIGHLIGHTS 

Guidance for the Development of a Locally-Led Action Policy

​​This guidance supports ACFID members to draft, develop and refine their organisational position and policies on locally led action. It supports members to meet Commitment 2.1 in the ACFID Code of Conduct “We seek to reduce power imbalances and invest in locally-led development and humanitarian initiatives”. Read more ​here.​

​​ACFID Community of Practice Guidelines 

​​These guidelines outline the purpose, principles, and operating arrangements for ACFID Communities of Practice, supporting effective collaboration, knowledge sharing, and peer learning across the membership. Read more ​here.​ 

​​ACFID Annual Report 2024- 25  

​​ACFID’s Annual Report 2024–25 highlights the organisation’s work, impact, and financial performance over the past year, including key achievements across policy, advocacy, and sector engagement. Read more ​here. ​

​​AP4D Opinion Paper 

​​The Asia-Pacific Development, Diplomacy & Defence Dialogue (AP4D) published a paper examining Australia’s role in international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians, and why upholding these frameworks remains in Australia’s national interest. Read more ​here.​

​​Gender Policy Brief (2025) 

​​ACFID’s Gender Policy Brief outlines key priorities and recommendations for advancing gender equality across Australia’s international development and humanitarian programs. Read more ​here.​ 

Consultants – Clear Horizon 15% off MEL Courses

Clear Horizon is a values-driven, B-Corp certified, women-led company. We support teams and organisations to monitor, evaluate, learn and ultimately to improve the impact of their strategies, programs and initiatives. We have nearly 20 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) across the international development sector, including working with DFAT, MFAT, World Bank, United Nations, INGOs and managing contractors. We work across a range of sectors including social and economic development, gender equality, disability inclusion, democracy and civil society strengthening, health, education, infrastructure, climate change and disaster resilience, and agriculture.

​​We are currently offering the ACFID Network 15% off the cost of five courses commencing in 2026. ​Check them out here!

Consultants – Athena Board

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

Director of Policy and Advocacy | ACFID | Read more ​here. 

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