The Weekly

Happy New Year to all of you as we begin 2026! 

We look forward to working with each of you in the year ahead as we tackle both the challenges and opportunities for the sector and communities we serve.  

We are sad to share the news that Pat Walsh AM, a wonderful human rights advocate and Life Member of ACFID, passed away on 29 December 2025. Pat worked with ACFID (then called ACFOA) from 1985 to 2000 as the inaugural Director of the ACFOA Human Rights Office, leaving a profound and lasting legacy. ACFID extends its sincere condolences to Pat’s family, friends and colleagues.  I encourage you to ​read more about Pat ​here.​ 

Looking ahead, ACFID has a number of opportunities for members to engage in the weeks to come, including upcoming ACFID Connect sessions, learning workshops, introduction to the sector (great for new staff and Board members!) among others. 

See below for more information!

Weekly Data Shapshot

Results from our latest statistical survey show that in FY 2023–24, ACFID members delivered more than 2,400 projects across 85 countries, supported by an incredible $965 million in funding from a wide range of sources.

This snapshot highlights the scale, reach and diversity of work delivered by Australia’s development and humanitarian sector.

Interactive Aid Map ​here​.

To Apply

Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action (ASPHA) – call for proposals

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) requests Activity Proposals for funding with eligible partners under the Australian Support for Pacific HIV Action (ASPHA) initiative.

ASPHA is a $48 million initiative over six years (2025-26 to 2030-31) to support Pacific countries implement effective national programs to prevent the spread of HIV and related co-infections.

DFAT will hold a virtual information/briefing session at 11:00 am AEDT on Tuesday 20 January 2026. Expressions of interest in joining the virtual information/ briefing session and questions relating to the Call for Proposals should be directed to ​[email protected]​.

The closing date for submissions is 11:59pm AEDT Sunday 22 February 2026.

Please find more information ​here.

To Apply

Seeking Expressions of Interest 

As many Members know, a revised version of the ACFID Code came into effect in 2024. Now, ACFID members are required to demonstrate their commitment to racial justice through several different ​Commitments in the Code​. 

To support ACFID members in meeting their learning and compliance needs, ACFID will be delivering a set of racial justice training(s) followed by policy writeshop(s), and developing a guidance note.  

To design the most appropriate support for members, we are currently taking expressions of interest in a proposed online Racial Justice training. ​Please register ​here​.  

To Attend

ACFID Connect: Co-Design – A Bottom-Up Approach to Development Effectiveness

Join us for a webinar showcasing Transform Aid International’s Co-Design approach—a participatory method that empowers communities to shape and lead their own development agendas. This innovative practice promotes genuine localisation, power-sharing, and the decolonisation of development interventions. Gain practical insights, hear lessons learned, and explore strategies for more equitable and sustainable programming.

Date: 18 February 2026

Time: 2:00PM – 3:30PM (AEDT)

Register ​here.​ 

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 Attend

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 Share

Share Your Best Shots – Help Refresh ACFID’s Image Library!

We are updating ACFID’s Image Library and would love your help. These images are vital for brining our reports, submissions, website and publication to life. 

What we are looking for: 

– Up to 10 fresh photos per member 

– High quality images that showcase your work and impact 

What to include: 

– Captions and photo credits 

– Your organisation’s image expiration date if applicable. If not provided, ACFID will retire images after 3 years. 

How to contribute: Please send your images or any questions to Win Mrat Wai, ACFID’s External Relations Coordinator at ​[email protected].

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 Term of Reference ​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

Head of International Partnerships | WorldShare | Read more ​here ​

​Regional Program Coordinator | WaterAid Australia | Read more ​here​

Community Campaigner – Safer World for All | ACFID | Read more ​here 

Upcoming Events