The Weekly
Matthew Maury, what is at the top of your mind this week?
This week, ACFID’s focus has been firmly on the Federal Budget and what it means for Australia’s international development and humanitarian engagement. ACFID has released its ​media release​, with detailed budget analysis to be shared with members later today. I encourage members to join our member-only Budget Briefing on Thursday, which will provide an opportunity to get into the details as we reflect on the implications of the Budget for NGO programs, sector advocacy priorities, and the broader direction of Australia’s development program.
DFAT has foreshadowed likely ACFID member engagement in Sydney and Melbourne in the coming few weeks – both to discuss the budget and also some opportunities for strategic engagement with ACFID agencies. We will keep you posted on what develops.
We are also pleased to announce that ​registrations​ are now open for the 2026 ACFID National Conference. Under the theme ​Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future,​ the Conference will bring the sector together in Canberra to strengthen collaboration, share ideas and explore how we collectively respond to today’s intersecting challenges.
Looking ahead, ACFID will host an ACFID Connect session and Introduction to the Sector Workshop in Brisbane in early June. Brisbane-based members are encouraged to register and participate, with further details provided below.
To Attend
ACFID Member only Budget BriefingÂ
Following the release of the Federal Budget, ACFID has issued an initial media release and please read ​here​.Â
ACFID will also host a member-only Budget Briefing on Thursday 14 May. This session will provide an opportunity to hear ACFID’s analysis of the Federal Budget, including implications for NGO programs and key areas relevant to ACFID’s budget submission. ACFID expects to share briefing slides with registered participants by close of business Wednesday 13 May.
Date: 14 May 2026
Time: 10:00AM – 11:30AM AESTÂ
Please register ​here​
To Attend
Introduction to the Sector Workshops – Brisbane, Adelaide and Online
ACFID is hosting a series of Introduction to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector Workshops in the coming months. 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. ACFID Members and Non-Members all welcome, including staff, board members, students and job seekers. For any queries contact [email protected]
Brisbane: 4 June 2026 | 9:00AM – 4:30PM AEST | Register here
Adelaide: 23 July 2026 | 9:00AM – 4:30PM AEST | Register here
Online: Mornings of 4th and 5th November. Register hereÂ
To Register
ACFID National Conference 2026 – Registrations are now open
ACFID National Conference 2026 will bring the sector together in Canberra to share ideas, challenge thinking, and strengthen collaboration.
With the theme Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future, the conference is your moment to connect, get inspired, and be part of shaping what’s next for the sector.
Early bird registrations are now available for a limited time.
Register your ticket hereÂ
Explore more information on conference, program details, accommodation options and more here.Â
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To Action
A reminder that there are still opportunities to contribute to this year’s conference:
Concurrent Sessions | Submit EOI by Friday 5 June 2026 to Anne Fitzpatrick
2026 ACFID Awards | Submit nominations by Friday 28 August 2026
To Action
We’re now inviting photo submissions for the ACFID Annual Report 2025–2026. This is an opportunity to showcase your work and highlight the impact of your organisation across the sector. We welcome high-quality images that reflect programs, partnerships, and communities.
Please send your submissions to Win Mrat at [email protected], including captions and photo credits.
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
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.
Upcoming Events
| Date  | Events  |
| 14 May  | ACFID Member only Budget Briefing  |
| 14 May  | Racial Justice Policy Writeshops  |
| 3 June | ACFID Connect: Brisbane (Members only)  |
| 4 June | Introduction to the Sector Workshop  |
| 12 – 14 October  | ACFID National Conference 2026 |