The Weekly
Matthew Maury, what is at the top of your mind this week?
I am looking forward to next week when ACFID will host a CEO Connect session in Brisbane on 3 June, followed by the Introduction to the Sector Workshop on 4 June. It is our first set of events in Brisbane this year and we encourage Brisbane-based members and sector colleagues to register and participate.Â
This week ACFID hosted a briefing session for the incoming Head of Mission for Myanmar and were pleased to have about 20 of our members involved. We are preparing for a Deputy Head of Mission (DHOM) briefing with Fiji and ACFID members on 12 June, registration details are included below. These engagements with DFAT posts continues to be a very strategic opportunity for ACFID members.
In addition, this year ACFID is updating our Constitution. Members are invited to attend an upcoming information session if you are interested to hear more or give input. This session will be on 5 June and will provide an opportunity to discuss proposed areas of constitutional change ahead of further member consultation and consideration at the Annual General Meeting later this year. You can register below.
Finally, the ACFID Code of Conduct Committee (CCC) is currently recruiting a new Chair. Members interested in learning more about the role are encouraged to reach out to Emily Moreton at ​[email protected]​ for further information.
To Attend
ACFID Constitutional Review – Member Information Session
The ACFID Board has undertaken a review of the ACFID Constitution this year, with changes to be presented to the membership and taken to vote at the Annual General Meeting in October this year. This session will provide an overview of the proposed areas of change only, providing members with an opportunity to ask questions and identify areas of the constitution that they believe should be addressed. There will be additional member consultation sessions in July where members will have an opportunity to view the actual proposed amendments. Any enquiries should be directed to the Business Director, ​Raewyn Lans.​
Date: 05 June 2026
Time: 10:00AM – 10:30AM (AEST)
Register ​here​
To Attend
Fiji DHOM briefing with ACFID members
Australia’s Deputy High Commissioner-designate to Fiji has requested a meeting with ACFID members to discuss Australia’s development priorities in the country.
Please note that we will also organise a prep meeting prior to the briefing, to coordinate with members, agree on key messages, and finalise a meeting agenda. These details will be shared with participants who have registered for the briefing.
The Deputy High Commissioner-designate has expressed interest in hearing from members about relevant development issues in the region. Several ACFID members have active projects in Fiji. Register via this form to receive calendar invites for the briefing and prep meeting.
Date: 12 June 2026
Time: 3:00PM – 4:00PM (AEST)
Venue: Online (Teams link will be sent)
Email:[email protected]Â for queries
To Join
Code of Conduct Committee – Chair recruitment
ACFID is inviting suggestions from members for potential candidates for the Chair of the Code of Conduct Committee (CCC).
The current Chair, Alan Cameron, is stepping down at the end of 2026, and we are now commencing the recruitment process for his successor. The CCC Chair plays a critical role in upholding the integrity and accountability of the ACFID Code of Conduct. The ​position description is attached​ for further information.
Members are invited to provide suggestions of suitable candidates to inform the recruitment process. Please note that the position is an honorary position and nominees must not be a current employee, volunteer or board member of an ACFID member.
The new Chair will be appointed by the ACFID Board on the advice of the Code of Conduct Committee.
To share a suggestion or request further information, please contact Director of Effectiveness and Engagement, Emily Moreton ​[email protected]​.
Deadline: 16 June 2026
To Action
Call for ACFID National Conference 2026 Concurrent Sessions – Deadline Approaching
A reminder that expressions of interest for Concurrent Sessions at the 2026 ACFID National Conference are due Friday 5 June 2026.
We encourage members and sector partners to propose participatory sessions that contribute to this year’s theme, Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future.
Submit EOI by Friday 5 June 2026 to Anne Fitzpatrick
To Join
ACFID in Brisbane – June 2026
The ACFID Secretariat will be in Brisbane this June, and members and sector colleagues are invited to join us for two in‑person events focused on connection, learning, and engagement.
ACFID Connect: Brisbane ( Members only )Â
As part of ACFID’s 2026 series of in‑person networking events, ACFID Connect: Brisbane brings staff from ACFID member organisations together to share insights, strengthen relationships, and connect directly with the ACFID Secretariat.
This informal event provides a space to meet peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections across the international development and humanitarian sector.
Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 3:30PM – 5:30PM AEST
Venue: Kyeema Foundation, Brisbane
Register​ here​
Introduction to the Sector – Open to allÂ
Free for small ACFID members | Discounted for other ACFID members
ACFID is hosting a one‑day, face‑to‑face introductory workshop for staff, board members, and others who are new to the international development and humanitarian sector. This participatory workshop will include:
– An overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action
– An introduction to ACFID’s role and the ACFID Code
– Guest speakers from DFAT and ACFID member organisations
– Opportunities for networking and further learning
Date: 4 June 2026
Time: 9:00AM – 4:30PM AEST
Venue: Brisbane (TBC)
Register​ here​
To Note
Message from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
On the 17 May 2026, the Director-General of the World Health Organization determined that the ongoing outbreak of Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus (BVD) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) under the International Health Regulations (2005).
Aid workers departing from or returning to Australia from areas affected by Ebola are encouraged to tell the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing about their travel plans before they leave. Guidance for managing departing and returning aid workersÂ
Infection Prevention and Control
The Australian Centre for Disease Control has published the following guidance on protective measures for individuals who may be exposed to Ebola. Infection prevention and control principles and recommendations for Ebola virus disease
For more information, please contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing’s Border Health Section at [email protected]
To Register
ACFID National Conference 2026
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.
Register your ticket hereÂ
Explore more information on conference, program details, accommodation options and more here.Â
To Attend
​Free Online Modules on Safe, Responsible and Effective AI Usage
ACFID is pleased to launch 4 free, self-paced e-learning modules on safe, responsible and effective AI usage on ​Learn with ACFID​. These modules are suitable for complete beginners to AI as well as those already experimenting with AI who want to strengthen their skills. Content focuses on explaining key AI concepts and practical and ethical use of AI in the Development and Humanitarian sectors.
This program was developed by Plan International Australia with support from AVPN and the University of Melbourne’s Centre for AI and Digital Ethics (CAIDE). It includes four modules: What is AI? Risks and Realities of AI. Using Platforms and Prompts. Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and AI Agent Basics.
The online modules are open to all: to access the course, create a free account on ​Learn with ACFID​ and begin the Safe, Responsible and Effective AI Usage module available here: ​Safe, Responsible and Effective AI Usage E-learning​.​
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  |
| 28 May |
DFAT Meeting with ACFID Members – Melbourne |
| 3 June | ACFID Connect: Brisbane (Members only)  |
| 4 June | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Brisbane  |
| 5 June | ACFID Constitutional Review – Member Information Session |
| 12 June  | Fiji DHOM Briefing with ACFID members  |
| 23 July  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Adelaide |
| 12 – 14 October  | ACFID National Conference 2026 |
| 4 Nov  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Online |
| 5 Nov  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Online |