The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the peak body for international development and humanitarian organisations, alongside 59 of its members, is delighted to join in celebrating 50 years of the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP) today.

The milestone event, to be held in Mural Hall at Parliament House this evening, will be attended by the Governor-General and former ACFID President, Her Excellency the Hon. Sam Mostyn AC, the Foreign Minister, Senator the Hon. Penny Wong and Minister for International Development and the Pacific, the Hon. Pat Conroy MP as well as senior representatives from across parliament. The event acknowledges the long-standing achievements of the Australian NGO sector in delivering development outcomes across the globe.

Launched in 1974 with a small cohort of NGOs, the ANCP stands as the Australian Government’s longest running and largest partnership program with the NGO sector. From its modest beginnings, the ANCP today partners with 59 NGOs to support the delivery of more than 400 projects in 50 countries, benefiting more than 4.8 million people worldwide.

The program is a unique partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade whereby NGOs who have undertaken a rigorous accreditation process contribute funds raised from the Australian community, which are matched by the Australian Government and programmed around the world in line with Australia’s international development policy priorities.

Incoming ACFID Interim CEO, Matthew Maury said, “The ANCP is a flagship program for Australian aid, matching the policy interests of Government to the expertise of NGOs. The program expands the global presence of Australia’s aid program and reflects the support of a generous Australian public.”

“A strong ANCP and the recent announcement of $35 million in funding for the Civil Society Partnerships Fund leaves the NGO community excited and hopeful that this Government will continue to build strong partnerships with civil society both in Australia and around our region. NGOs are ready to deliver against Australia’s development program priorities in new initiatives as proven and effective partners.”

Oxfam Chief Executive and ACFID Vice-President Lyn Morgain said, “The ANCP is a magnificent example of the sustained, tangible impact that is possible when both Government and Civil Society partner for the long term.

By incentivising NGOs to raise Australian public support, the Government is also supporting and amplifying people-to-people links across the globe. This support has sustained NGOs partnering with communities for decades, creating programs built on relationships and trust that deliver outcomes for millions of people year after year.”

ActionAid Chief Executive and ACFID Vice-President Michelle Higelin said, “The Australian Government and DFAT should be congratulated on this truly significant achievement. We’re delighted to be able to celebrate 50 years in a partnership that’s as strong as it has ever been.

The ANCP is a program that punches well above its weight, with independent evaluations consistently finding an impact and reach far beyond its annual funding. This performance has enabled 50 years of success, and we look forward to celebrating more such milestones in decades to come.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact ACFID Media at 0401 721 064 or at [email protected]