Friday 01 March 2024

The Weekly

Marc Purcell, what is at the top of your mind this week?

This week, ACFID was privileged to accompany UNRWA Director of Affairs in Gaza, Thomas White at Parliament House. Tom spoke of the importance of reinstating funding to UNRWA, the measures taken by UNRWA since allegations were raised by the Israeli government, and the looming collapse of the humanitarian response in Gaza without member states recommitting their funding to UNRWA. This included briefings with over 30 members of Parliament and advisors, across all parties and independents, including Minister Wong’s office. This has generated significant media including a Guardian article on the meeting with Minister Wong’s office. 

To Action

Media Release: Flatlining Australian Aid undermines regional security

ACFID published a media release, calling on the government to urgently boost development assistance to buffer against threats to the region and help our partners deal with climate change. The media release also covers our 2024-2025 budget submission, and can be found in full here.

To Attend

Media Release: Reinstate UNRWA funding to prevent total humanitarian collapse

ACFID has written a media release, urging the federal government to reinstate funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) so the agency can pay workers delivering lifesaving aid.  The media release can be found in full here

To Note

Global Citizen Festival 4-6th March 2024 for all launch

Global Citizen is returning to Australia for the first edition of Global Citizen NOW in Melbourne on 4-6 March 2024. Featuring celebrities Hugh Jackman, Charlie Puth, Crowded House and Sarah Ferguson, it is sure to be a must-see event. Also, the Safer World for All campaign will launch at the festival.

Learn more about the event here.

To Attend

HRG/Gov Rels Gaza Meetings- now open to all members

ACFIDs regular joint meeting with Humanitarian Reference Group and Government Relations on Gaza advocacy will occur on Monday morning at 11am, and will include a debrief on Director of UNRWA Affairs in Gaza, Tom White’s parliamentary visit which was hosted by ACFID. All members are invited to attend if interested: here

To Note

Nominations open: Committee for Development Cooperation (ANCP agencies)

The Committee for Development Cooperation (CDC) is seeking nominations for one elected NGO representative to fill a casual vacancy. Meeting at least three times per year, the role of the CDC is crucial in relation to the continuous improvement of DFAT accreditation, and as both an advisory and consultative body for professional development of the Australian NGO community. Find out more about the Committee and the nomination process.

Nominations close at 5pm Friday 8 March. Please contact Emily Moreton, CDC Secretariat, with any questions [email protected].

To Action

Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Expressions of Interest

ACFID is seeking expressions of interest for participants for an Introduction to the Development and Humanitarian Sector Workshop. EoIs will assist us in identifying the location of the next workshop, which will be held in the coming months.

This participatory event includes overviews of the history of international development and humanitarian action; an introduction to ACFID’s Code and its role in the sector; guest speakers from a range of ACFID’s members; learning and discussion about priority issues in the sector such as Gender Equity, Disability Inclusion, Safeguarding, Locally Led Action and Decolonisation; and, opportunities for networking and further learning.
Participants are welcome from staff, board, and other personnel of members and non members. Students and individuals interested in entering the sector are also welcome to attend. Expressions of interest can be registered at here on behalf of yourself or others in your organisation.

To Note

Code Roadshow – save the date

The ACFID Code and Learning teams are on the road! Join us to ask all your questions about the new ACFID Code and network with other ACFID members.

Day 1 will focus on the changes to the ACFID Code of Conduct and how to help your organisation understand and prepare for the changes. Day 2 will focus on Locally Led Action and be a chance to hear from other ACFID members and explore ACFID’s new Locally led Action Toolkit.

Who: Saff and volunteers of ACFID members

When:

  • Sydney: 10 and 11 April
  • Melbourne: 23 and 24 April
  • Online: 17 April (for personnel not based in Sydney or Melbourne)

Further details and registration links will be provided next week.

To Note

The Finance CoP meets

Earlier this week, the ACFID Finance CoP met at Plan International in Melbourne for a full day of discussions and learning. Hosted by ACFID’s Corporate Partner StoneX, the day included guests speakers from DFAT Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption section, an update on the Australian Accounting Standards, a foreign currency update from the APAC Head of Trading, StoneX and much more. 

ACFID’s Communities of Practice are a great way to network with each other and share insights and learnings. If you would like to join the Finance CoP, sign up to MYACFID then get in touch via [email protected] to ensure your profile is linked to your organisation. The CoP is also looking for a second convenor to assist with the general running of the CoP. Interested people can let us know through the same email address above. 

To Note

Webinars on Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity for NFPs

A series of upcoming webinars focusing on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Cybersecurity for NFPs, hosted by Infoxchange and the Digital Transformation Hub, will provide valuable insights and practical knowledge to assist our members in the complexities of AI and improving your cybersecurity practices. Find the courses here and here 

To Note

FEATURED JOBS

Development Committee of the Board (Voluntary) | Indigo foundation APPLY HERE

To Note

Upcoming Events

Date Event
04 – 06 March Global Citizen Festival
05 March Women in Aid: International Women’s Day 2024 Event
18 – 20 March ACFID CEO Lobbying Round
10 – 11 April Code Roadshow – Sydney
17 April Code Roadshow – Online
23 – 24 April Code Roadshow – Melbourne

To Note

FEATURED JOBS

Development Committee of the Board (Voluntary) | Indigo foundation APPLY HERE

ACFID’s media team is updating our Digital Image Library and contact list. We kindly request our members to contact [email protected] and contribute additional images and updated contact details.

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