The Weekly
Nicola Gleeson, what is at the top of your mind this week?
This week (7-14 July) is NAIDOC week, an opportunity for all Australians to celebrate and recognise First Nations cultures, histories and achievements and reflect that we live on country that is home to the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.
The theme for NAIDOC week 2024 is, ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’, which is a celebration of the unyielding spirit of First Nations communities, and invites us all to stand in solidarity with and amplify voices that have long been silenced. ACFID stands in solidarity with First Nations peoples. We invite all Australians to work towards the creation of a society that values and respects the knowledge and contributions of Indigenous peoples.
We acknowledge that First Nations peoples still face discrimination and marginalisation in Australia and that we must do more to end this.
ACFID also acknowledges the need for First Nations voices to be heard in the international development and humanitarian sector. The ongoing struggles of First Nations Australians against repressive colonial systems are echoed in the similar struggles of many in the so-called “Global South”. We must elevate the voices of First Nations people, their expertise and knowledge systems (formal and informal) in Australia’s development investments and programming.
Additionally, this week, ACFID opened early bird ticket sales for our Annual National Conference! Join us again this year to explore what solidarity and resilience currently mean within the sector and what collective action and innovative partnerships are required for sustainable development and upholding human rights throughout the world.
Register here and if you’d like to stay up to date with announcements related to the Conference, subscribe here.
To Attend
ACFID Government Relations Group
Did you know that ACFID has a Government Relations Group, which meets fortnightly on Thursday afternoons? If you work in a Government Relations team, or are in an Advocacy team that has a Federal political strategy, and would like to join the group to discuss political engagement, please email Alex Edney-Browne ([email protected]) and Will Devine ([email protected]).
To Attend
DFAT Double Briefing on Nature-Based Solutions Evaluation and Climate Resilient Communities
DFAT’s Climate Resilience and Finance Branch will be joining our Climate community of practice meeting on July 30, 1.30-2.30PM, to present on the findings of their recent Nature-based Solutions evaluation as well as providing information on their new Climate Resilient Communities program. If you have not received the event invite for this via the Climate community of practice but would like to attend, please email Alex Edney-Browne ([email protected]).
To Action
Sustainable Development Report 2024
Late last month, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network released their report on how countries are progressing against the Sustainable Development Goals ahead of the UN Summit of the Future this September. Australia has ranked 37 of 166 on its SDG Index Rank and is only on track to meet the Gender Equality SDGs. Australia ranks worst on the SDGs on environment, climate change and reducing inequality, and came in as 4th largest fossil fuel exporter, and 9th largest per capita emitter of greenhouse gases. Read the full report here.
To Note
World Humanitarian Day – Parliament House events
ACFID, along with other peak bodies and sectors, is hosting 2 events at parliament to commemorate World Humanitarian Day on the 19th of August.
Vigil on parliament lawns, 8 am
This vigil will commemorate all humanitarian workers who have lost their lives on the frontlines in the last 12 months. All MPs will be invited, and there will be a number of speakers. This will be a public event, so please share the invite far and wide once you receive it.
Panel discussion and Gaza live update on Protecting frontline workers: Gaza and beyond, 6.30-8 pm
We are organising for a live update from someone on the ground in Gaza, as well as a panel discussion representing multiple sectors, to discuss the importance of protecting our colleagues, both in Gaza and beyond. All parliamentarians and staff will be invited.
You will receive further information about this, but if you are planning on being in Canberra, please contact Naomi at [email protected].
We encourage all those who are able to come along in solidarity with those in humanitarian crises everywhere. As further details are confirmed, we will provide more information.
To Action
Career Opportunity: Business Director
Join the ACFID team! We are searching for a highly experienced and capable Business Director to join the Canberra secretariat. Read more and apply here
To Attend
We Are Seeking an MC for the Conference: Nominate a Great Speaker
We are on the lookout for a dynamic and engaging MC for one of the days of the Conference, and we believe the perfect candidate could be someone from within our membership. This is a unique opportunity for your staff, board members, or associates to gain exposure and showcase their talents in front of leading professionals in the international development sector.
As an MC, they will play a pivotal role in leading the audience through the journey of conference, alongside other engaging speakers and industry leaders. They’ll connect with a diverse audience, and elevate their profile within the industry. If you or someone you know fits the bill, we invite you to send a brief bio and background of their speaking experience to [email protected].
To Action
Call Out: ACFID Annual Report Member Images
ACFID is currently compiling our annual report, highlighting the impactful work of our members in aid and development. We’re seeking high-resolution images showcasing efforts in climate change, locally led development, and humanitarian assistance. We’ll credit your organization and photographer, with captions up to 80 words. The images may appear on our website, social media, and publications for government, policymakers, DFAT, civil society, and others.
Submit by COB August 30 to Maria Herrera at [email protected].
To Action
Women & Leadership Australia: Scholarships Available
Partial scholarships for women in the Community Services Sector range from $1,000 to $5,000 per person for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.
These scholarships aim to encourage more women to increase their impact at work, progress their careers, and step into leadership roles.
Registrations of interest close on Friday, 6 September 2024, via the WLA website.
To Action
Women & Leadership Australia: Scholarships Available
Partial scholarships for women in the Community Services Sector range from $1,000 to $5,000 per person for one of four leadership and workplace skill development programs.
These scholarships aim to encourage more women to increase their impact at work, progress their careers, and step into leadership roles.
Registrations of interest close on Friday, 6 September 2024, via the WLA website.
To Action
Subsidized Transformative Safeguarding Course from United Edge
This course moves beyond compliance-driven models to foster a culture shift with contextualized approaches. You will join a global cohort from 60-70 different countries to deepen and decolonize the way we design and implement safeguarding policies and practices. Register here. For bursaries, contact Matt Kletzing, United Edge Director.
Who: United Edge
When: August 30 – September 19, 2024
To Action
ACFID is on Instagram: follow us!
ACFID is now present on Instagram. Follow us at @ACFID.AUS to stay updated on our latest news, projects and events.
Upcoming Events:
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22 July |
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23-24 October |