The Weekly
It’s been a busy and productive week across the sector. On Monday, I had the privilege of speaking with the AVI Board, a great opportunity to strengthen collaboration and ensure we’re aligned on the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Looking forward, we’re preparing for the November Lobbying Rounds planned around our National Conference. Invitations to 147 MPs have gone out, and your engagement will be key to making these conversations impactful. This is our chance to ensure the issues that matter most to our members and communities are front and centre in Canberra.
Thank you to all members who contributed to the briefing with the Australian DHOM to Sri Lanka, your insights are highly valued and help shape Australia’s engagement in the region.
ACFID also joined ABC’s Afternoon Briefings this week to discuss the role of Australian NGOs in responding to global crises, with special focus on the Declaration on the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel.
Finally, an important update: the Melbourne MIDP meeting with Minister Anne Aly has been rescheduled to 6 October – new registration link here. If you registered previously, please re-register (check your inbox for Thursday’s email). If you’re not Melbourne-based but would like to attend or nominate a senior colleague, please let us know.
For those yet to register for the ACFID Conference, now is the time! Details and registration links are below.
To Read
ACFID Media Release on Gaza
ACFID is calling for urgent intervention after the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
“The international community cannot look away. This report found intentional targeting of civilians, the deliberate starvation of a population, and statements from Israeli leaders that clearly point to genocidal intent,” said Matthew Maury, CEO of ACFID.”
Read ACFID’s full media release here: UN Commission concludes that genocide is being committed in Gaza
To Attend
Parliamentary ACFID CEOs Lobbying Round, 2025:
Ahead of the Conference, ACFID will facilitate our annual Lobbying Round on Tuesday, 4 and the morning of Wednesday, 5 November. Member CEOs will meet with parliamentarians to advocate on the sector’s most pressing issues. This will be the only Lobbying Round held in 2025.
If you are available to participate, please complete this form with your details and availability at the bottom above. Meeting times will be confirmed closer to the date, but we kindly request that you keep your selected times available unless otherwise notified.
For questions about the Lobbying Round, please contact Naomi at [email protected]
To Attend
The ACFID National Conference 2025 is fast approaching.
On 5-6 November, we’ll gather in Canberra for connection, collaboration, and bold conversations shaping the future of international development and humanitarian action.
Meet Our Speakers:
Susanne Legena:
Susanne Legena, CEO of Plan International, is a leading feminist voice in civil society and human rights advocacy. With over 20 years of experience, she brings future-focused leadership to tackling global challenges and championing young people.
David Spriggs:
David Spriggs, CEO of Infoxchange, is driving digital inclusion and technology for social justice. As Chair of ADIA and a leader in the not-for-profit sector, he is committed to building a fairer, more connected society.
More to be announced soon! Read more here.
Register now to secure your spot, and stay up to date with new speakers and side events by signing up for the conference newsletter.
To Action
ACFID in the Media
This week, ACFID alongside 52 members, welcomed the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, a vital reaffirmation of international law and a call to action amid escalating threats to aid workers worldwide.
Read our joint statement, AAP article and listen to Matthew Maury speak about the declaration on ABC Afternoon Briefing.
To Read
Member Resolutions – ACFID AGM 2025
Each year at ACFID’s Annual General Meeting, members are invited to bring resolutions to come before the membership. These are important ways for members to demonstrate unity on current issues. They require two members – one to move and one to second. You should also be prepared to speak a few words on the resolution during the AGM. If you would like to discuss a resolution beforehand, please contact Matthew Maury or Jess Mackenzie. Please submit resolutions to Rae Lans, no later than 17 October 2025.
To Attend
AI Learning Pathways: Resources, Training and Community
Join Infoxchange, the ACFID Data Governance Community of Practice, and the ACFID Secretariat for a practical briefing on new opportunities to build AI capacity within your organisation and across the sector.
This session will introduce ACFID members to the Infoxchange’s AI Asia-Pacific Nonprofit Learning Community, offering a guided tour of tools and resources designed to support AI literacy and application.
We’ll also share details about upcoming AI Foundations training, and a new AI-focused discussion group within the Data Governance Community of Practice.
Date: Tuesday September 30th
Time: 2:00-2:45pm AEST
Register: AI Learning Pathways
To Action
Expressions of Interest Now Open – Code of Conduct Committee
ACFID is inviting nominations for four positions on the Code of Conduct Committee (CCC). This is a unique opportunity to contribute to ethical standards and accountability in our sector. All ACFID members are encouraged to apply. The CCC meets quarterly, and ACFID supports member participation. Nominations close 30 September 2025. For details on responsibilities, required skills, and participation, please refer to the CCC Position Description. Help shape the future of our sector – submit your EOI today!
To Attend
Climate Policy and Practice Community: Updates and sharing on COP30 and COP31
The CPPC is holding a check-in to share member plans for COP30 and hear updates on COP31 preparations. This is a space to exchange insights, coordinate efforts, and stay informed about ACFID members’ engagement in the UN Climate COPs. All ACFID members welcome to join.
Date: Tuesday 7th October
Time: 1:00-2:00pm
To join: Dial in details are in the Communities Platform, or email [email protected] to receive the link.
To Attend
Exploring a Risk & Compliance Community of Practice
Are you interested in connecting with others on risk management and compliance? We’re hosting a 30-minute informal chat to gauge interest in forming a new Community of Practice. This is a chance to connect with others, share what you’d like to see from such a group, and consider how it might complement existing Communities of Practice. Whether you’re experienced in the space or simply curious, we’d love your input. No commitment – just a conversation to explore possibilities!
When: Wednesday 15 October
Time: 12:30 – 1pm (AEST)
To Attend
DevEd 2025 Conference
The inaugural Development and Education (DevEd) Conference 2025 will bring together researchers, policymakers and practitioners from across the Asia-Pacific to explore how education can drive equitable, inclusive and sustainable development. Held from 11–13 November at the State Library Victoria in Melbourne, the conference is hosted by the Australian Council for Educational Research in partnership with DFAT and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Under the theme Reimagining the future of education in the Asia-Pacific, DevEd 2025 will tackle three critical areas: systems transformation, equity and inclusion, and foundational learning. The agenda goes beyond traditional development dialogue, spotlighting local innovation, regional partnerships and evidence-informed strategies that support lasting change.
Through keynotes, interactive panels and networking, DevEd 2025 will foster stronger connections between evidence and action. Whether you’re shaping policy, conducting research or delivering programs, the conference offers a vital platform to engage with the future of education in the region. Register today at www.deved.org.
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
Jobs
Director of Impact | Adara Group | Read more here.
Upcoming Events
| Date | Event |
| 30 September | AI Learning Pathways: Resources, Training and Community |
| 7 October |
Climate Policy and Practice Community: Updates and sharing on COP30 and COP31 (contact Anne at [email protected]) |
| 15 October | Exploring a Risk & Compliance Community of Practice |
| 5 & 6 November | Parliamentary ACFID CEOs Lobbying Round, 2025 |
| 5 & 6 November | 2025 ACFID National Conference |
| 11 – 13 November | DevEd 2025 Conference |
Food for Thought
Drawing on recent analysis from Development Intelligence Lab, AP4D’s Emilie Hung-Ling He and Melissa Conley Tyler write in The Mandarin that the administrative divide between development and defence can obscure the fact that development delivers concrete security dividends.
“Development is a key tool of statecraft and needs to be respected and resourced as part of a ‘keeping us safe’ budget. If Australia treats development assistance as marginal, it will undercut its own strategic objectives. To keep us safe requires both hard power and human security, both deterrence and prevention.”