The Weekly

This week, ACFID has been working with our members to finalise our Budget Submission and three different parliamentary submissions. These submissions get developed with input and guidance from all of you through the relevant Communities of Practice. I continue to encourage all of you to visit the members portal, our website and look at the list of active groups that you and your team may want to join in 2026 (​​email us​​ if you want to learn more about COPs).

ACFID also welcomed​ the Australian Government’s announcement of $50 million of additional humanitarian support to Afghanistan.

Looking ahead, ACFID will participate in a DFAT organized roundtable with Melbourne-based ACFID members next week on 3 February and we look forward to a similar meeting taking place in Sydney later in Feb (date still being confirmed).

ACFID member CEOs will receive an email next week about the ACFID Board election for our current vacancy – please make sure you vote ASAP!

Members are also encouraged to join the upcoming CEO Connect session in March, with further details and registration information included below.

Weekly Data Shapshot

Africa is the largest focus region of ACFID members’ funding. In 2024, members delivered 646 projects across 34 countries, investing a total of $253.8M — with 42% directed to humanitarian and emergency response, alongside strong commitments to health and education.

Curious for more?   Click ​here​ to check out our Interactive Aid Map

ACFID Health Policy Planning Meeting

ACFID will be convening a meeting to discuss the current state of the health sector and to shape priorities for health policy and advocacy in 2026.

Date: 4 February 2026

Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM (AEDT)

If you would like to participate, please contact Sam Crosby at ​[email protected].​The meeting will be recorded.

ACFID CEO Connects: Sydney and Melbourne

As part of our new ACFID CEO Connects series, we invite Sydney and Melbourne based CEOs to join us in March. The events will be unique opportunities to share innovative practices, explore strategic challenges, and strengthen leadership connections.

The focus for March will be AI; the opportunities, the challenges, and the wins already gained. You will hear from some CEOs across our membership whose organisations have incorporated AI into their work and discuss the lessons learned and key takeaways.

Sydney: 4 March 2026 | 3:00PM-5:00PM |  Caritas Office |  Register ​here​

Melbourne: 25 March 2026 | 3:00PM-5:00PM | Save the Children Office | Register ​here​

Stay tuned for CEO Connect events in Adelaide and Brisbane to be hosted mid-year!

ACFID Pre-Budget Submission 2026-27 submitted to Treasury

Following consultations with our membership, ACFID submitted its 2026-27 Pre-Budget Submission to Treasury on 29 January 2026.

Titled ‘Implementation and Ambition: A new chapter for Australian Aid’, the submission stresses that it is in Australia’s interest to increase development spending to 1% of the Federal Budget, and take the lead, together with development partners, in building peace and prosperity in the region. It recommends budgetary outlays to high-performing NGO programs, international humanitarian action, climate change, education, health, and GEDSI.

Australia has a unique opportunity to use the next budget not only to meet immediate fiscal pressures, but to send a strong message highlighting Australia’s global responsibility, regional leadership, and long-term strategic engagement. Investing in development is one of the most cost-effective ways to advance all three.

Read ACFID’s submission ​here.​

ACFID Code of Conduct Drop-In

The Code team will be hosting its first online Code of Conduct drop‑in session for 2026. This session will not be recorded and aims to offer an informal space to talk about anything ACFID Code related. Please come and drop by to meet Whitney and Marvin from the Code team and give feedback or ask your compliance questions.

If you have any questions, please email the Code team at ​[email protected]​

Date: 19 February 2026

Time: 10:00AM – 11:00AM (AEDT)

Register ​here.

Introduction to the Sector Workshops 

ACFID will be hosting a series of Introduction to the International Development and Humanitarian Sector Workshops in 2026. These participatory face-to-face events will include an overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action; an introduction to ACFID’s Code and role in the sector; guest speakers from a range of ACFID’s members; and, opportunities for networking and further learning. For queries and to access free registration for Small Members, please contact ​[email protected]​ 

Sydney: 4 March 2026 Register ​here​ 

Melbourne: 25 March 2026 Register ​here​ 

Adelaide, Brisbane and Online: Register interest ​here​ 

We’re Looking for New Convenors!

Several of our Communities of Practice are seeking new Co‑Convenors to help lead and energise their work. Current opportunities include:

• Racial Justice CoP
• Africa CoP
• Climate Policy & Practice (Policy & Advocacy stream)
• Data Governance CoP
• Disability Equity CoP

If you’re interested—or even just a little curious—Anne would love to hear from you at ​[email protected].

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!

Exclusive offer – Free Cyber security audits for ACFID members

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