The Weekly
Matthew Maury, what is at the top of your mind this week?
This past week, ACFID has continued engagement with members and partners following the release of the Federal Budget. Our member only Budget webinar is always one of the most attended events in our calendar and it was great to have a strong turnout again this year. You can read more about this and get a copy of our budget analysis below.Â
Please also note the health advisory information below which has come to us from the Dept of Health in relation to the recent Ebola outbreak and with the prioritization of staff health and safety.
Preparations are also continuing for the 2026 ACFID National Conference. We are currently inviting input through ​expressions of interest for concurrent sessions​, and ​nominations for the 2026 ACFID Awards.​ We encourage members to contribute ideas, showcase innovative work across the sector, and help shape this year’s Conference program under the theme Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future.Â
To Read
We are pleased to share the​ ACFID Federal Budget Analysis​ which outlines what the Budget means to the work of ACFID members. We hope it will be a useful resource for our members to understand DFAT funding across different sectors, how funding has shifted between regions, and broader trends in Australia’s ODA program. If you have any questions about the budget that ACFID may be able to help answer, feel free to reach out to Imogen at ​[email protected]​.
To Note
Message from the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing would like to remind aid agencies, humanitarian NGOs, and individual humanitarian workers of the Australian Government’s ​guidance on departing and returning aid workers.​
If your organisation, or you personally, are planning to deploy in response to the current Ebola outbreak, please read the linked policy and help keep yourself and the Australian community safe upon your return.
The Department will shortly share further material on infection prevention and control, along with additional Ebola-related guidance.
To Attend
Myanmar HOM briefing with ACFID members
Australia’s Head of Mission-designate to Myanmar has requested a briefing with the ACFID Myanmar Community of Practice to discuss Australia’s development and humanitarian priorities in the country. This briefing will be held in Sydney on Tuesday 26 May from 2-3pm AEST in a hybrid format (online or in-person at the DFAT NSW office at 13/9 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000).
Please note that the Myanmar CoP will also organise an online prep meeting on Thursday 21 May from 1-2pm AEST, to coordinate and agree on key messages. For ACFID members who are not currently members of the Myanmar CoP, please email ​[email protected]​ by 21 May COB to request the Teams links for the prep meeting and briefing. These requests will also be passed on to the Myanmar CoP co-convenors.
If you are a member of the Myanmar CoP, please sign in to the ACFID CoP platform to register for the prep meeting and the briefing, and to receive calendar invites for each.
To Action
Call for ACFID National Conference 2026 Concurrent Sessions – Deadline Approaching
A reminder that expressions of interest for Concurrent Sessions at the 2026 ACFID National Conference are due Friday 5 June 2026.
We encourage members and sector partners to propose participatory sessions that contribute to this year’s theme, Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future.
Submit EOI by Friday 5 June 2026 to Anne Fitzpatrick
To Join
ACFID in Brisbane – June 2026
The ACFID Secretariat will be in Brisbane this June, and members and sector colleagues are invited to join us for two in‑person events focused on connection, learning, and engagement.
ACFID Connect: Brisbane ( Members only )Â
As part of ACFID’s 2026 series of in‑person networking events, ACFID Connect: Brisbane brings staff from ACFID member organisations together to share insights, strengthen relationships, and connect directly with the ACFID Secretariat.
This informal event provides a space to meet peers, exchange ideas, and strengthen connections across the international development and humanitarian sector.
Date: 3 June 2026
Time: 3:30PM – 5:30PM AEST
Venue: Kyeema Foundation, Brisbane
Register​ here​
Introduction to the Sector – Open to allÂ
Free for small ACFID members | Discounted for other ACFID members
ACFID is hosting a one‑day, face‑to‑face introductory workshop for staff, board members, and others who are new to the international development and humanitarian sector. This participatory workshop will include:
– An overview of the history of international development and humanitarian action
– An introduction to ACFID’s role and the ACFID Code
– Guest speakers from DFAT and ACFID member organisations
– Opportunities for networking and further learning
Date: 4 June 2026
Time: 9:00AM – 4:30PM AEST
Venue: Brisbane (TBC)
Register​ here​
To Register
ACFID National Conference 2026
ACFID National Conference 2026 will bring the sector together in Canberra to share ideas, challenge thinking, and strengthen collaboration.
With the theme Mobilising the Collective: Reshaping Systems for a Just Future, the conference is your moment to connect, get inspired, and be part of shaping what’s next for the sector.
Register your ticket hereÂ
Explore more information on conference, program details, accommodation options and more here.Â
To Action
We’re now inviting photo submissions for the ACFID Annual Report 2025–2026. This is an opportunity to showcase your work and highlight the impact of your organisation across the sector. We welcome high-quality images that reflect programs, partnerships, and communities.
Please send your submissions to Win Mrat at [email protected], including captions and photo credits.
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!
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.
Upcoming Events
| Date  | Events  |
| 26 May  |
DFAT Meeting with ACFID Members – Sydney  |
| 26 May | Myanmar HOM briefing with ACFID members |
| 28 May |
DFAT Meeting with ACFID Members – Melbourne |
| 3 June | ACFID Connect: Brisbane (Members only)  |
| 4 June | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Brisbane  |
| 23 July  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Adelaide |
| 12 – 14 October  | ACFID National Conference 2026 |
| 4 Nov  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Online |
| 5 Nov  | Introduction to the Sector Workshop – Online |