The Weekly

This week, ACFID published our analysis of DFAT’s Performance of Australian Development Cooperation Report 2024-25. The report provides an important snapshot of Australia’s development program, and our analysis highlights key trends, achievements and areas for continued attention. I encourage members to take some time to review the findings and consider the implications for our collective work and advocacy efforts.

There are also a number of important member engagement opportunities coming up over the next few weeks. From member only networking and information sessions in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne, to a consultation opportunity detailing our review of ACFID’s Constitution, you will find further information below in the newsletter to register.

We are also delighted to once again welcome Dylan Matthews, CEO of Peace Direct, to join ACFID’s Locally Led Action Community of Practice for an important discussion on turning commitments into action.

And finally, there is still time to respond to ACFID’s Annual Statistical Survey to help ensure your organisation is represented in the work we do.

We look forward to connecting with many of you through these upcoming events and discussions. Further details and registration links can be found below.

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To Note

Reminder: The 2026 Annual Statistical Survey Is Still Open

There’s still time to complete the 2026 Annual Statistical Survey. Every submission helps build a more complete picture of the Australian NGO sector and ensures organisations are represented in important resources, including the NGO Aid Map. 

The survey will close on Tuesday, 4 August.

If you have any questions or need support with your submission, our team is here to help! Please reach out to [email protected]

To Read

ACFID Analysis: Performance of Australian Development Cooperation Report 2024–25

DFAT has released the third Performance of Australian Development Cooperation (PADC) Report, as part of its commitments under the 2023 International Development Policy. ACFID’s analysis reviews progress against the three-tier performance framework and highlights key findings from the inaugural Biennial Perceptions Survey.

The analysis notes improvements to the AusDevPortal, positive progress against gender equality and disability equity targets, and clearer reporting on funding to local partners through programs such as ANCP. It also raises concerns about declining support for food security and drinking water access, and identifies areas where greater transparency is needed, including partner roles and climate finance tracking.

Read ACFID’s analysis here.

For questions or comments, please contact Ujjwal Krishna.

To Attend

ACFID Connect: A Call to Action on Locally Led Development

Join ACFID’s Locally Led Action Community of Practice for a discussion with Dylan Matthews (Peace Direct) on the newly launched Call to Action on Supporting Locally Led Development. Learn how this global initiative aims to turn commitments into action, what DFAT’s endorsement means for the sector, and how Australian NGOs can get involved. Discover practical ways to support locally led development and embed the Call to Action’s nine action areas in your work.

Date: 20 July 2026

Time: 4:00PM – 5:00PM (AEST)

Register on MyACFID here

To Attend

Deep-dive session on ACFID’s Constitutuion Review

ACFID is hosting a 30-minute deep-dive session on ACFID’s Constitution Review. The session will provide an overview of the review process and proposed changes and is the main member consultation opportunity prior to the final draft being distributed in August.

For questions or enquiries, please contact Chris Portillo, Executive Coordinator, at [email protected].

Date: 15 July 2026

Time: 11:00AM – 11:30AM (AEST)

Register here.

To Action

3-min Code Survey: Let us know your needs! 

The Code Team wants to know how to support Members better with their Code requirements, reporting, and resources. Please fill out this 3-min survey to help us help you. If you take on any Code reporting responsibilities, please click here.

Tips and Tricks for your Code reporting

Join us for a webinar to discuss your Code reporting requirements, FAQs, and expectations on meeting the revised ACFID Code of Conduct. 

Date: 15 July 2026 

Time: 10:00AM – 11:30AM (AEST)

Register here. 

To Attend

Deep-dive session on ACFID’s Constitution Review

ACFID is hosting a 30-minute deep-dive session on ACFID’s Constitution Review. The session will provide an overview of the review process and proposed changes and is the main member consultation opportunity prior to the final draft being distributed in August.

For questions or enquiries, please contact Chris Portillo, Executive Coordinator, at [email protected].

Date: 15 July 2026

Time: 11:00AM – 11:30AM (AEST)

Register here.

To Attend

ACFID CEO Connects: Melbourne and Sydney

Details are below for our next round of Melbourne and Sydney CEO Connects. 

Melbourne:
Date: 22 July 2026

Time: 3:00PM-5:00PM (AEST)
Register here.

Sydney:
Date: 4 August 2026, 

Time: 3:00PM – 5:00PM (AEST) 
Register here.

To Attend

ACFID in Adelaide – July 2026

The ACFID Secretariat will be in Adelaide this July, and members and sector colleagues are invited to join us for two in‑person events focused on connection, learning, and engagement.

ACFID Connect: Adelaide – Members only

As part of ACFID’s 2026 series of in‑person networking events, ACFID Member Connect: Adelaide 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: 23 July 2026
Time: 3:30PM – 5:30PM (AEST)
Location: St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Wakefield St, Adelaide

Register here.

Introduction to the Sector – Adelaide

Open to all | Free for small ACFID members | Discounted for other ACFID members and students

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 organisationsOpportunities for networking and further learning

Date:23 July 2026
Time: 8:30AM – 3:30PM (AEST)

Location: St Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Wakefield St, Adelaide

Register here.

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 following upcoming courses:

– Systems Transformation: Strategy and Evaluation – 24 July 2026

– Most Significant Change – 31 July 2026

– Complete Guide to Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) – 7 August 2026

– Evaluating Place-based Approaches – 2 October 2026

Clear Horizon also offers 30% off group bookings (5+ participants). 

Explore upcoming courses and register here. 

Consultants

Exclusive Offer –  10% off Athena Board software

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