Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth and Achievement for AFNAD
As we reflect on the year that has been, we feel a deep sense of pride for everything the Association of First Nations Australians in Development (AFNAD) has achieved in 2024. It’s been a busy and rewarding year, and we’re proud to share some of the highlights with you
Our growing community: This year, we welcomed 15 new members into our community, bringing our total membership to over 40. This is a significant milestone, especially when we consider the historically low numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working in the international development sector. Our growth speaks to the incredible strength, talent, and leadership within our communities and our shared commitment to creating meaningful change in the development space.
Connecting through mentoring: This year, we launched our mentoring program, designed to bring our members together to share knowledge, experience, and support. The program is already creating strong connections, with members gaining valuable insights and guidance from their peers and leaders across the sector. These relationships are building a stronger network of First Nations development practitioners, grounded in our ways of working and collective strengths.
Strengthening our communications: We welcomed Nyikina/Jabirrjabirr woman, Zanna Palmer to our team as our new Communications Officer. Zanna has made an immediate impact, helping to increase our presence on LinkedIn and improve how we communicate with members and stakeholders. Her work ensures that our messages resonate with our community and reflect our shared values and goals.
Collaborating with DFAT: In 2024, AFNAD played an active role in shaping policy and programs, and were pleased to work closely with DFAT’s Office of First Nations International Engagement (OFNIE). We were consulted on the development of their First Nations Guidance Note, provided advice regarding the new First Nations International Fellowships and Partnerships Grants Program, and shared our perspectives on the direction of First Nations foreign policy approaches. This growing relationship represents an important step toward embedding First Nations perspectives and excellence in Australia’s international engagements, and we look forward to further engagements with OFNIE in the coming year.
Celebrating member achievements: Our members continue to inspire with their dedication and expertise. This year, they participated in professional development opportunities internationally, presented at national and international conferences, and led diverse projects that create meaningful change. These achievements reflect the rich contributions First Nations peoples make to the development sector and beyond. It’s so inspiring to see the dedication and expertise of our members contributing to meaningful change.
Building Stronger Foundations: Within AFNAD, we’ve focused on strengthening our governance and operational processes to ensure we can continue to grow and support our members. These improvements reflect our commitment to building an organisation that is both culturally strong and sustainable.
As we wrap up the year, we extend a big thanks to all our members, supporters, and allies who have walked alongside us this year. Your contributions make AFNAD stronger, and together we’re achieving meaningful change. We wish everyone a safe and happy end to the year and look forward to continuing our journey in 2025.
Warm regards,
The AFNAD Team
Photo captions
Top left: Committee members David Poulton and Jenna Hawes meeting with two of AFNAD’s most recent members, Ashlee Wone and Zara Maddigan at the 2024 Australasian Aid Conference in Canberra.
Top right: AFNAD Members Tony Kiessler (3rd left) and Jenna Hawes (5th left) in Mexico City facilitating the APEC TEL 69 Workshop on Indigenous Digital Inclusion.
Bottom left: AFNAD member Allan Sarago-Ah Kee (centre), during a study tour to the United States with the Perth USAsia Centre.
Bottom right: AFNAD Committee member, Alice Tamang (2nd right), presenting at the Australia Awards Regional Alumni Workshop in Bhutan.
