Church Agencies Partner on Humanitarian Response

16 June 2017

The Australian government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has announced a consortium of eight church agencies as one of the successful agencies that tendered for the Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP).

The AHP is a five-year $50 million commitment from the Australian government which brings together six NGO consortiums to rapidly respond to global crises. The AHP members are: Care, CAN DO, Oxfam, Plan International, Save the Children and World Vision

The Church Agencies Network Disaster Operation (CAN DO) consortium comprises ADRA Australia, Caritas Australia (consortium leader), Act for Peace, Anglican Board of Mission, Anglican Overseas Aid, the Australian Lutheran World Service, Transform Aid International (Baptist World Aid Australia) and UnitingWorld.

The AHP also has a new strategic focus on Pacific preparedness and resilience work. This new focus, in particular building capacity of local organisations, will enhance the effectiveness of the CAN DO networks ongoing disaster preparedness work through its extensive church network across the Pacific.

Speaking at the AHP’s launch in Brisbane on Friday, Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said the partnership will increase the capacity of local organisations and communities to manage crises.

“Building on the NGOs’ extensive regional networks, we will help to ensure Pacific nations are more resilient to disasters, and can more quickly rebuild and return people’s lives to normal,” Ms Bishop said.

ADRA Australia CEO Mark Webster hailed the decision as a “massive milestone”.

“We are incredibly proud of our work during disasters and this decision is a fantastic endorsement by the Australian Government.

“The collaborative approach that the CAN-DO partners have established has the potential to greatly increase the effectiveness and profile of churches and faith-based agencies like ADRA Australia in preparing for and responding to disasters,” Mr Webster said.

All members of CAN DO are signatories to the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) Code of Conduct.

CAN DO is a member of the Australian Humanitarian Partnership between the Australian Government and some of Australia’s leading international NGOs. The AHP has a strategic focus on Pacific preparedness and resilience work, in particular building capacity of local organisations across the region to manage disasters more effectively.