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Commissioner's Column

Meeting charities across the country is an important way for us to understand how local conditions shape the way charities’ work.

I recently spent time in Adelaide and Perth and heard first-hand from charities about their experiences, including what’s working well and challenges they are navigating in their communities.

In Adelaide, I attended the 2026 National Volunteering Conference [[link removed]], hosted by Volunteering SA & NT.

Read more [[link removed]] Charity news and updates Guidance and resources for charities

Workshop on financial reporting responsibilities

Secure your place in this free, online workshop on Tuesday 4 August for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander directors, treasurers, CFOs and accountants.

This ORIC workshop covers directors’ key reporting and record-keeping responsibilities, and other legal obligations.

Register to attend [[link removed]]

New rules for branded text messages from

1 July

The way organisations send branded text messages has changed. From 1 July 2026, new rules mean texts sent with an organisation’s name at the top of a message (known as a branded sender ID) will need to have the sender ID registered. Apply now – the sooner the better to allow time for your sender ID application to be processed and approved.

Read more about the changes [[link removed]] 2025 Annual Information Statement

Is your charity's Annual Information Statement overdue?

The 2025 Annual Information Statement (AIS) due date for charities that operate on a calendar year (1 January to 31 December) was 30 June 2026.

If you haven't submitted yours yet, submit now via the Charity Portal to avoid penalties.

Submit via the Charity Portal now [[link removed]] Answering your questions

Q: I want to review my charity’s governance. What tools are available to help us?

We have a range of resources to help charities understand good governance, and duties as a registered charity.

Our self-evaluation tool [[link removed]] helps assess if your charity is meeting its obligations and identify any issues. Download it and work through each of the sections at your own pace.

If you find any areas for improvement, there is a template action plan to help address issues.

Familiarise yourself with the ACNC Governance Standards [[link removed]] - a set of core, minimum standards relating to charity governance and how a charity is run.

Our Governance for Good [[link removed]] guide is also an excellent resource for your charity’s Responsible People [[link removed]], such as directors and committee members.

Q: My charity sends money overseas — how do we check that overseas partners are legitimate and manage funds responsibly?

If your charity sends funds overseas [[link removed]], you are responsible for how they are used, even when working through a partner. You need to take reasonable steps to ensure money reaches people who need it, for charitable purposes.

You should:

Check your partners – understand their background, reputation and systems before sending funds.Set clear expectations – use agreements and controls to outline how funds must be used. Monitor regularly – ask for reports and keep track of how funds are spent.Manage risks – identify and address risks, including misuse or fraud.

Following these steps helps you meet the ACNC’s External Conduct Standards [[link removed]].

Resources for newly-registered charities

Charities must meet ongoing obligations to retain registration. You must notify us each time a Responsible Person (a committee or board member or trustee) commences or resigns from a position. Learn more [[link removed]].

Holding an annual general meeting is a good way to be accountable to your members. Read more about AGMs and view our free resources [[link removed]].

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The ACNC acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures and Elders past and present.

Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

GPO Box 5108

Melbourne VIC 3001

© Commonwealth of Australia

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