Community First Development

Community First Development Community First Development is a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation. Facebook Community First Development House Rules.

We welcome and encourage conversation, comment and debate on the Community First Development page; however, on occasion, we will exercise the right to delete posts, and on rare occasions, ban users where we feel comments are highly offensive. The content we may remove includes but is not limited to:

- Abusive, threatening, harassing or attacking others

- Hateful in language targeting ra

ce/ ethnicity, age, colour or religion

- Swear words or other language which is likely to offend

- Spamming in nature. You can find our complete statement and social media community guidelines here: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/social-media-community-guidelines

Strong communities are built on strong foundations. Knowledge passed between generations. Leadership that grows from wit...
27/08/2026

Strong communities are built on strong foundations.

Knowledge passed between generations.

Leadership that grows from within community. Culture, connection and a shared vision for the future.

Every community has strengths. Every community has aspirations.

Community-led development is about creating the space for those strengths to be recognised and those aspirations to be realised.

Want to learn more about our community-led approach?

🔗 https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/ourapproach

Image credit: CEED Healing

Every number represents a community, a conversation and a shared commitment to community-led change. Over the past yea...
26/08/2026

Every number represents a community, a conversation and a shared commitment to community-led change.

Over the past year we've had the privilege of working alongside 220 communities, supporting 230 projects across 81 locations.

There is a story connected to every number, and we're looking forward to sharing more of those stories in the coming weeks.

20/08/2026

People often ask us about our community development framework.

And yes, we're proud of it.

But frameworks don't create change.

People do.

Communities do.

The framework helps guide the journey but the direction comes from communities identifying their own priorities, aspirations and opportunities for the future.

Because community-led development doesn't start with a framework.

It starts with community.

Interested in learning more about our approach?

🔗 https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/stories/frameworks-dont-create-change-people-and-communities-do

Music credit: Canva Pro

19/08/2026

Every community have their own strengths, priorities and aspirations for the future.

Our role is to listen, build relationships at the speed of trust and support communities to lead in ways that reflect what matters most to them.

Because where an idea starts matters.

Interested in learning more about community-led development?

👉https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/donate

Music credit: Canva Pro

We're searching for the next CEO of Community First Development. This is a unique opportunity to lead a national Aborigi...
18/08/2026

We're searching for the next CEO of Community First Development.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community development organisation that is committed to self-determination and community-led change.

If you know an inspiring and values-driven leader who shares our commitment to supporting communities to shape their own futures, we'd love for you to share this opportunity with them.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://peopleforpurpose.com.au/opportunity/chief-executive-officer-18/

Since we last shared their story, Cultural Choice Association has continued taking important steps towards their vision ...
13/08/2026

Since we last shared their story, Cultural Choice Association has continued taking important steps towards their vision for the future.

Working to create opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through culture, creativity and connection, the team has been building on the foundations they've worked hard to establish over recent years.

A significant milestone along the journey was the development of their strategic plan, helping guide the organisation's long-term goals and aspirations. More recently, they have continued exploring ways to strengthen and grow their programs so they can reach even more young people and communities.

Led by community and driven by a commitment to supporting young people to connect with culture and identity, Cultural Choice Association Inc. continues to demonstrate what community-led leadership looks like in action.

Images kindly shared by Cultural Choice Association Inc.

With deep gratitude, Community First Development acknowledges the leadership and contribution of Bidjara woman and our C...
11/08/2026

With deep gratitude, Community First Development acknowledges the leadership and contribution of Bidjara woman and our CEO, Stephanie Harvey, who has made the decision to step down from her role.

Steph’s leadership has been grounded in integrity, humility and a deep belief in the power of community-led change.

She has consistently championed self-determination, recognising that communities already hold the knowledge, strengths and solutions needed to shape their own futures.

While Steph’s impact on the organisation has been significant, those who know her will also remember her warmth, generosity and genuine care for people.

She has supported and encouraged staff, community members and partners along the way, always making time for a conversation, a laugh and a reminder of what really matters.

We are incredibly grateful for Steph’s leadership, dedication and friendship and wish her all the very best for this next chapter.

Thank you, Steph! 🖤💛❤️

🔗 Read more about Steph’s leadership journey here: https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/stories/a-remarkable-leader-for-community-led-change-stephanie-harvey-steps-down-as-ceo

10/08/2026

Across the globe, First Nations peoples continue to share knowledge, culture and leadership that strengthen communities and shape future generations.

Reflecting on the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we're reminded of the importance of recognising and valuing the wisdom that exists within communities.

As Bidjara woman and CEO of Community First Development, Steph Harvey shares:
"Everybody should be looking at community and seeing what community-led success looks like and how we can all be part of that, because it benefits all of us."

It's a powerful reminder that some of the most meaningful change happens when we stop, listen and learn from communities. By walking alongside First Nations peoples and supporting community-led solutions, we create stronger futures for everyone.

Staff Insights: General Manager Community Development, Renee TOne of the most important lessons community has taught me ...
07/08/2026

Staff Insights: General Manager Community Development, Renee T

One of the most important lessons community has taught me is the value of listening without an agenda.

"Whether it's in a room, under a tree, or wherever people feel most comfortable, being invited to listen without an agenda is powerful."

For me, it's a reminder that community-led work begins with creating space for people to share what's important to them, in their own way and on their own terms.

Some of the most meaningful conversations happen when we stop trying to have all the answers and start by listening.

Address

Suite 1. 4, 105 Mawson Drive, Mawson
Canberra, ACT
2607

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+611800819542

Website

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