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

Recently, our Senior Community Development Officer Nikkeeta, was invited to attend a special screening hosted by communi...
04/06/2026

Recently, our Senior Community Development Officer Nikkeeta, was invited to attend a special screening hosted by community partner Yawardani Jan-ga for the premiere of Guided by Horses.

The evening began with a beautiful Welcome to Country led by local Elders, grounding everyone in culture, respect and deep connection. Walking through the newly built stables offered a glimpse into the space where healing, growth and cultural strength are nurtured every day.

The film itself was incredibly moving. Guided by Horses captured real stories, real journeys and the genuine impact of the Yawardani program: supporting young people to rebuild confidence, reconnect with culture and Country. Each story spoke to the strength of participants and the dedication of the team behind it.

Thank you, Juli, for the invitation and for the leadership and care you continue to bring to this important work.

Today is Mabo Day. Mabo Day reminds us of truth, courage and the power of community. We honour Eddie Koiki Mabo and the...
02/06/2026

Today is Mabo Day.



Mabo Day reminds us of truth, courage and the power of community.

We honour Eddie Koiki Mabo and the Meriam people, whose leadership led to the recognition of First Nations land rights in 1992.

At Community First Development, we continue to stand with communities who carry this legacy forward every day through culture, strength and self‑determination.

As National Reconciliation Week comes to a close, we’re reminded that reconciliation is an ongoing commitment. At Commun...
02/06/2026

As National Reconciliation Week comes to a close, we’re reminded that reconciliation is an ongoing commitment.

At Community First Development, this is reflected in how we work alongside communities: listening deeply, respecting local knowledge and supporting community-led priorities.

This week has been a time to reflect, learn, and recommit to these principles. As we look ahead, we’ll continue these conversations at the AIATSIS Summit, another opportunity to listen, connect, and support community-led change.

28/05/2026

National Reconciliation Week invites all of us to consider what it really means to be “All In.”

It’s something that unfolds over time, in how we listen, learn, and walk alongside communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have led with deep knowledge, care for Country, and strong systems of connection for generations.

There is so much to learn when we take the time to truly listen. Being “All In” means making space for that leadership, staying open to learning and recognising that meaningful change is built together, step by step.

Our work is shaped by self-determined communities. We prioritise deep listening to understand each community’s history, ...
27/05/2026

Our work is shaped by self-determined communities.

We prioritise deep listening to understand each community’s history, culture and aspirations, building respect, trust and enduring relationships.

Every day, we are , supporting community-led priorities.

Today is National Sorry Day. We remember the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the strength of survivors and their fami...
25/05/2026

Today is National Sorry Day.

We remember the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the strength of survivors and their families.

Nearly three decades on after the Bringing Them Home Report, much of the work called for to support healing remains unfinished. Learning, listening and truth-telling continue to matter, not only in understanding the past, but in shaping how we respond today.

At Community First Development, we recognise that healing must be led by communities and supported through care, respect and accountability.

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the many ways volunteers support community-led change. Not by leading but by listeni...
21/05/2026

This week, we’ve been reflecting on the many ways volunteers support community-led change. Not by leading but by listening, learning and walking alongside.

At Community First Development, volunteering with us isn’t about quick fixes or one-off moments. It’s about showing up with respect, offering skills when invited and supporting the long-term aspirations of First Nations’ communities.

When communities invite us to walk alongside them, we connect skilled volunteers that align with the support requested – we are always guided by community priorities.

Whether your skills are technical, professional or people‑focused there are meaningful ways to contribute.

Learn more about volunteering with us: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/become-a-volunteer

20/05/2026

After working alongside hundreds of volunteers and First Nations’ communities, we’ve learned something important: many volunteers arrive ready to give. But the ones who make the greatest impact arrive ready to listen, connect and build genuine relationships.

This National Volunteer Week, hear from one of our long‑term volunteers, Rogier, as he shares his experience volunteering with Community First Development.

Want to learn more about volunteering with Community First Development? Head to our website today: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/become-a-volunteer

In First Nations’ communities, a community‑led approach to volunteering is essential. When volunteers are invited in and...
19/05/2026

In First Nations’ communities, a community‑led approach to volunteering is essential. When volunteers are invited in and guided by community priorities, trust grows, relationships strengthen and collaboration leads to stronger outcomes. This is where meaningful change begins.

When projects are shaped by the goals, knowledge and strategies of the community, they don’t end when a volunteer placement finishes, they continue, adapt and evolve over time.

This National Volunteer Week, with the theme Your Year to Volunteer, we’re reflecting on what it means to volunteer in ways that are respectful, community‑led and driven by long‑term change because when volunteering is done the right way, everyone thrives.

📸: Dale, Burrunju Aboriginal Art Gallery, Community First Development Volunteer, Deb, and Senior Community Development Officer, Ruth.

14/05/2026

Recently, Senior Community Development Officer Alex spent time in Hahndorf, South Australia for some community engagement and connected with .

Yapi Services is an aboriginal-owned organisation delivering culturally safe mentoring and disability support to individuals, families and organisations from all backgrounds.

Run by brothers Tyson, Terrel and Isaiah, Yapi Services invited Community First Development to support their business initiatives. Through this partnership, Alex connected the team with skilled volunteers Emma and Carmen to assist with project delivery.

As Yapi Services continue their important work delivering culturally safe, respectful and grounded support that truly puts people first, we’re excited to witness the lasting impact they’ll continue to create.

Pictured (Left to right) Isaiah, Senior Community Development Officer Alex, Tyson, Community First Development Volunteer Carmen, and Terrel.

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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

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