We’re led by a team of experienced professionals from a wide range of backgrounds who believe in making an impact. They bring a wealth of experience and creativity. They’re here to make big ideas happen.

 
 

THE Board

 
 
 

Left to right:

Ian Hamm, Yorta Yorta, Director; Lauren Ganley, Kamilaroi Director; Stan Kalinko, Director; Karen Milward AM, Yorta Yorta, Chair; Karen Jacobs, Whadjuk, Director; John Jeffery, Wiradjuri, Director

 

stephanie harvey, CEO

 

Steph is a Bidjara woman from Queensland and a third sector leader with a career that spans government, community, and NFP.

Steph has significant experience working with First Nations peoples in Australia and internationally. She is a Director of The Healing Foundation and the Australian Regional and Remote Community Services (ARRCS).

Steph has also been a  judge for many of the Telstra Business Awards and Telstra Business Women’s Awards.  She has qualifications in business and is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and the Australian Institute of Management.

Steph devotes considerable energy to her passion for the rights of vulnerable people. She is committed to social and economic equity and the principles of self-determination. 

 

Management Team

  • Sharon has worked for the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet with a focus on social investment, philanthropy, social policy and Indigenous Affairs. She has 10 years’ experience as a researcher with the Department of the Senate. Sharon has been working with Community First Development since 2015.

  • Tom has broad experience as an executive manager in the not for profit sector, across Australian and International Development, culture and diversity, disability, youth and training organisations. He has been working as a General Manager at Community First Development since 2012.

  • Ruth Hilton-Bell is a dedicated Chartered Accountant focused on delivering meaningful and strategically focused financial management. She has over 20 years’ experience starting her career in a big four accounting firm and working with varying entities from listed companies and not-for-profit organisations. Ruth has management and governance experience at a senior level in the not-for-profit sector having held long term positions, most recently as CFO at Community First Development since 2014.

  • Kathy has more than 20 years’ experience working in fundraising, business development and supporter relationships in a number of leading not-for-profit organisations across a range of sectors, including; health, education and community services. 

    She has responsibility for individual and philanthropic giving, planned giving and the establishment of strategic fundraising plans that support our organisations’ activities. Kathy has been working with Community First Development since 2018. 

 

Community Development
and Research Team

 

Whether it’s listening to local needs, co-creating solutions, or empowering communities to achieve their goals, our field team is dedicated to making a real difference on the ground. Their hands-on approach ensures every initiative is shaped by and for the people it serves.

 

Meet the team >

 
 

 Be part of the change

At Community First Development, we’re committed to creating a workplace that inspires and supports our people to thrive. We value continual learning, flexibility, and collaboration, creating an environment where everyone can grow and contribute meaningfully.

If you’re passionate about working alongside communities to drive positive change, we’d love to hear from you. Explore current opportunities on our Jobs Page.