Our Board
Guide our vision
Lauren Ganley, Kamilaroi >
Director
Ian Hamm, Yorta Yorta >
Director
stephanie harvey, CEO
Leads the way
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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), a member of the Aboriginal Hostel Ltd’s Cultural Committee and was a member of the Charity, Philanthropy and Fundraising Advisory Group to the National CoVID19 Coordination Committee.
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
Driving and overseeing operations
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BArts
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.
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BArts Admin, Adv Dip Mus Perf, Grad Cert Commerce, MBA
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.
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BCom BSc CA
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.
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BBus, Communications
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
Work on the ground, in community
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.
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.
