A remarkable leader for community-led change, Stephanie Harvey steps down as CEO

"Her exceptional leadership. Her support for our people, commitment to partnerships, and the strong international relationships she has built over recent years has been outstanding.”

- Karen Milward AO, Community First Development Chair.

With deep gratitude, Community First Development acknowledges the leadership and contribution of CEO Steph Harvey, who has announced her decision to step down from the role.

Steph was appointed CEO in 2010 and lead the organisation’s growth and expansion.

"It has been a pleasure to serve as CEO of this organisation and I am proud of its successful transition from a volunteering organisation to an Aboriginal organisation that is firmly focused on community led impacts," she said.

Throughout her leadership, Steph has guided Community First Development through significant growth, change and important moments, always keeping people, community and relationships at the heart of the organisation.

A leader grounded in self-determination

As a Bidjara woman from Queensland, she is a third sector leader whose career spans government, community and not-for-profit organisations.

Steph never lost sight of doing things the right way. At the heart of her leadership has always been a deep belief in self-determination and the strength, knowledge and wisdom that already exist in our communities.

She has always encouraged us to listen first, walk alongside communities, and support people to lead their own solutions.

“The impacts from community-led development and Aboriginal led funding are sustainable and valuable, and I am always mindful that 90% of our community partners reported they cannot source this support elsewhere. Community First Development is a vital part of the Closing the Gap solution.”

Steph’s leadership has shaped not only the organisation Community First Development is today, but the many people she has supported, encouraged and inspired along the way.

For Steph, leadership has always been about people, creating an environment where staff feel supported, trusted, and confident to do meaningful work.

“One of the biggest things I've learned from Steph is the importance of being part of a team where people genuinely support each other and share responsibility.

Steph has taught me so much about what it means to work respectfully with community. She has shown us the importance of listening, respecting community leadership and self-determination, and recognising that communities already hold the knowledge and wisdom to create the change they are seeking. Our role is to bring the skills, resources and practical support we can, and to back their aspirations in a way that is useful and respectful.”
- Kathy, General Manager Supporter Engagement.

“Steph’s leadership has helped me become more confident in my role. She has encouraged us to work with communities, listen to what they want, and support them to make their own decisions. This has helped build stronger relationships and better outcomes for the communities we work with."

- Tania, Regional Manager: Northern Territory/ Western Australia.

Steph has shown many of us that strength and compassion can exist together.

“Steph’s leadership has taught me that you can be both strong and deeply compassionate. She leads with empathy, integrity and a genuine commitment to our people, always taking the time to support, encourage and uplift those around her. Her belief in others has given many of us the confidence to take on new challenges and grow in our roles. The impact of that support will stay with me long after her time at Community First Development."

- Renee, General Manager Community Development.

‍ Building relationships and creating opportunities

Steph has represented Community First Development nationally and internationally, building relationships with Indigenous peoples from around the world, philanthropists, partners and organisations.

Through these relationships, Steph has helped create opportunities for communities to be heard and for community-led development and Indigenous led grants to be recognised as a powerful approach to creating sustainable change.

“The spaces we occupy now, and the conversations we participate in, has positioned Community First Development as a credible organisation bringing community experiences to important national and global dialogue.”

Steph's leadership is visionary and deeply human.

She has helped build an organisation where relationships matter, where communities lead, and where people are supported to create meaningful change.

A heartfelt thank you

On behalf of the Community First Development Board, staff and the many communities and partners who have been part of Steph’s journey, we extend our deepest thanks.

Thank you, Steph, for your integrity, your patience, your courage, your care, and all the laughs along the way.

Thank you for helping shape Community First Development into the organisation it is today.

Steph will step down from her role as CEO in September, and the recruitment process for a new CEO is underway. 

We wish Steph all the very best for the next chapter and look forward to celebrating her remarkable contribution to Community First Development.

Thank you, Steph. You are, quite simply, too deadly.