We see a future where community-led solutions shape changes across generations
Our Board and leadership team, community members, staff, volunteers and supporters gathered on Larrakia Country.
Our new strategic plan began on Country.
Because we know that real change is inspired by being on Country and sitting with community.
Our leadership team travelled to the Tiwi Islands to plan for Community First Development’s future. We weren't just going for the beautiful views, although they were spectacular. We went with community members, volunteers, and funders, gathering on Country to map out a powerful new pathway that aligns more with who we are, as a unique organisation.
Finally, after COVID restrictions and lockdowns, we had the opportunity to gather together and invest in our future.
“The visual representation of the strategy perfectly frames our vision for the future. We are moving away from a strategic plan that describes ourselves as transactional, and towards the real heart of what we do, which is relationships,” says Community First Development CEO, Stephanie Harvey.
We yarned, we listened, and we created together. Ideas flowed as everyone shared hopes and visions for the future, each voice respectfully recorded, each perspective valued. Sticky notes covered walls, ideas bounced around. This collaborative process, grounded in respect and connection, reflects our approach in every community partnership we build.
Because we don’t just talk about how we work with communities, we embody it. We embrace it. We act on it, internally, as an organisation as well as in communities.
Our leadership team met again, a little while after, at Jerrabomberra Wetlands on Ngunnawal Country, reflecting on realistic ways to put the strategic plan into action, at every level of our organisation. Each team member has an important role to play, and each individual has a plan for how they’re contributing to our vision: backing the aspirations of First Peoples. The vision and strategy is designed to provide continual inspiration for our team through shared values and a focus on First Peoples ways and future generations.
From these gatherings, we crafted a framework that puts First Peoples' aspirations at the heart of everything we do. And surrounding that heart is an “ecosystem” of actions and values, to guide us forward.
“The plan clearly demonstrates the support we can provide and when communities can reach out to us. This is important when working by invitation only,” Karen Milward, Community First Development Chair.
We know that for many communities, the path to self-determination and change can be a really hard road. One that is messy, with setbacks and challenges. Our strategic plan serves as a roadmap, showing how we support communities as they navigate this challenging journey.
We understand that to truly support communities, we need to respect and understand First Nations cultures and ways in everything we do. And to keep these in mind, every single day.
Fundamental change must be made at the community level, by community.
This plan isn’t just words on paper.
It’s about what truly matters – how we support communities to create employment opportunities, supporting families to grow children up strong, creating stronger education outcomes, and so much more!
It’s a path for the small, but significant, role that Community First Development plays in each community’s journey.
“We have enormous credibility, and we need to showcase the value that we bring to changing the systemic, wicked problems that face Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Community First Development CEO, Stephanie Harvey.
“This strategy reminds us of the significant value that we have - no more hiding our light.”