WHAT. A. YEAR.
We feel fortunate to have been a part of so many amazing community-led projects and achievements as well as insightful conversations with communities, volunteers and our supporters.
We hope you have the opportunity to take a break and rejuvenate ahead of 2021. Our offices will be closed from Monday 21 December and re-opening on Monday 4 January.
To end the year on a positive note, please enjoy this short roundup of a few highlights from 2020.
“This year, restrictions due to COVID-19 created challenges for our organisation. As a national organisation we adapted quickly as using technology to stay connected with each other and communities was already a strength. Our people truly shined. I saw their strength and resilience in the face of a challenge, and the relevance and flexibility of our approach for communities in a time of national crisis."
We Changed our Name and Brand!
We changed our name from Indigenous Community Volunteers to Community First Development.
Krystal Hurst, a Worimi artist, created our new artwork that tells the story of our connection with community and Kimiah Alberts, a Gungalu, Koinjmal, Yiman and South Sea Islander woman from Queensland created our new logo.
Our new artwork (below) represents the different communities we work with. Each community is different with their own language, knowledge and way of life. It shows the pathways of connection and collaboration between communities and Community First Development, our supporters and volunteers. As well as the landscapes of our people and meeting places where we gather to listen, yarn, learn and plan. Our new logo is derived from the artwork, it represents community, connections and colours of Country from the desert to the sea – because we work with communities right across the country.
We think they did an amazing job! You can learn more here.
We Worked with 33 Creative to Create our Story of Change Animation
Every community we work with has their own story of change - a community’s journey of where they are now to where they want to be. Like any journey, it includes successes, obstacles, problem-solving, achievements and partnerships. The animation showcases our approach to the outcomes we are achieving with First Nations communities around the country.
Read more and watch the animation here.
We launched our Inaugural First Nations Research and Evaluation Fellowship
Earlier this year, we awarded the inaugural Community First Development Fellowship to Donna, a proud Murran/ Iwaidja woman from the Coburg Peninsula in north west Arnhem land.
The Fellowship is a pathway for First Nations academics to explore, design and deliver evaluation and research projects that are driven and led by First Nations people and communities. Interested in learning more? Visit this link.
We also Released Two Research Reports!
Our Impact and Activity Report 2020 shows a comprehensive update on our work and impact for the 2019-20 financial year. It provides a birds-eye view of what has been achieved, as well as greater insight into our monitoring and evaluation approach.
It features three community success stories that bring this data to life.
We also released our first Action Research Report that aims to evaluate the effectiveness of our community development approach, and explore why self-determination, leadership and governance are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
Thank You!
To our Communities…
Thank you for another great year of creating important change! 💪🏼
Your passion in the face of a difficult year has been contagious.
CoVID-19 forced almost all of our communities to quickly pivot and change strategy to ensure steps were still being taken towards achieving dreams. We understand this isn't an easy thing to do. But you did it.
We saw strong leadership and hard work from all communities we worked with and we are proud and in awe of you all!
Mad Mob Aboriginal Corporation: Directors Vicki and Christine.
To our Volunteers…
Thank you for adapting this year so that we can keep supporting communities.
We are overwhelmed by your contribution, generosity and the calibre of skills you bring.
Community First Development volunteer Monique, working with the kids at Yarralin school to create a fun video about going to school.
To our Donors and Supporters…
In the last financial year, we received over 72,000 financial gifts. A BIG thank you to each and every one of you who supported our work!
The work we do is only possible through the kindness of our supporters and partners. We greatly value your belief and understanding in our work.
Members of Kurrawang Community thank their supporters after the completion of their new playground and sports courts.
To our Staff…
You are a deadly bunch of individuals. You work hard, you are experts in your field and you each have an incredible sense of humour! Thanks for everything this year. The strength you have shown in adversity is inspiring.
Community First Development staff at our all staff meeting via Zoom.