Working the Right Way with First Nations Communities

Graeme and Frankie Mclennan (Warrigunya Members), Merryn Stevenson (Warrigunya Board member), Jackson (Community First Development) and Mark Reeves (Warrigunya Member).

Sono Leone (founder of Strong Women Talking) with volunteer Maria and Senior Community Development Officer, Eddie.

Gwen, Senior Community Development Officer, and volunteer Susan, meeting with Bruce and Gemma from Gulgen Care in Lismore to discuss next steps in the NDIS registration process.

Genuine community development happens on the ground in communities and having conversations about what's truly important to them and listening - really listening. 

If we don’t do that, we can’t do genuine community development. 

We can’t support communities to achieve their dreams.  

We can't seek to influence policy on matters that are important to First Nations people.   

We can't engage in research. 

We can’t do any of these things if we’re not respecting what communities are saying, what they’re not saying, and to be led by them. The right way. 

The right way is ensuring that community initiates, leads, and has a say in everything we do with them.  

The right way is having those deep conversations with communities about what their long-term dreams are, and what that would mean for their future. 

The right way is deep listening and understanding the priorities as voiced by the community. 

The right way is working alongside the community to create pathways to their chosen solutions. 

It is not about us. 

We are simply a tool for communities to utilise.

Every step we take is in harmony with our principles of self-determination and respect for the communities we work with.   

There are many approaches to working with First Nations communities. Most communities have a story of having people go to their community, consult and impose predesigned programs and service delivery. While often well-intentioned, they don't have a genuine relationship with the community and do that deep listening and understanding of what it is that community themselves are saying is important to them. 

Our commitment to doing things the right way is not just a statement of intent but a reflection of our daily operations. It’s why so many of our community projects have been successful. It’s why so many communities have requested our support time and time again.  

We are doing more than just supporting communities with projects; we are working together to create long-term sustainable outcomes, while being guided by the knowledge and leadership inherent within these communities. Every initiative, from community development to research and evaluation, is led by the community's voice, ensuring their perspectives, needs, and visions are at the forefront of our work.  

As we move through 2024, we will continue to highlight that real change happens when we prioritise the voices and leadership of First Nations communities. This approach is not only ethical but deeply effective. 

Learn more about our approach and Community Development Framework.