Our Impact
We are driving change through partnerships and respect
“I feel like since I’ve been working with Community First Development and Carmen [volunteer] I can actually now see into the future with my business.”
- Community partner, Warren, Owner of RDK All Rounder Program
How we create change
We do things with First Nations people, not to or for them. Communities invite us to assist them achieve their own goals.
Projects are 100% community driven. We give people control of development decisions and we respect local knowledge.
Our national network of skilled volunteers provide practical support where skills and resources are limited.
Through identifying, monitoring and measuring outcomes, our projects and partnerships with communities show proven impact over time.
Our unique model works
Impact in action
Community First Development shares how they support First Nations communities — working with them (not to or for them) — to help achieve locally defined goals. Hear stories of collaboration, respect, and community-led progress, and learn what it means to be “by invitation only.”
Watch this short film to see our
community partners in action.
Irene Stanley is a business owner and founder of painting business, First Class Finish, in Ipswich and Brisbane. Irene mentors and employs Indigenous women through trade certification in painting.
Looking to expand this vision to more trades, she invited Community First Development to walk alongside her to develop a website, create a business and strategic plan, and secure funding for additional training.
Each year we work with 100’s of First Nations’ individuals, enterprises and communities across Australia who are achieving great things, like Irene and Indigenous Women in Trades.
Want to dive deeper?
Explore our reports
Why support out work?
At Community First Development, every dollar counts.
Source: Community First Development Annual Report 2024-25
Our contribution to change
We asked communities how significant our contribution was to realising their goals.
Source: Community First Development Annual Report 2024-25
The communities we work with
Here’s where our community partners are located (2024-25).
There are multiple community groups and projects in some locations.
Total projects by location.
Core business of communities
we work with
Source: Community First Development Annual Report 2024-25
