Volunteer: Ken, NSW
Ken has worked alongside several communities to develop strategic plans, community housing plans and community development plans.
“After retiring I couldn’t just stop. I got involved in a lot of different volunteer work and became hooked. I came across Community First Development when I was working in the NT and it just went from there. I like how Community First listens to what the community wants and responds rather than going in and trying to tell people what they need.
When you go out to work with people you have to start again… you’re an unknown quantity going into a fairly tight community and you have to let people get to know you. Take a step back and remember to listen and learn from community. I’ve worked in places where people make tea for you…when you go into community you become the one making the tea.
You can’t go in and expect people to trust you. Going in as a Community First Development person you already have a lot of built in respect, but as an individual you have to earn it. “
Ken working with community member Leon, NSW.