Community First Development

After more than 25 years of walking alongside communities across Australia, we've learned a few things.

One of the biggest?

Every community starts somewhere.

It might begin with a conversation, a shared idea or a vision for the future.

Over time, conversations become relationships. Relationships build trust. And trust creates the space for communities to pursue what matters most to them.

Good things take time.

Working alongside community isn't about rushing to an outcome. It's about listening, showing up and building relationships that continue to grow over time.

We've seen firsthand how ideas can evolve into opportunities, and how aspirations can become reality when communities are supported to lead on their own terms.

Because creating lasting change starts with creating the space for people, ideas and relationships to grow.

Ruby Hunter's music touched the lives of many. A respected singer-songwriter, storyteller and advocate, her legacy continues to inspire through the power of music, culture and community.

In honour of that legacy, Ruby's brothers, Uncle Geoffrey and Uncle Wally alongside Aunty Ros, and assistant Russell have been working towards a vision that celebrates Ruby's enduring contribution through music, storytelling, culture and the strength of First Nations voices.

Today, that vision is becoming a reality.

Ruby Hunter Foundation Inc is an Aboriginal-owned organisation dedicated to honouring Ruby's legacy and supporting future generations through culture, community and connection.

Later this year, the Foundation will host a music festival in Mount Barker, bringing people together to celebrate music, culture, storytelling and community.

Over recent months, we have had the privilege of walking alongside the Foundation's Board as they continue bringing this vision to life.

To learn more about the festival, visit https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/womma-mukurta-festival-2026-tickets-1998282626127?aff=oddtdtcreator

Sometimes, community development starts with something as simple as a cuppa.

Not because of what's in the cup, but because of the conversation that comes with it.

When invited by community, we take the time to listen and understand what matters most.

Trust is built over time.

It grows through listening, showing up, following through and creating space for conversations that matter. Every cuppa counts.

For Vanessa Stokes, having people around her who believed in her helped her believe in herself.

Now, she’s creating those same opportunities for children and young people through Blakdoll Sports & Fitness Mob.

A former professional athlete who represented Australia in softball for ten years, Vanessa brings together sport, role models, culture and leadership to help young people think about what they want for their own futures.

Because sometimes, seeing someone who is like you, understands where you come from and has done something you dream of doing can change what you believe is possible.

Make a donation today to support First Nations businesses like Blakdoll Sports & Fitness Mob:

This Indigenous Literacy Day, we celebrate the stories, knowledge and connections that strengthen communities and shape futures.

For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, knowledge is shared in many ways through stories, songlines, language, culture and connection to Country. These teachings have guided generations and continue to nurture identity, belonging and understanding.

As this year's theme reminds us, Country is our Teacher.

Today, we recognise the power of storytelling, learning and knowledge-sharing in keeping culture strong and supporting future generations.

We’re hiring: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Impact Manager

Join our team working alongside communities across Australia and support the way we learn, grow and demonstrate impact.

We're looking for a skilled and strategic professional to lead our monitoring, evaluation and learning team.

If you're passionate about evidence-based practice, learning and supporting community-led outcomes, we'd love to hear from you.

🔗 https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/monitoring-evaluation-learning-and-impact-manager

Strong communities are built on strong foundations.

Knowledge passed between generations.

Leadership that grows from within community. Culture, connection and a shared vision for the future.

Every community has strengths. Every community has aspirations.

Community-led development is about creating the space for those strengths to be recognised and those aspirations to be realised.

Want to learn more about our community-led approach?

🔗 https://communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/ourapproach

Image credit: CEED Healing

Every number represents a community, a conversation and a shared commitment to community-led change.

Over the past year we've had the privilege of working alongside 220 communities, supporting 230 projects across 81 locations.

There is a story connected to every number, and we're looking forward to sharing more of those stories in the coming weeks.