Community First Development

✨ Wrapping up an incredible NAIDOC week 2024! ✨

What an amazing NAIDOC week it has been! Filled with excitement and buzzing with activities, today we reflect on the incredible celebrations, insights, and connections we've shared. Heree's a glimpse of what our team got up to throughout the week:

🌿 First stop, down south:
🎨 Our team had the pleasure of attending Worimi artist Krystal Hurst's first art exhibition, Murrook, on Ngunnawal/Ngambri country! Fun fact: Krystal's art is the beautiful centrepiece of Community First Development! The Murrook collection showcases bush-dyed fabrics, basketry, and adornments, each piece reflecting the coastal land and seascapes of Worimi and Biripi Country. This collection is a self-exploration of being in a state of happiness. Congratulations, Krystal! 🌊🎨

🌟 Second stop, up north:
✨ NAIDOC never disappoints when it comes to a fun-filled day for our deadly kids! Deadly Kindies hosted their vibrant NAIDOC Ball, buzzing with excitement. The event featured sing-along performances where kids learned songs in Yuggera language, face painting, and plenty more fun activities. It was a day to remember! 🎉👶🏽

🤝 The fun didn’t stop there! In Cairns we joined in the celebrations at a vibrant NAIDOC community event hosted by Wuchopperen Health Service. The event featured an array of entertainment, community stalls, traditional dance performances, engaging activities, and delicious cultural foods.

Let’s keep the fire burning and continue to celebrate our rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures! 🔥🖤💛❤️

Our Senior Manager Research, Donna Stephens, Senior Community Development Officer, Ruth, and Strategic Projects Coordinator, Ansuya, recently delivered an innovative workshop in collaboration with the Health Education and Training Institute. This first-of-its-kind session united NSW health professionals working in Aboriginal maternity, child, and family health services. 👩‍⚕️👶👨

‍The workshop guided participants through our Community Development Framework and approaches to monitoring and evaluation, sharing lessons learned from over two decades of community collaboration with First Nations' communities. 🌏✨

“I'm excited to get more community development activities going in our local area". -Anonymous, attendee at the Maternal Health Workshop.

This successful workshop received outstanding feedback! Congratulations to our team for representing us so well and paving the way for future knowledge exchanges! 🎉🙌

🌟 Celebrating Our Amazing Volunteers! 🌟

"The strength of our skilled volunteer base cannot be understated. Over 40% of our volunteers have been with us for over 10 years. This speaks to the positive and impactful volunteer experience Community First Development offers."

Community First Development is proud to be a trustworthy and supportive organisation for our volunteers. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and passion our volunteers bring to our vision, driving real change with the community.

💖 Join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals!

Ready to make a difference?
Join our amazing community of dedicated volunteers and be a part of something truly impactful! Click the link to register for our in-person induction session held on 31st of July 2024: https://communityfirstdevelopment.squarespace.com/brisbane-volunteer-induction

📸: Top right - Volunteer Russell with Raymond from Penangke Consulting. Russell has been a volunteer with us for over 10 years. Bottom left - Newly inducted volunteers at one of our workshops.

🌟 Exciting News for all Aspiring Volunteers! 🌟

We're thrilled to announce our upcoming In-Person Volunteer Induction Workshop - a full-day event designed to build your skills and knowledge to work respectfully alongside self-determining First Nations' communities.

🗓 Date: 7 August 2024
📍: Logan, Queensland, Australia

This workshop is a fantastic opportunity to:
🤝 Connect with Community First Development staff and fellow volunteers.

💡 Gain deeper insight into our vision and community impact.

📚 Participate in engaging activities and discussions.

Whether you’ve completed the online course or are just starting your volunteer journey, this workshop is for you!

🔗 Sign up now: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/brisbane-volunteer-induction

Are you passionate about learning more about First Nations' communities and hearing uplifting stories?

Our beloved Stepping Stones newsletter is back with a new issue, and it’s packed with incredible stories of resilience and creativity!

In this issue, we dive into:
🌿 The Meaning Behind This Year's NAIDOC Week Theme

🏀 Hoops 4 Health in the Northern Territory - Using basketball to positively change young lives.

🎨 The Cultural Choice Association Inc. on the Central Coast - Helping young people express their culture by painting boots for NRL players.

✨ Other Amazing Community Success Stories that showcase the strength and spirit of First Nations’ communities.

Don’t miss out! Grab your copy today by visiting our website: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/subscribe-to-stepping-stones-news

We are celebrating NAIDOC week and gifting you our Community Development Framework for free!

It holds lessons learned from over two-decades of dedicated community collaboration in First Nations' communities.

Join us in learning more about culturally responsive approaches and deadly First Nations' communities. https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/first-nations-approach-community-development 🎉

🌟 As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, our CEO Steph Harvey, has a heartfelt message to share:

“While this week, we (continue) to recognise our cultures, successes and collective wisdom, I think it is a call to action for all Australians to stand with us in solidarity and to elevate community voices. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for our supporters to stand with us on that invisible line that separates us from equality, justice, opportunities, and the right to lead self-determining lives.”
— Community First Development CEO, Steph Harvey

We are proud to celebrate this week and recognise the invaluable contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Together, let's continue to learn, share, and grow. 🎉🌱

💬 Join the Conversation:
Share your thoughts and let us know how you’re celebrating NAIDOC Week in the comments below. Your stories and experiences are incredibly valuable to us!

🔥 Keep the Fire Burning! 🔥 Blak, Loud, and Proud.

Welcome to NAIDOC Week 2024! This year, we're celebrating the enduring strength, vitality, and spirit of First Nations’ cultures with the theme “Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud & Proud.” Fire symbolises our connection to Country, each other, and the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC is about all of us coming together and recognising First Nations’/our voices, cultures, successes, and collective wisdom. It’s a chance to learn more about the world’s oldest peoples and co-creating a world where First Nations’ wisdom and contributions are respected and valued.

Join us this week as we highlight First Nations' resilience, creativity, and contributions. Let's 🔥🖤💛❤️

Exciting news! Our team recently presented at the Volunteering Victoria State Conference, embracing this year's theme: "Shake it Up: Bold Change!" 🚀

Ellen, one of our amazing volunteer coordinators, and Donna, our Senior Manager Research, delivered an inspiring presentation titled “Beyond Transactional Volunteering: Embedding Organisational Values throughout the Volunteer Journey.” They shared insights on values-led volunteer recruitment, retention, and engagement, showing how strong partnerships can make a huge impact. 🌟

The packed room buzzed with thought-provoking questions, and the feedback was fantastic! Ellen and Donna also attended a brilliant session by Tracey O’Neil, a passionate advocate for Community First Development. Tracey, from Brotherhood of St Laurence, introduced a reimagined framework for volunteer engagement that we can’t wait to explore further. 🌍

A big shout out to Ellen and Donna for representing us so well and to everyone who joined!

Now more than ever our collective actions are essential in the ongoing pursuit of First Nations’ rights and recognition.

Thank you for supporting our recent appeal to back self-determining community-led projects like the Ration Shed Museum in Queensland, which has turned its lived history into strength; and Baluk Arts in Victoria, which provides a safe space for Aboriginal artists to create and share their culture.

Together, we can support a future where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures, history, knowledge, and contributions are recognised and respected.

We couldn’t do it without wonderful supporters like you!

https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/appeals

First Nations' artists face many challenges including striving for respect and recognition in a market that is often saturated with cheaper non-Indigenous products.

Baluk Arts in Mornington, Victoria plays an important role in supporting authentic Aboriginal art and the cultural and creative wellbeing of artists, family groups, and survivors of the Stolen Generations.

The name “Baluk” comes from a local Boonwurrung word meaning "many or group of people” and reflects the diversity of artists and their creations, which express their culture and histories.

The urban Aboriginal community arts centre also creates opportunities for authentic Aboriginal art and artists to have greater reach and recognition.

With a gift before June 30 you can support a future where First Nations' peoples, cultures, knowledge, contributions, and achievements are respected and recognised.

To learn more and donate to our appeal, visit https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/appeal

Appeals — Community First Development We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Exciting Adventures in the Tiwi Islands! 🌴✨

Last month, our Board and team journeyed to the Tiwi Islands for some hands-on strategic planning. We rolled up our sleeves and dove into mapping out our vision for the future, all while participating in enriching workshops on Country.

While we were there, guess who we ran into? Some familiar faces from the 2019 hit movie Top End Wedding! The excitement doesn't stop there—they're filming an 8-episode sequel set to premiere on Amazon Prime. We can't wait to see it!

Stay tuned for our upcoming strategic plan—exciting things are on the horizon!

Reflecting on an Incredible AIATSIS Summit 2024! 🌟

“It has been a privilege to present at the AIATSIS conference 2024. The depth and breadth of speakers and presentations throughout the five days demonstrated the incredible and important work First Nations’ peoples contribute to the thinking and development from Country and of Country.”
– Community First Development Senior Manager Research, Donna Stephens.

Our Senior Manager Research, Donna Stephens, and Senior Community Development Officer, Jacob, shared insights from our latest research project. Their presentation resonated with the keynote messages of the conference, sparking valuable conversations and collaborations.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations and thanks to the organisers, speakers, and participants. We look forward to continuing to connect and hope that AIATSIS participants will join the ongoing discussion about our research on community-based enterprise.

For more information, visit https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/stories/aiatsis-summit-cultural-aspects-of-community-development

Baluk Arts is an urban Aboriginal community arts centre in Mornington, Victoria which provides a safe space for First Nations artists, family groups, and survivors of the Stolen Generations to reconnect with their culture and express their histories through their art.

Baluk had a dream to grow, recruit new staff, and develop a program to reach out to local volunteers.

Our team provided support to expand their creative and community programs in a sustainable way so they could build upon their strong reputation of meaningful arts engagement.

To learn more and join us in supporting community-led initiatives that strengthen the cultural identity and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit: https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/appeals

Our Community Development Framework harnesses over two decades of grassroots experience to create sustainable, community-led transformation in First Nations' communities.

Join us and learn more about really listening to First Nations’ communities.

https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/community-development-framework

91% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and 83% of the general community agree that it’s important for Indigenous histories and cultures to be taught in schools*.

Our skilled team has supported the Ration Shed Museum in Cherbourg, Queensland in its mission to provide invaluable educational experiences to visitors, students and youth groups, while creating local jobs employing more First Nations’ staff.

The museum offers a real eye-opening insight into the past and present of the largest Aboriginal community in Southeast Queensland – a side of Australian history that many have not known.

To learn more and join us in supporting a future where First Nations’ communities like Cherbourg can access the opportunities to turn their lived history into strengths, visit https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/appeals

*Source: Reconciliation Australia, 2021

Appeals — Community First Development We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Embracing Two-Way Learning with First Nations’ Communities – Healing and Truth Telling

Over the years, we have seen the power of two-way learning time and again. In our approach, it would be easy to see our volunteer industry experts as the teachers or guides. However, they will be the first to tell you, this is not the case.

Knowledge flows in both directions – from First Nations’ wisdom that spans generations to contemporary insights and innovations. It's a reciprocal exchange of respect and collaboration where everyone has something valuable to contribute and learn.

Let's commit to listening, learning and co-creating together, guided by the principles of respect, reciprocity, and shared understanding.



Image: Volunteer Marion with the women from the Marlpa Jungu Jintangka reference group, Yuendumu.

🌟 Introducing Towards the Dreaming! 🌿

Towards the Dreaming (TTD) provides specialised funeral services for Aboriginal people in Western Australia (WA). With deep respect for cultural traditions and sensitivities, TTD carefully caters to the diverse needs of Aboriginal communities across the region. The demand for their services speaks volumes, reflecting the trust and respect they've earned across communities.

In the historic town of Port Hedland, CEO Sharon Todd invited members of Community First Development, including Senior Community Development Officer Sharon and Volunteer Dulith (Woody), to embark on a project to establish a foundation dedicated to ‘Our culture, Our funerals, Our way’. Sharon’s dream: affordable or free funerals, reclaiming community control over funeral practices.

Sharon's unwavering dedication shines bright as she tirelessly serves her community with compassion. It’s an honour to support her.



📸: Towards the Dreaming CEO Sharon Todd and Community First Development Volunteer Dulith (Woody)

AIATSIS Summit 2024! 🌟

We are thrilled to present at this year's AIATSIS Summit. The theme, Celebrating Indigenous Brilliance: Then and Now, honours the enduring legacy of the world's oldest living culture, highlighting its continuous growth and vitality in the modern era.

Our Senior Manager Research, Donna Stephens, and Senior Community Development Officer, Jacob, presented findings on our latest research project.

What an eventful week it's been!

From the exhilarating Canberra Raiders Indigenous Round game to a wonderful afternoon tea during Reconciliation Week, our team has had an incredible time engaging with community.

Our CEO, Steph Harvey, had an amazing time connecting with Laurie and Sue, two of our 2024 Larapinta trekkers who will be joining local custodians to learn and experience Arrernte culture and Country. They hosted a fundraising afternoon tea, spreading smiles and excitement ahead of their journey in August!

Our team also enjoyed a fantastic day at the Raiders Indigenous Round game. It was a fun-filled day connecting with the community, enjoying a classic meat pie, and fundraising to support self-determined First Nations’ communities.

We're grateful for the deep connections made, the precious moments spent together, and the support of the community.

Now more than ever our collective efforts are essential in our journey towards reconciliation. To join us in creating a future where First Nations' peoples, cultures, history, knowledge, & contributions are recognised & respected visit https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/appeals

Images
📸 Tile 1: 2024 Larapinta trekkers, Sue and Laurie, with CEO Steph Harvey on Ngunnawal Ngambri Country, Canberra.
📸 Tile 2: Raiders and NSW Blues Women's Rugby League player Grace Kemp with our team members, Tash and Alicia.

🌟 Today, we honour the legacy of Eddie 'Koiki' Mabo and commemorate the anniversary of the historic Mabo decision. He was a true trailblazer in the fight for Indigenous land rights in Australia.

His landmark case challenged the legal fiction of Terra Nullius and paved the way for recognition of Indigenous land rights.

Let's recognise Eddie’s incredible warrior spirit and his successful efforts to overturn the legal fiction of ‘land belonging to no-one’.

Join us in celebrating the enduring connection that Traditional Custodians have to Country, the lands, and waters of this continent.

What can you do this Mabo Day?
Promote awareness, engage in dialogue, and consider a donation to support community-led activities https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/donate

🖤💛❤️

Image: Eddie Mabo
Image Credit: Captured by Eddie Mabo’s daughter Bethyl Mabo.
Source: Courtesy of the AIATSIS collection.
Accessed On: 06/05/2024

We had an incredible time participating in the annual Hawkesbury National Day of Healing (Sorry Day) event on Friday the 24th of May.

Partnering with the Hawkesbury Aboriginal Community, we honored the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities affected by Stolen Generation policies.

Community First Development staff members gathered with our long-term supporters, donors, and local First Nations' communities to remember and pay tribute to the resilience of Stolen Generation survivors.

The day began with a beautiful Welcome in Dharug language, followed by powerful speeches and heartfelt conversations. Each part of the event was filled with respect, compassion, and a sense of shared community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this event unforgettable. 🌟

Images: Various photos of the participants at the National Day of Healing event in Hawkesbury along with some beautiful art displays.

We recognise that First Nations' Peoples' right to self-determination is the change agent needed. First Nations' communities know their needs and hold the solutions to true progress.

This Reconciliation Week, commit to listening, learning, and honouring First Nations' leadership and expertise.

National Sorry Day is not just about remembrance—it's about action.

It's a day to acknowledge the trauma of those who were forcibly removed from their families, and that this trauma has been passed on to subsequent generations. Let's use this opportunity to educate ourselves and our networks about the significance of this day.

The forced removal of children was a part of Australian governments’ assimilation policies adopted throughout the twentieth century. It’s estimated that as many as 1 in 3 children were removed from their families and communities between 1910 and the 1970s. Taken by police from their homes, or on their way to school, they were put in institutions or adopted or fostered out.

The Healing Foundation is at the forefront, working tirelessly with families of the Stolen Generations to heal from intergenerational trauma.

As National Volunteer Week wraps up, we want to extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible skilled volunteers and First Nations' communities!

Your unwavering dedication and passion have not only driven the success of community-led projects forward but have also fostered two-way learning, showcasing how knowledge flows in both directions.

Together, we're creating something truly special - a movement built on collaboration, respect, and genuine connection. Thank you for your tireless efforts and the invaluable contributions you've made.

Ready to make an even bigger impact? We're on the lookout for passionate volunteers skilled in fundraising, website design & development, and cost surveying. Join us and be part of a dynamic team that's changing lives and building futures!

Visit our website to sign up!
https://www.communityfirstdevelopment.org.au/volunteers

We are so pumped to be selected as one of the Raider's charities of choice for this weekend's Indigenous round! 🎉 And how good do those jerseys look? Hope to see you there! 💚🏉

The Canberra Raiders will be helping raise money and awareness for four local Indigenous organisations this weekend, by selling off the team's match-worn jerseys for match day charity Hands Across Canberra.

Details 📲 https://bit.ly/3KcmdHy