25 YEARS OF IMPACT

OUR STORIES ARE WOVEN TOGETHER

Welcome! Our digital message wall shares stories and reflections from the people and communities who have journeyed with us. This isn’t just a webpage. It’s a living celebration of our work alongside First Nations’ communities. Enjoy.

COMMUNITY FIRST DEVELOPMENT IS CELEBRATING:
MESSAGE FROM BEK LILLEY, TOO SOLID, COMMUNITY PARTNER >
MESSAGE FROM DOYEN RADCLIFFE, FORMER STAFF MEMBER >
MESSAGE FROM HOOPS 4 HEALTH, COMMUNITY PARTNER >
MESSAGE FROM STEPHANIE HARVEY, CEO, COMMUNITY FIRST DEVELOPMENT >
MESSAGE FROM BILL AND MARG ARMSTRONG >
MESSAGE FROM IRENE STANLEY, INDIGENOUS WOMEN IN TRADES, COMMUNITY PARTNER >

  • "What we do here at CFD is more than working towards engaging communities and assisting them to attain their Dreams and ambitions, we also build long term friendships and if that is not reconciliation, I don’t know what is.”

    - Gwen, Senior Community Development Officer

  • "The best thing about CFD are the people I've met. Committed to working for change, not giving up even though its tough."

    - Lesley Hoatson, Volunteer

  • "Community First Development are our 'go to people' to connect us with skilled volunteers. We are very grateful for the assistance that each provides us. Thank you to Community First Development for helping us achieve our goals and contribute to our evergrowing story and success!"

    - Kerry, Founder of Murri’s on the Move Driving School (QLD)

  • "I waited several years, just talking and thinking about the business, but then I was introduced to you mob, and that's when things started to happen.. I wouldn't have done this without you mob you know, I'm grateful."

    Robert, Founder of XTRA Mile (Yuendumu, NT)

  • "To work with people that are generous in nature is an experience we shall never forget."

    Devon, CEO of Aboriginal Males Healing Centre in Port Hedland (WA)

  • "A moment that has stayed with me is the friendships made throughout the community. Well done on 25 years!"

    Steve Clark, Gympie

  • "Congratulations to the Team at Community First Development. That is such a milestone. Keep on doing your brilliant work!"

    Christine Sellman, Miri Miri Qigong Meditation Nursing and Support Services

  • “Everything I learnt about Yolngu culture, language and worldview during my volunteer experience has stayed with me, and I still talk about it often, 12 years after my volunteer placement. I take every opportunity to educate other Australians about Yolngu wisdom and worldview as there are not enough opportunities for people to appreciate it.”

    Joanna Lester, Sydney/Wangal Volunteer

  • “To every community, volunteer, partner, and team member who’s been part of this journey thank you. Your commitment, courage, and care have made this milestone possible. Here’s to the next 25 years of community-led, culturally grounded, and transformative work.”

    — Renee Tomkinson, CFD General Manager of Community Development

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"Congratulations on reaching 25 years!" - Bill

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"Thank you... What you're contributing to is making a real difference.." - Ian

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Happy 25 year anniversary CFD, it’s such a joy to work for an organisation that feels like home - Emma

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Well done CFD Team! You're our heroes and we are so inspired by all that you do! - Team Cadence

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Happy 25 year anniversary! - Amanda

• "Congratulations on reaching 25 years!" - Bill • "Thank you... What you're contributing to is making a real difference.." - Ian • Happy 25 year anniversary CFD, it’s such a joy to work for an organisation that feels like home - Emma • Well done CFD Team! You're our heroes and we are so inspired by all that you do! - Team Cadence • Happy 25 year anniversary! - Amanda

ALL STORIES

Stephanie Harvey, CEO | Bidjara

Stephanie Harvey, CEO | Bidjara
Amanda Doyle, Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation

Amanda Doyle, Yilli Rreung Housing Aboriginal Corporation
Karen Milward, Chair | Yorta Yorta

Karen Milward, Chair | Yorta Yorta
Christine, Bundjalung Country, Tweed Heads, NSW Volunteer

Christine, Bundjalung Country, Tweed Heads, NSW Volunteer
Bek Lilley, Too Solid

Bek Lilley, Too Solid
Lauren Ganley, Board Director | Kamilaroi

Lauren Ganley, Board Director | Kamilaroi
Ailsa Paterson, Volunteer

Ailsa Paterson, Volunteer
Dr Ian Tiley, Volunteer

Dr Ian Tiley, Volunteer
Renee Tomkinson, General Manager of Community Development

Renee Tomkinson, General Manager of Community Development
Gwen, Senior Community Development Officer

Gwen, Senior Community Development Officer
Rob, Volunteer

Rob, Volunteer
Jak James, Senior Community Development Officer (Western and Central Region)

Jak James, Senior Community Development Officer (Western and Central Region)
Deb Archbold, Volunteer

Deb Archbold, Volunteer
Ian Hamm, Board Director | Yorta Yorta

Ian Hamm, Board Director | Yorta Yorta
Lionel Dukakis, Managing Director, First Nations Traffic Management

Lionel Dukakis, Managing Director, First Nations Traffic Management
Doyen Radcliffe, former CFD regional manager (Western Region)

Doyen Radcliffe, former CFD regional manager (Western Region)
Lesley Hoatson, volunteer

Lesley Hoatson, volunteer
Bill and Marg Amstrong - Bill, former Co-Chair (2009-2019)

Bill and Marg Amstrong - Bill, former Co-Chair (2009-2019)
Cosmob, Community Partner

Cosmob, Community Partner
Emma Mulvaney, Senior Community Development Officer (Eastern Region)

Emma Mulvaney, Senior Community Development Officer (Eastern Region)
Stan Kalinko, Board Director

Stan Kalinko, Board Director
Hoops 4 Health, Community Partner

Hoops 4 Health, Community Partner
Anne, Supporter

Anne, Supporter
Renee Cremer, Deputy CEO | Yuin

Renee Cremer, Deputy CEO | Yuin
Karen Jacobs, Board Director | Whadjuk

Karen Jacobs, Board Director | Whadjuk
Irene Stanley, Founder of Indigenous Women in Trades

Irene Stanley, Founder of Indigenous Women in Trades
John Jeffery, Board Director | Wiradjuri

John Jeffery, Board Director | Wiradjuri
Sharon Babyack, General Manager Impact & Strategy

Sharon Babyack, General Manager Impact & Strategy
Mafi, Senior Community Development Officer, Eastern Region

Mafi, Senior Community Development Officer, Eastern Region
Julie, Volunteer

Julie, Volunteer

Share your story.

Share your story.

Image credit: Ngaarda Media

SUBMIT YOUR STORY

As we celebrate 25 years of walking alongside over 1000 First Nations’ communities—with the support of thousands of volunteers and supporters—we invite you to be part of the story.

Add your voice to our digital message wall—a living celebration of relationships, connection, and shared impact. Whether you’ve partnered with us, volunteered, or simply believe in the power of community-led change, your message matters.

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