ACIL Allen: Community First Development is a proven, trusted and essential partner
This year, ACIL Allen once again independently reviewed our work, and the message was clear: our community-led development work is delivering real social and economic change across the country.
This marks the second external assessment of Community First Development, and once again the findings confirm the strength and effectiveness of our approach, and the leadership of the communities we stand beside.
What the report found
The review shows:
Community First Development is a proven, trusted and essential partner.
Community First Development delivers real and enduring value for communities and the Australian economy.
Supporting the future of Community First Development is an investment in a more equitable Australia.
Every dollar invested returns $3.52 in measurable benefits.
But it’s the why behind these findings that matter most.
When community leads the way, you see more than “impact”. You see progress. You see confidence growing. You see culture strengthening. You see young people stepping into their future with pride and purpose.
This year’s ACIL Allen review doesn’t just say things are improving, it shows how lives, systems and futures are shifting because communities are in the driver’s seat.
Examples of our impact, where you’ll see we are only a small (but important) part of a community’s journey:
First Nations Traffic Management is more than a business, it is a lifeline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking opportunities in construction. The business was founded by Yorta Yorta man Peter O’Brien and Gunditjmara man Lionel Dukakis. With support from Community First Development, the organisation strengthened its tender writing capabilities by working with a skilled volunteer to learn these skills, which led to securing its largest contract to date, and is now paving the way for national expansion. This success contributes to more jobs, financial stability, and second chances for those who need them most. Read more about how we support them.
On the Tiwi Islands, Jipungwayi, meaning “The Fire in Me”, is helping young people reconnect with culture, strengthen identity, and break cycles of disadvantage. Founded by Tiwi leader Mikey, the initiative creates a safe and culturally grounded space for young people to engage in wellbeing and cultural activities, reconnecting with their culture and igniting future aspirations. Community First Development supported Jipungwayi with strategic planning and website development, helping lay strong foundations for long-term impact and providing a platform to share their vision, story, and activities with community and partners. Read more about how we supported them.
Community First Development worked with Visual Dreaming, an Aboriginal-owned social enterprise in Wagga Wagga, to strengthen their planning and decision-making. We helped them develop programs, use technology, and create an app that connects Aboriginal youth with their culture. Our support has helped Visual Dreaming expand their programs that boost confidence, leadership, and pride in young people. Read more about how we supported them.
The challenge and opportunity ahead are clear. Sustaining and scaling Community First Development’s model is not only a matter of efficiency or organisational growth – it is a matter of justice and equity. It is about ensuring that First Nations voices remain central in shaping solutions that affect their futures. Continued investment in Community First Development will not only deliver strong economic returns but, more importantly, will help build stronger and safer communities, guided by culture and self-determination, and addressing the structural barriers that continue to shape outcomes.
This report is complemented by our Annual Report, which provides extensive details from our activities this past year, in research and community development. It shows how what we do is actually impacting lives. You can dive into it here: 2024-25. Annual Report.