Who we are

Community First Development is a First Nations led community development and research organisation. We back the aspirations of First Peoples through community-led solutions. 

What we do

Community First Development partners with 100s of communities, businesses and organisations across Australia on their top priorities, providing community development expertise and access to cross-industry specialised skills.

How we do it

Across the country, First Nations people invite us to walk alongside them to build partnerships that support their goals, there way. Every project starts with listening. We sit down together to yarn, share stories and plan.   Then, we connect skilled volunteers with communities to help bring those plans to life, always guided by what the community decides and leads. Community First Development volunteers are invited by communities to support the community goals they set.

About the opportunity

This First Nations community-controlled organisation is based in Melbourne's Southeast, and Community First Development has worked alongside them for several years. They run a range of culturally strengthening programs and activities to meet the needs and aspirations of the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, supporting the health and wellbeing of local community.

The organisation is seeking a volunteer with a background in Human Resources to work alongside the team to strengthen HR governance systems, establish a consistent, culturally safe onboarding framework aligned with the organisation’s strategic goals. This will help ensure compliance with workplace laws and regulations, reduce organisational risk, improve staff retention, and enhance the cultural and operational safety of their workplace.

Project objectives

• Complete a full HR compliance audit of contracts, personnel files, and current onboarding practices
• Develop new or updated HR governance tools, including compliant employment contracts and onboarding processes
• Build internal capacity so the organisation can independently manage HR governance into the future

Skills/experience required

• Qualifications/experience in Human Resources, Employment Relations or a related field
• Strong working knowledge and understanding of Australian employment law
• Good understanding of Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation
• Ability to work respectfully alongside First Nations people

This project can be undertaken remotely or with in-person support from a Melbourne based volunteer.

Please note, Community First Development volunteer opportunities are only open to Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents.