About Us

The Company

First Step are a 100% Aboriginal owned company within the Northern Territory delivering a diverse and holistic range of services designed to promote social cohesion.

Directed by Christopher Tedcastle and Chongy Howard, First Step was established in 2019 following a shared concern around the level of youth disengagement from education and highlighted interactions with the youth justice system.

Director Profiles

Christopher Tedcastle

Director

Born in the NT, Chris is a proud Ngangi Wumurri

man from Nganambala (also known as Emu Point Outstation) in the West Daly Region. Chris maintains a strong cultural connection to his people and land.

Chris is currently employed as a CEO of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation, Murin Association Inc. Chris has committed himself to the development and growth of Murin since 2004.

Murin provides community development through operations inclusive of transport and logistic services, civil construction, and service provision of government and non-government contracts. Chris also maintains a position as Chairperson of Top End Regional Reconstruction Committee.

Harold (Chongy) Howard

Director

Raised within the NT, Chongy is a proud Ngangi Wumurri and Eastern Arrernte man with strong connection to both regions within the NT, being Nganambala (also known as Emu Point Outstation) in the West Daly Region and Eastern Arrernte located in Central Australia.

Chongy has held directorship positions with experience in strategic planning and business management through Centrecorp Foundation, Centrecorp Aboriginal Investment Corp Pty Ltd, TanCor Nominees Pty Ltd and currently maintains a position as Director of HGH Contractors Pty Ltd. Chongy is a member of the Northern Territory Parole Board and has maintained this position for the past ten years.

Chongy has over 15 years’ experience in employment and training in the rural sectors. He has contributed to service delivery and improvement of Aboriginal people’s participation of employment and training opportunities across the Central Land Council (CLC) Regions, and West Daly Region through Murin Association Inc.