Mark your calendars, book your babysitter and get ready for an unforgettable evening as we rally together for an exciting project. Enjoy a fun night out & help us raise funds for an onsite battery system for our Hub.

Wednesday 13 May 2026 • First Steps Count has secured a landmark $1,365,000 commitment from the Paul Ramsay Foundation, to be distributed over five years. The investment represents one of the most significant philanthropic partnerships in the Hub's history and provides a foundation of stability that allows First Steps Count to plan and deliver with confidence.

Tuesday 02 June 2026 • First Steps Count has received $1,500 from the Commonwealth Bank's Taree branch, as part of the 2026 CommBank Community Donations Program. The program, which donated over $350,000 to organisations across Australia in its most recent 2025 round, supports local groups making a tangible difference in their communities.

Thursday 14 May 2026 • First Steps Count hosted the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON)'s "Bring Your Bills Day" at the Child and Community Hub in Taree. The free event offered local families a safe, non-judgmental space to seek practical assistance with energy and water costs.

May 2026 • First Steps Count recently welcomed a group of fourth-year Speech Pathology students from the University of Newcastle's Department of Rural Health (UoNDRH) for their final block of clinical placements. The partnership provides a vital bridge between academic training and rural community needs.

Our program ran across two weeks in April, filling the Hub with laughter, creativity and connection. We're so grateful to the service providers who generously delivered the majority of sessions in-kind, sharing their expertise and enthusiasm to make this program possible for local families.

Thursday 16 April 2026 • First Steps Count Director Clare Brennan and Chair Clare Rogers were invited to attend The Funding Network’s workshop in Sydney, to master impact storytelling and pitch techniques when seeking support from partners and sponsors.

First Steps Count Director Clare Brennan recently interviewed our Research Facilitator Sophie Nicholls, who supporting the STARS for Kids research project at the centre. Based at the hub in Taree, Sophie works with the University of Sydney to evaluate the impact of child and family hubs across three sites in Australia – Taree (NSW), Carramar (NSW) and Wanneroo (WA).

5 March 2026 • First Steps Count was proud to participate in the 10th International Women’s Day Luncheon at Club Taree. The centre raised funds to sponsor seats for seven mums from the FSC community, along with Centre Director Clare Brennan and Centre Leader Toni Carson.

We’re pleased to announce a new partnership with Paton Hooke Lawyers, a Taree‑based law firm that will provide pro bono legal expertise to support the centre’s ongoing operations and growth. The partnership will see Paton Hooke assist with lease agreements for service providers operating within the hub, offer ad hoc legal advice, and support the centre’s commitment to transparency in its operations.

At First Steps Count, we’re constantly reminded of how much our space and our services are two halves of the same whole - that profound healing and growth can be enhanced when done in an environment that is warm, welcoming and without judgement.

There’s no greater example of this than our Victim Support Services, facilitated by our Centre Leader Toni Carson.

The First Steps Count building wins three top honors at the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards – Best Sustainable, Best Public and Best Regional – celebrating its eco‑friendly, community‑focused design. Read more about the award‑winning hub and its impact on families.

A vibrant two week summer program at First Steps Count gave families a safe, nurturing space where kids explored crafts, gardening, yoga and pirate adventures – all led by dedicated staff and community specialists.

On Thursday 4th December, representatives from the three STARS for Kids research sites - Taree, NSW Carramar, NSW and Wanneroo, WA - came together in person for the first time in over two years at the University of NSW, Kensington.

On Sunday 30 November 2025 we opened our doors to over 200 guests for a lively three‑hour Christmas Party that blended music, food, fun and a generous raffle that raised funds for the hub’s ongoing programs and services.

Centre Leader Toni Carson & Centre Navigator Victoria Schumann completed Rhythm2Recovery training in Sydney, introducing rhythm‑based trauma therapy to support local families.

We’re proud to be highlighted on Social Ventures Australia’s website. The story of a First Steps Count family, showcases how a purpose‑designed hub on Biripi country provides safety, belonging and integrated support for families facing disadvantage.

Centre Director Clare Brennan travelled to Melbourne to represent the hub at the 2025 National Child and Family Hubs Network Conference. The inaugural one‑day free event gathered hub leaders, people with lived experience, funders, policymakers and researchers to share ideas and experiences for improving outcomes for children across Australia through child and family hubs.

For just $5 a family you’ll enjoy carols, live music, a Santa visit, sausage sizzle, popcorn, cake and merch. Bring a chair or rug, grab a raffle ticket and you could win a paddleboard, weekend retreats, signed jerseys, spa vouchers and more!

Our Centre Director, Clare Brennan, took the stage at the 2025 Biophilic Design Symposium, hosted by the Living Futures Institute of Australia at the NSW State Library. The two‑day event gathered over 40 architects, builders and sustainability experts to explore how design can regenerate communities.