September 2026 • We're excited to share some important news about the future of First Steps Count — changes that reflect how far we've come, and where we're headed next.

These appointments signify something exciting in the life of our Hub: First Steps Count is growing up.

September 2026 • We're always looking for ways to make visiting the Hub easier — and soon, families will notice a change to the way they sign in on arrival.

This system is about three key objectives: understanding our visiting families & their needs, collating that data for funders & donors, and keeping everyone safes & accounted for while they’re at the Hub.

26 August 2026 • There was magic in the air at our Little Explorers Supported Playgroup this month, when Book Week came to the Hub. For our littlest book lovers, it was their chance to join in the costume fun alongside their big brothers and sisters, and they made the most of it.

August 2026 • The STARS for Kids CRE has entered a new phase, with researchers now actively recruiting participants to trial a proposed model of continuing care that leverages technology, local service navigation, and integrated Child and Family Hubs to support families through the critical first years of a child's life.

First Steps Count Child and Family Hub is proud to work in close partnership with the Ngarra Wakulda Aboriginal Community Consultation Group (ACCG). The name, meaning "listen, learn, know as one" in Gathang, reflects the group's vital role in ensuring the protection of Aboriginal data and stories in line with data sovereignty principles.

12 August 2026 • A new after-school communication club for children has launched here at FSC, bringing speech pathology support into a familiar, playful environment rather than a traditional clinical setting. It offers free, supported sessions for children who need extra support to build confidence, resilience, friendships and communication skills.

Thursday 30 July 2026 • The Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, Shadow Minister, visited First Steps Count as part of a day-long tour, hosted by local MP Tanya Thompson. The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the Hub's community-led model of integrated child and family support.

Monday 6 July to Friday 17 July 2026 • Two weeks in July turned our Hub into a vibrant cross-section of everything First Steps Count stands for: from Uncle Mick's storytelling on Country to science experiments that sparked wonder, to Rhythm to Recovery sessions that found healing through sound.

Wednesday, 15 July 2026 • First Steps Count proudly hosted the STARS for Kids Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) Day, bringing together researchers, practitioners, service providers, and community partners from across Australia to our Hub in Taree. Our partnership with STARS is focused on improving outcomes for children and families during the critical first 2,000 days of life.

Thursday, 02 July 2026 • We are thrilled to announce that the architecture team behind the First Steps Count building has been awarded multiple accolades at the 2026 Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) NSW Chapter Awards, including the prestigious Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture.

Thursday, 18 June 2026 • Director Clare Brennan had the privilege of attending the official opening of the Karitane Fairfield Integrated Child and Family Hub in Carramar, Sydney. The new Hub was officially opened by NSW Minister for Health and Regional Health, The Hon. Ryan Park MP.

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.

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.

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.