Clare Brennan

Speech Pathologist, Leadership Roles in NSW Health & Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network

What’s your connection to the MidCoast / Taree?

I moved to Taree from Sydney in 2019 and was employed with First Steps Count in March 2020 as the Transition Manager before becoming the Director of the organisation in 2022. Before moving up here, I have childhood memories of sitting in holiday traffic across the Martin Bridge and stopping for lunch by the Manning River on our way north.

I had experienced regional living in Inverell in my previous life as a community Speech Pathologist and I always had a feeling that I would like to live in the country again once day. I love the sense of community in Taree and there is so much to explore – whether you want to go to the beach or head to a farm, it’s such a beautiful part of the world to live and raise a family.

What does First Steps Count mean to you?

Working with First Steps Count has been such an amazing opportunity for me as I was involved from the point of starting construction on this incredible building right through to seeing the doors open and forming relationships with our families. The building itself is such a beautiful, calming workplace and nothing like I have ever experienced in previous positions. It’s really exciting to see the way families have connected with this place and really made it an important part of their lives.

I love hearing the sounds of children playing and enjoying the spaces with their friends and families and it means so much for me to see the connections that are forming between parents, building a social network that some people might not have had otherwise. We are so fortunate to be able to take the time where we can build trust and relationships with families, connecting families with the right supports at the right time for them.

What does success look like for you here at First Steps Count?

We are deeply committed listening to our families about what works and what else is needed to ensure that all children and families are reaching their potential and are thriving. Success is in the strength of our relationships with partnering providers, the local Biripi Elders and community and First Steps Count families who are at the heart of everything we do. First Steps Count is working in Taree because it was intentionally co-designed with the community but this is a long-game.

While we are seeing notable success with individual families, the impact on outcomes for children and families is long-term so we need to make sure that First Steps Count can continue to operate through ongoing investment and financial support.