Gemma Death

B. Education; M. Education; M. Theology; G.Cert Educational Counselling & Career Development

What’s your connection to the MidCoast / Taree?

A primary school teacher by trade, currently employed at Taree Universities Campus as Education Student Support and Widening Participation Officer. I moved to Wallabi Point as a Covid escapee from Sydney in 2021. My husband grew up in Taree, so we always had ties to the area. We were planning on a sea change for a year until the pandemic settled, however four years later we couldn’t imagine living anywhere else! I started volunteering at Taree Universities Campus when we first moved to the area and I loved the concept of a Regional University Study Hub which aimed to reduce the barriers of study to people from the regions. I was able to utilise my skills and experience from 15 years of teaching to work with students starting out studying education. 

What does First Steps Count mean to you?

Being an educator, I feel passionate about early intervention and supporting parents as they embark on their journey, which we all know is not always smooth sailing. FSC brings a community to local families in our region. I feel its most unique feature is that it is always a warm and welcoming place for families offering everything from casual conversations to structured support meeting people where they are at, when they are ready.

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

Success at FSC looks like a warm smile from staff, a cup of tea, families chatting, and of course, smiling, busy children.