Alicia Whelan

Community Development | Group Facilitator

What’s your connection to the MidCoast / Taree?

I moved to Waitui in 2018 with my husband and kids and have loved every minute of living here. I grew up in Sydney, but often visited family on the mid north coast, so it was always the plan to eventually make our way north. We love the community here and we love living in the country. Being amongst nature and being part of such a great community is a wonderful way for our kids to grow up.

What does First Steps Count mean to you?

First Steps Count is a place where all families are welcomed. I love that families can connect with each other and with services all under one roof. It’s a beautiful, calming space to work in and provides wonderful opportunities for parents/carers to spend time and connect with their children. I also love that First SC provides opportunities for community members to share knowledge and skills with each other which we see weekly at the community garden and women's art group, two programs I support as part of my role. It always inspires me to see the knowledge, skills and experiences that community members bring and generously share with others. I feel very privileged to be a part of that.

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

Success is seeing the kids run to the garden to check on the veggies they planted the week before; it's seeing families take home fresh organic produce that they have grown, it's seeing women teach each other different crafts at women's group and wholeheartedly supporting each other.