Deb Tuckerman
Former Economic Development Manager (MidCoast Council); currently in hospitality/disability services; active volunteer with surf‑life‑saving and Landcare; champion of regional growth and early‑childhood support.
What’s your connection to the MidCoast and Taree?
I grew up on a dairy and beef farm in country Western Australia, then studied economics and business (specialising in tourism) at University in Perth before working in a variety of locations around WA from Albany in the south to Derby in the north. I wanted some experience working in a regional area on the ‘east coast’ and moved to Forster in 2003 to take up a newly created position of Economic Development Manager for the then Great Lakes Council. I worked on projects with big and small, with communities and key employment sectors such as aged care, to support economic growth and encourage job creation.
In 2016 Great Lakes Council was merged to become MidCoast Council. Not long after I was appointed the Manager of Growth Economic Development and Tourism, encompassing the areas of economic development, tourism, event support, and cultural services including our fabulous Manning Regional Art Gallery and Manning Entertainment Centre.
I resigned from Council in 2023 and continue to work and volunteer in the Forster and Taree areas. I have always had a passion for supporting rural and regional communities to thrive. I am currently working in the hospitality and disability services sectors and volunteer for several other local groups including surf life saving and landcare and continue to look at opportunities to contribute to my local communities.
What does First Steps Count mean to you?
Whilst my professional background has been focused more on business development than community development, my passion has always been creating strong rural and regional communities. To do that you have to develop both a strong community and a strong economy - you can’t have one without the other.
One of the building blocks for this to happen is giving our children the best start in life, so that they can be the best they can, achieve their dreams, fulfil their potential. To have a hub such as FSC where the focus is on bringing families together, to access services and support, to form positive relationships, to receive help and advice, has so many positive flow on effects for both individuals and our communities.
What does success look like for you here at First Steps Count?
FSC having a long term presence in our region. This in turn will provide reassurance to our community of ongoing support and a safe hub of activity that is focussed on what the community needs, resulting in better social and economic outcomes for everyone. Supporting happy children to reach their full potential.
