Wayne Wilson

What’s your connection to the Mid Coast / Taree?

I'm a sixth-generation farmer's son who has spent most of my working life in Melbourne and Sydney, but has finally returned to the bush. Five years ago, my partner and I purchased a small farm at Bucca Wauka, which we manage as a wildlife retreat, and we're now delighted to be a part of the Mid Coast community.

What does First Steps Count mean to you?

I think First Steps Count represents a unique opportunity to help children and families envision and achieve a brighter future. The Hub is a sanctuary where families and children can feel safe, welcome, and part of a community that embraces and supports them. It’s an expression of everything that is good in what our local community can offer.

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

It took many years and the vision and energy of many diverse people to imagine the First Steps Count Child and Family Hub model, and to raise the funds to create and staff the Hub. Success for me will be the ability to look back at the end of my direct involvement with the Hub and to know that for that period and the medium to long-term future, First Steps Count has the financial resources it needs to continue to grow and serve the community.