First Steps Count Director Clare Brennan recently interviewed our Research Facilitator Sophie Nicholls, who supporting the STARS for Kids research project at the centre. Based at the hub in Taree, Sophie works with the University of Sydney to evaluate the impact of child and family hubs across three sites in Australia – Taree (NSW), Carramar (NSW) and Wanneroo (WA).

5 March 2026 • First Steps Count was proud to participate in the 10th International Women’s Day Luncheon at Club Taree. The centre raised funds to sponsor seats for seven mums from the FSC community, along with Centre Director Clare Brennan and Centre Leader Toni Carson.

We’re pleased to announce a new partnership with Paton Hooke Lawyers, a Taree‑based law firm that will provide pro bono legal expertise to support the centre’s ongoing operations and growth. The partnership will see Paton Hooke assist with lease agreements for service providers operating within the hub, offer ad hoc legal advice, and support the centre’s commitment to transparency in its operations.

At First Steps Count, we’re constantly reminded of how much our space and our services are two halves of the same whole - that profound healing and growth can be enhanced when done in an environment that is warm, welcoming and without judgement.

There’s no greater example of this than our Victim Support Services, facilitated by our Centre Leader Toni Carson.

The First Steps Count building wins three top honors at the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards – Best Sustainable, Best Public and Best Regional – celebrating its eco‑friendly, community‑focused design. Read more about the award‑winning hub and its impact on families.

A vibrant two week summer program at First Steps Count gave families a safe, nurturing space where kids explored crafts, gardening, yoga and pirate adventures – all led by dedicated staff and community specialists.

On Thursday 4th December, representatives from the three STARS for Kids research sites - Taree, NSW Carramar, NSW and Wanneroo, WA - came together in person for the first time in over two years at the University of NSW, Kensington.

On Sunday 30 November 2025 we opened our doors to over 200 guests for a lively three‑hour Christmas Party that blended music, food, fun and a generous raffle that raised funds for the hub’s ongoing programs and services.

Centre Leader Toni Carson & Centre Navigator Victoria Schumann completed Rhythm2Recovery training in Sydney, introducing rhythm‑based trauma therapy to support local families.

We’re proud to be highlighted on Social Ventures Australia’s website. The story of a First Steps Count family, showcases how a purpose‑designed hub on Biripi country provides safety, belonging and integrated support for families facing disadvantage.

Centre Director Clare Brennan travelled to Melbourne to represent the hub at the 2025 National Child and Family Hubs Network Conference. The inaugural one‑day free event gathered hub leaders, people with lived experience, funders, policymakers and researchers to share ideas and experiences for improving outcomes for children across Australia through child and family hubs.

For just $5 a family you’ll enjoy carols, live music, a Santa visit, sausage sizzle, popcorn, cake and merch. Bring a chair or rug, grab a raffle ticket and you could win a paddleboard, weekend retreats, signed jerseys, spa vouchers and more!

Our Centre Director, Clare Brennan, took the stage at the 2025 Biophilic Design Symposium, hosted by the Living Futures Institute of Australia at the NSW State Library. The two‑day event gathered over 40 architects, builders and sustainability experts to explore how design can regenerate communities.

First Steps Count was honoured to provide its welcoming facilities for the Combined Community Preschool NAIDOC celebration on Tuesday, 9 September 2025 , an event that welcomed more than 300 preschool children, educators, families and community members.

The FSC team had a successful and heartwarming experience running the Bunnings BBQ at Taree during Child Protection Week. Held on September 6, our BBQ not only raised crucial funds but also enabled us to connect with local families coming into Father’s Day 2025.

On Wed 03 September, FSC hosted an event that brought together local & international guests - including council members, Indigenous participants, community representatives, and sustainability experts - to explore innovative approaches to climate challenges through the nature-inspired design of our award-winning building.

A heartwarming celebration unfolded at the First Steps Count Child and Community Centre in Taree, as locals gathered over afternoon tea to honour the generosity of District 44 Masonic Charities and the vibrant community spirit that continues to shape the region.

We’re proud to share that our Centre Leader, Toni Carson, represented our organisation at the International Childhood Trauma Conference in Melbourne from Sunday 17 to Friday 22 August. She was accompanied by our research facilitator, Sophie, and Bec, a parent who shared her inspiring story.

In August we received a generous donation of $800 from the Manning River Ratz Rugby Club, following their annual Indigenous Round. This donation is a testament to the club's commitment to supporting local community initiatives and their ongoing partnership with First Steps Count.

Recently our Women's Group gathered for a vibrant and creative morning, crafting mosaic coasters and engaging in meaningful conversations. Part of the 'Yarn. Create. Belong.' project, a community-driven 12-month initiative supporting women, particularly parents and carers of children aged 0-12.