Communication Club Launches at First Steps Count to Facilitate Speech Pathology Beyond The Clinic
12 August 2026 • A new after-school communication club for children is being trialled at First Steps Count Child and Family Hub, bringing speech pathology support into a familiar, playful environment rather than a traditional clinical setting.
Run by Speech Pathology students from the University of Newcastle, the Communication Club offers free, supported group sessions for children who need extra support to build confidence, resilience, friendships and communication skills. The group runs Wednesdays from 3:30pm – 4:15pm across five sessions on August 12, August 26, and September 2, 9, and 16.
The first session of Communication Club.
Parents and carers are encouraged to stay, play, and explore alongside their children — asking questions and sharing ideas to build practical strategies that support language, literacy, and communication development at home.
First Steps Count Director Clare Brennan said the initiative highlights how Child and Family Hubs can support improving outcomes for children in regional communities.
“This concept is one of the main reasons why Hubs like First Steps Count exist. The space allows play-based services and initiatives to be offered, taking treatment and support out of an unfamiliar clinical setting and bringing it into a stimulating, natural environment.
Here we can harness a child’s natural desire for exploration and social connection — which ultimately makes support more effective, less intimidating, and part of everyday life.”
The program reflects a growing shift in child and family supports toward place-based, strengths-based service delivery. By embedding support within a community hub rather than a standalone clinic, families access care without the barriers of stigma, referral complexity, or travel to multiple appointments.
Session Details
When: Wednesdays, 3:30pm – 4:15pm
Dates: August 12, 26 and September 2, 9, 16
Where: First Steps Count Child and Family Hub, 4 Myall Avenue, Taree
Cost: FREE
Who: Children needing extra support with communication skills
Parents & Carers are encouraged to stay and participate
Media Enquiries:
Clare Brennan, Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org
