STARS Partnership Day in Sydney
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.
From L to R: Sini Lambiase, Clare Brennan, Christine Phillis, Erin Brandtman, Bree Katsamangos, Sophie Nicholls, Bec Young, Sharlene Vlahos, Sue Woolfenden, Nina D’Vax, Jo Cole, Maite Diez, James John, Valsa Eapen, Ellen Meagher, Jackie Davis
The purpose of the workshop was to strengthen the STARS partnership for more effective remote and in-person collaboration.
Facilitated by partnership broker Michelle Halse, Director of Living Collaborations, the workshop was a valuable time to have honest and timely conversations as the project continues to grow in complexity.
While many topics were covered during the day, the real value came from making in-person connections which is vital in building and strengthening relationships.
Director of First Steps Count, Clare Brennan, attended the Partnerships Day from Taree along with STARS Research Facilitator, Sophie Nicholls and convenor of Mid Coast 4 Kids, Bree Katsamangos.
In addition to the partnerships event, it was wonderful to attend an afternoon of Centre for Research Excellence presentations highlighting innovative, strength-based, and co-designed approaches to improving child and family wellbeing.
We heard from researchers on positive childhood experiences, tiered care models, service navigation, and integrated hubs. We also celebrated our own Sophie Nicholls, who presented early themes emerging from the STARS co-design research in Taree.
First Steps Count is the regional hub in the STARS for Kids research, which will contribute to the evidence base around the impact of child and family hubs as well as evaluate enhanced access to services for children under 4.
“The stakeholder workshop was a fantastic opportunity for shared learning and discussion...The time spent together in person was incredibly valuable and has strengthened our sense of connection with the broader STARS research team.”
Media Enquiries:
Clare Brennan, Centre Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org
Links:
STARS* for Kids Centre of Research Excellence (*Strengths-based, Tiered, Accessible Resources and Supports) - visit website to learn more
