Shadow Minister for Families and Communities Visits First Steps Count

Written By Meredith Paige

Thursday 30 July 2026 • The Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC, visited First Steps Count Child and Family Hub as part of a day-long tour of community organisations across the Myall Lakes electorate, hosted by local MP Ms. Tanya Thompson, Member for Myall Lakes.

The visit provided an opportunity to showcase the Hub's community-led model of collaborative child and family support, with Director Clare Brennan guiding the visitors through the purpose-built space and explaining how families access health, parenting support and social care services under one roof — without referrals, waitlists, or barriers.

 

The Hon Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC with Hub Director Clare Brennan and Member for Myall Lakes Tanya Thompson MP

Following the visit, the Hon. Natasha Maclaren-Jones MLC described First Steps Count as "a community-driven, community-funded child and family hub" offering "a warm, home-like space where families can connect, play, and access health and wellbeing support all in one place."

Ms Maclaren-Jones extended her thanks to Clare and the team, acknowledging the important impact the Hub’s services have on the region's families.

“These visits are a great opportunity to showcase the incredible organisations, volunteers and community leaders who make our region such a special place.”
— Tanya Thompson MP

The tour also included visits to Manning Valley Neighbourhood Services in Wingham, Mission Australia in Taree, the flag-raising ceremony at The Taree Railway Club, and CareerQuip at TAFE NSW Taree.

For First Steps Count, the visit reinforces the growing recognition of the Hub model at both a state and national level — from architecture awards to research partnerships — and the importance of ensuring that policymakers experience firsthand how community-led, place-based support is transforming outcomes for families in regional NSW.

Media Enquiries:

Clare Brennan, Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org

Links:

Meredith Paige

Meredith Paige is a marketing strategist & website designer. With a decade of experience helping regional and rural small businesses build stronger marketing foundations, she’s passionate about cutting through the fluff and giving business owners the tools to take control of their online presence — without the overwhelm. When she's not creating practical marketing resources, you'll find her exploring Australia with her family, living the small business life she champions.

http://meredithpaige.me/
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