Our Building: A Beacon of Sustainability and Community

The First Steps Count Child and Family Hub is more than just a building; it is a testament to the power of community, sustainability, and innovative design.

Our journey began in 2008, when a group of dedicated early childhood service providers and advocates came together to envision an integrated service provision in a one-stop-shop facility. This vision has culminated in a state-of-the-art hub that not only serves our community but also sets a new standard for sustainable architecture.

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Orange outlined rainbow with four arches

A Vision for the Future

From the outset, our goal was to create a building that would be socially just, culturally rich, and ecologically restorative. Our design & construction team were inspired by the International Living Future Institute's mission and their Living Building Challenge, which provides a framework for designing buildings that have a positive impact on both human and natural systems.

The Design Philosophy

The design of the First Steps Countis rooted in truly sustainable ideas, aiming to be "positive and regenerative" in their outcomes. The concept is to create a space that is nurturing, open, bright and airy, welcoming, friendly, and promotes cultural diversity.

  • Connection to Nature: Large windows and skylights allow natural light to fill the building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.

  • Self-Sufficiency: The building is designed to be energy-neutral, with solar panels and efficient insulation ensuring that it remains within the resource limits of its site.

  • Community Integration: The hub is central to our community of families, offering a range of services and programs that support families and children. Our design encourages interaction and collaboration, fostering a sense of belonging and community ownership.

First Steps Count - A modern building with wooden exterior panels and large windows, surrounded by a landscaped yard with trees, outdoor furniture, and a clear blue sky.
First Steps Count Interior - a modern communal space with colourful wall art of stick figure children, a dog, a bird, and a fish painted on a white wall near the windows.
Looking out from the interior of First Steps Count
Contemporary wall art hung throughout the interior of First Steps Count.
The rain water collection and storage mechanism at First Steps Count.
An exterior angled shot of the First Steps Count building.
First Steps Count's outdoor playground with wooden and bamboo structures, metal pans hanging, surrounded by trees and grass in a park setting.
First Steps Count's outdoor playground with sandy ground, large rocks, and wooden logs for climbing.
First Steps Count's modern building with outdoor seating area, large trees, and a landscaped yard with umbrellas and rocks.
First Steps Count's office reception area.
Children playing and exploring First Steps Count's bright, modern interior with large windows, wooden accents, and various colourful toys and artwork.
First Steps Count's bright children's playroom with large windows, scattered toys, and children and adults relaxing on couches.
First Steps Count's modern building exterior with curved wooden and metal siding, a concrete pathway, and outdoor seating overlooking a wooded landscape.
First Steps Count's modern building with wooden and metal exterior, curved walls, and a slanted roof, surrounded by a landscaped area with rocks and a dirt path, under a partly cloudy sky.
First Steps Count's modern building with wooden and brick exterior, surrounded by landscaped garden and trees, under a cloudy sky.
First Steps Count's modern building with colourful mural, wooden panels, glass doors, surrounded by rocks and plants, night setting.
First Steps Count's modern building with a colorful abstract mural, a tree, rocks, and a curved driveway, with a cloudy sky at sunset.
First Steps Count's contemporary building with wooden panelling, large glass windows, a curved exterior wall, and an overhanging metal roof, set outdoors during dusk with trees in the background.
First Steps Count's modern building with a sloped roof, wooden exterior, and outdoor patio with umbrellas, surrounded by landscaping and trees in the background.
First Steps Count's modern building with large windows, wooden beams, and trees growing through the roof, illuminated at dusk, featuring outdoor seating and a children's play area.
First Steps Count's under cover outdoor play area with large glass windows, colourful children's toys, and art on the walls.
First Steps Count's under cover outdoor play area with large glass windows, wooden accents, and trees integrated into the design, illuminated at dusk.
First Steps Count's modern kitchen with wood and dark cabinetry, green backsplash, stainless steel appliances, and decorative art on the ceiling.
First Steps Count's modern building with wooden and metal exterior, illuminated with warm lights, surrounded by trees and rocks, during twilight.

Proudly located in the heart of Biripi Country

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Throughout the design and construction phases, we maintained ongoing consultation with local Biripi elders to ensure that the hub respects and honours the traditions and knowledge of the Biripi people.

This collaboration has been instrumental in shaping the hub's design, ensuring it is a welcoming and inclusive space for all community members. The specific location of the hub was chosen for its accessibility, ensuring that our services are readily available to those who need them most.

Co-Creators in the Vision

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  • Russell McFarland, Carolyn McFarland • Austin McFarland Architects

    Worked closely with the team to bring the vision to life with their bespoke architectural design.

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    Caroline Pidcock • Pidcock Architects

    Caroline brought her passion for sustainable and regenerative design to the project.

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  • Walter Duber, Gisela Duber, Simon Duber, Sam Duber • Duber Constructions

    Committed to sustainable building practices and high-quality craftsmanship, they ensured that the building's sustainable heart was integrated into its design.

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  • Damian Hadley, Cantilever Studio

    Provided structural engineering solutions that were intelligent, considered, and aligned with the principles of dematerialisation.

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  • Vas Giotis • Blue Green Engineering

    Electrical and mechanical consulting services that supported the building's regenerative goals.

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  • David Duncan • Loci Collective

    Designed the landscape to complement the building's sustainable features and create a harmonious connection with nature.

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  • Ben Wilson, Robyn Overall • CJ Arms

    Provided civil and hydraulic engineering solutions that ensured the building's functionality and sustainability.

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  • Ali Haigh

    Ali Haigh is a contemporary Australian printmaker and designer who draws inspiration from the patterns and shapes found in nature and her surroundings.

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Come & See For Yourself!

Come and visit us at the First Steps Count Child for a casual play, to access our support services, or to book a room for your next event—we can't wait to welcome you!

Casual Play
Support Services
Room Bookings