Big ideas often start with a simple question:
What if things could be different better?
First Steps Count began as a local conversation about how to improve long-term outcomes for children and families in the Taree region. Over more than a decade, that conversation grew into a community-driven, nationally significant project — a place-based solution shaped by those it’s designed to support.
Today, First Steps Count Child and Community Centre is a living example of what’s possible when local vision meets long-term support, thoughtful design, and the belief that every child deserves a safe, connected start.
Who We Are
First Steps Count is here to make life easier for families with children aged 0–12, by creating a safe, welcoming space that brings together local services, support, and connection — all under one roof.
Born from a grassroots vision and over a decade of local collaboration, we’re guided by community voices and driven by the belief that every child deserves the chance to thrive.
What We Do
We offer a mix of play-based programs, parenting support, early intervention services and health-related care — alongside co-located service providers who deliver specialist supports on site.
Families can come in for a play, connect with others, or be gently supported to access the help they need. No forms, no referrals, no judgement — just a warm welcome and the support to take your next step, whatever that may be.
Our Vision, Purpose & Values
Our Vision
All young people are loved and safe, have material basics, are healthy, are learning and are participating and have a positive sense of identity and culture. This vision has been adopted from The Nest Wellbeing Framework developed by ARACY.
Our Purpose
Fostering stronger communities by working together with families and service providers to benefit children in a beautiful environment.
Our Values
Work Together: Our purpose can only be realised if we work together
Value Every Person: We make everyone feel welcome
Learn Everyday: We share our resources, knowledge and skills and are open to learning and development.
Be Courageous: We are brave in our conversations and decision making. We are not afraid of the challenging moments.
Adaptable: We can flex and change according to the needs of our community.
The People Behind the Place
From warm welcomes to big-picture strategy, our team brings heart, expertise and dedication to everything we do.
From humble, hopeful beginnings: Our Timeline
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The catalyst for what will eventually be First Steps Count is established at Manning Gardens Public School - the Good Beginnings Program.
This provided a direct service for families with babies and young children and the plan was to build on this volunteer service to offer wrap-around services and support for children 0-12 and their families.
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June: Early Childhood Service providers and advocates meet at Snugglepot Day Care Centre, agreeing on the need for integrated service provision.
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Name Confirmation: 'First Steps Count' is confirmed as the entity name. Reference group established and Constitution drawn up.
Management Committee Established:
President & Chair Dr Colin Rose
Vice President Anne Gilchrist
Secretary Rosemary Sinclair
Public Officer Geraldine Smith
Treasurer Merrick Spicer
Land Provided: Greater Taree City Council provides land for centre construction in Manning Gardens.
Master Plan: Architects Without Frontiers donates $18,000 for a Master Plan for the community facility.
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Incorporation: First Steps Count is incorporated as an association.
Master Plan Task: Pidcock Architects undertakes the Master Plan task.
Ongoing community consultation, including with the local First Nations Community.
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Foundation Confirmed: First Steps Count Foundation is confirmed with DGR status.
Major Donations: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF) donates almost $50,000 for the Development Application. Local community raises $30,000. towards DA and design development.
Pidcock Architects were appointed to prepare the DA and Design Development
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Land Allocation: Greater Taree City Council formally resolves to allocate land to First Steps Count.
Business Plan: Business/Governance Plan is prepared and approved.
Project Manager Rod Illidge appointed
Funding proposal prepared with assistance from Early Childhood Education Advisory Group (facilitated by Global Access Partners (GAP).
Adoption of the ‘Living Building Challenge’ by Pidcock Architects
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DA Preparation: Preparation of the Development Application resumes.
Ongoing consultation with local First Nations community representatives regarding service provision and artistic design for building and landscaping.
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DA Lodged: Development Application is lodged with Greater Taree City Council.
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DA Approved: Development Application is unanimously approved by Greater Taree City Council.
Partnership Interests: UnitingCare Burnside and FaCS NSW express interest in collaborating with FSC. ARACY partners with FSC in revised proposal for funding to include a major research project from day one of Centre operations
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DA Extension: Greater Taree City Council approves an extension to the Development consent.
Funding Efforts: Continued funding efforts with assistance from Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth.
FSC Business/Governance Plan revision completed.
First FSC website: established and hosted pro bono by Marc Foi (Firehawk Digital). We gratefully acknowledge this wonderful contribution to the project.
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Name Change: 'First Steps Count Child and Family Centre' is renamed 'First Steps Count Child and Community Centre'.
Public Relations: Public Relations event held in Taree to explain the Living Building Challenge.
Agreement to abandon FSC project if funding not forthcoming by October deadline for DA approval. Application submitted to NSW government’s Growing Local Economies program for $2.5 million.
December: NSW government announces agreement to allocate $2.5 million to FSC with a formal announcement expected in the new year.
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VFFF Confirmation: Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation confirms a $1 million grant.
University Partnership: University of Newcastle confirms a partnership for research and participation in the Early Start Engagement Centre network.
Donation of $10,000 from Robert and Therese Kennedy to contribute to landscape design in collaboration with out(fit) at UON
Requested second funding application to NSW government submitted in December
Established FSC Aboriginal Advisory group
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Government Grant: NSW Government Department of Premier & Cabinet confirmed Regional Communities Development Fund grant to FSC of $2.5million, 16th January when State Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead MP and Deputy Premier the Hon John Barilaro MP presided over a media conference in Taree
Construction Planning: Construction planning begins with W+G Duber Design and Construction appointed as builders.
June: FSC was advised of an increase in the pledged grant from Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation from $1 million to $1,500,000, plus an extra $150,000 for 18 months contractual employment of a Transition Manager.
Update to Advisory Group: The previously named Aboriginal Advisory Group was re-named by members in August. The First Steps Count Yarnin’ Circle agreed to meet at different locations to allow for input from different groups about plans for the project.
New Board of Management elected: at the Annual General Meeting on 25th November 2019. Office holders are:
President -Jenny Kneipp
Vice President- Anne Gilchrist
Treasurer- Judy Hoppe
Secretary- Jenny Raward
Public Officer- Sue Russell
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Transition Manager: Clare Brennan is appointed as Transition Manager.
COVID-19 Impact: COVID-19 pandemic affects project timelines and social interactions.
Construction Commencement: Construction commencement expected in the second half of 2020.
Sidney Myer Fund donated $10,000.00 to First Steps Count.
FSC Website Updated: updating and hosting the website accepted by Reece Dodds (3DIT).
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Sod Turning: Sod-turning ceremony held on 22nd April 2021.
Grant Applications: Successful grant applications, including the Social Sector Transformation Fund and FRRR Back to School program.
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Centre Opening: Official opening of Stage 1 on 9th February 2023.
Fundraising Events: Successful fundraising events, including the 'Garden Graze' luncheon raising over $42,000.
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Stage 2 Completion: Stage 2 of the FSC Centre is completed and officially opened on 5th March 2024.
National Recognition: FSC is shortlisted for the Architecture AU Award for Social Impact.
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Official Opening: Stage 2 official opening held on 5th March with federal member The Hon. Dr. David Gillespie MP.
Patron Appointment: Rosemary Sinclair AO is appointed Patron of First Steps Count Inc.
Fundraising Events: Successful fundraising events, including the 'Dance Through the Decades - Boogie for a Cause' raising over $40,000.
A Place with Purpose.
The Centre was purposefully located in Manning Gardens, an area identified by the community as underserved and difficult to navigate due to transport limitations.
The Centre in intentionally within walking distance of housing, schools, and other everyday destinations, with accessibility on all fronts a key objective.
A Building That Reflects Community Values
The Centre has been designed by a stellar team of sustainability-minded professionals, guided by the principles of the Living Building Challenge, making it one of the most environmentally sustainable buildings in the region. With solar power, rainwater reuse, open indoor-outdoor spaces, and materials sourced locally, every aspect of the building reflects the community’s values — connection, sustainability, and care.
Your Impact Boosts Our Impact
Change doesn’t happen all at once — it happens one safe space, one kind conversation, one supported family at a time.
By supporting First Steps Count, you’re helping deliver lasting change for families in the Mid Coast — and building a model that others can learn from. Whether you’re a foundation, business, or individual, your support helps keep this space free, welcoming, and community-led.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Children aged 0–12 and their families. Everyone is welcome — no referral required.
Come and join us for a Casual Play Day
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Supported playgroups, parenting programs, allied health, family violence support, cultural programs, and more.
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Yes, we offer short- and long-term bookings for community programs and service delivery.
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Yes — we are a registered independent not-for-profit.
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Yes. Donations over $2 are tax deductible and go directly toward supporting the operation and growth of the Centre.