First steps count

A community centre providing integrated early childhood services in a one-stop-shop with a number of family and community projects seems like a no-brainer. Rosemary Sinclair AO wonders why there is still no government commitment to contribute to this venture.

Why, you may ask, would there be a focus on the needs of disadvantaged children and their families in an area envied for its sub tropical climate, coastal proximity and gorgeous rainforests – the perfect place for a sea change or tree change lifestyle?

Well, here are some sobering facts: Taree’s ABS index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSED 2015) places it in the most disadvantaged 10% of suburbs in Australia with higher than average family breakdown, Aboriginal residency of 6.9% compared with national average of 2.3% and year 10 or lower education standards.

Tony Vinson’s ‘Dropping off the Edge’ 2015 and 2007 studies ranks it as an area of ‘persistent disadvantage’.

Some years ago a group of early childhood workers and community members in Taree on NSW Mid North Coast, decided that children and their families in this seriously disadvantaged area needed better co-ordinated early childhood services. We set about the consultation process, including with the Aboriginal community, and began working for the establishment of First Steps Count Child and Family Centre.

This would be a community centre providing integrated early childhood services in a one-stop-shop welcoming environment together with a multiplicity of family and community projects.

Since 2008 we have received wonderful support from philanthropy, local government and community. Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation (VFFF), which contributed to the Centre design and development application, has $1million earmarked for Centre construction, if government support is forthcoming. Our local council provided the land for building (adjacent to the local public school and between two predominantly Aboriginal housing estates) and has approved the DA. Architects Without Frontiers (AWF) have funded preparation of the architect’s Master Plan, and significant community support and involvement continues.

We have confirmed partnerships with local and regional services, including with the adjacent Manning Gardens Public School (which has 113 of a total of 130 five to twelve year olds requiring remedial teaching), with ARACY (Australian Research Alliance for Children & Youth), and with the University of Wollongong (NSW) for participation in its acclaimed Early Start Engagement Centre Network for teaching and community education. The project continues to attract interest in establishing working relationships with major service providers.

With the additional potential for First Steps Count planned facility to become a major early childhood research centre it seems a no-brainer for its establishment to be supported.

Yet here we are, nearing the end of 2016, the level of interest in working together to make lives safer and happier for children is increasing and there is still no government commitment to contribute to the building! And this is no ordinary ‘bricks and mortar’ facility. Pidcock Architecture + Sustainability has designed a community facility with environmental and financial sustainability assured. The facility itself is certain to attract national and international attention. Importantly it will be community owned and community operated.

Taree and district is a very disadvantaged area with high Aboriginal population and all of the related social issues. The passion and commitment to the project has not faltered, and the majority tells us that the concept is spot on. We need one-off building funds of $2.5million for a $4.2million project. Compared to the recent federal government allocation of $100million for a sports complex in Townsville this is not a big ask! Governments and some philanthropists advise that no funds are available for capital works.

Maybe soon the penny will drop that the First Steps Child and Family Centre will make it possible for early childhood services to work together most effectively for the benefit of children, their families and the wider community. It will help close the gap towards reconciliation, and it will provide the opportunity for training and major research in conjunction with the Centre’s program delivery.

First Steps Count Child and Family Centre is quoted by Hon.Warwick Smith AM, Chairman NSW & ACT, ANZ Banking Group as being ‘a lighthouse project for the nation’. We hope that potential supporters will agree with the vision.