Join us for a guided tour of First Steps Count Child and Community Centre by Austin McFarland.

The First Steps Count Child and Community Centre is a purpose-built living building in Taree, NSW, that uses biophilic design that embraces the natural environment to create a warm and welcoming facility for families with children. This unique, ecologically sustainable and community-responsive building serves to make life easier for families with children aged 0–12, by bringing together local services, support, and connection — all under one roof.

The project was born from a community-driven co-design process led by a voluntary committee, now the First Steps Count Board of Management. Over 15 years numerous stakeholders worked together with the architects, consultants and builder to shape the Centre’s design, function, and appearance, ensuring a fully integrated design approach to bring the ideas of the community to life. 

This tour is one in a series of architectural events held in conjunction with the 2026 NSW Regional Architecture Awards in Coffs Harbour. For more information on the Awards evening, click here.

Image credit: Matthew Carbone