First 5 Forever

How is it delivered?

First 5 Forever began as a four-year $20m initiative delivered through public libraries and IKCs in partnership with local government. In 2018 the Queensland Government announced ongoing annual funding of $5m to support the delivery of First 5 Forever and continue the valued role that libraries and IKCs play in supporting families.

First 5 Forever funding is distributed to local councils to enable flexible local implementation of the program within the parameters of the First 5 Forever Service Level Agreement (SLA) in consultation with State Library of Queensland.

Why libraries?

Public libraries are ideally placed to work with their communities to bring about long-term positive change. With over 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres across Queensland, First 5 Forever empowers families – through brain building resources, spaces and opportunities – to help Queensland children thrive no matter where they live.

What provides children with the best start in life?

• Nurturing and secure relationships
• Experiences and environments that support health and well being
• Opportunities for play and discovery
• Participating in positive and inclusive communities
• A sense of belonging through identity and culture
• Having material basics and access to services and support

First 5 Forever is about connection. Public libraries connect families with each other, information and resources and their community by providing the space and support for meaningful interactions.

First 5 Forever 2024-25 facts at a glance

• 30,314 First 5 Forever programs delivered in 2024-25
• 27,589 First 5 Forever onsite sessions, 12% increase YoY 
• 874,932 attendances in First 5 Forever programs in 2024-25 - over 5.4 million attendances recorded to date
• 155,647 page views of the First 5 Forever website 
• 37,672 edm subscribers 40% increase YoY
• 4.1 million user views and a 170% rise in content engagement 
• 21,190 Facebook followers, an increase of 10% from the previous year