An ambassador for First 5 Forever – Ash Barty!

Since 2015, First 5 Forever programs have been delivered in 325 public libraries and Indigenous Knowledge Centres in Queensland. In the years following, over 4.7million attendances have been reported at First 5 Forever sessions in Queensland libraries and online. 

For the first time since launching First 5 Forever has welcomed an ambassador to help raise awareness of the program; three-time Grand Slam singles champion, winner of the 2022 Australian Open, proud Ngarigo woman, author and new mother, Ash Barty! 

On Thursday 4 April in a special event on the Queensland Terrace at State Library, Ash was announced as the inaugural First 5 Forever ambassador. The announcement was MC’d by Kendall Gilding and attended by Minister for the Arts, Leeanne Enoch along with numerous children and families. The Minister, Ash Barty and State Librarian and CEO Vicki McDonald each spoke about the importance of the program for all Queensland children. 

Over the next three years, Ash will work with State Library of Queensland to raise awareness of First 5 Forever and share the importance of talking, reading, singing and playing with our children in the first 5 years to support their development and wellbeing now and for their whole life. 

“As First 5 Forever Ambassador I get to be a different kind of champion, a champion of early childhood,” Barty said. 

For more information about how you can support your child’s health and wellbeing, and to keep up with all the exciting news about First 5 Forever, subscribe to our free monthly tips or visit a First 5 Forever session at your local library. And remember, you’re never too young to be a member of the library – you can join your little one up from birth.