First 5 Forever out and about in Cairns

The recent weather in Northern Queensland has brought numerous challenges for many communities including power outages, road closures and housing instability. People have been cut off from one another and from important community hubs like public libraries. 

Public libraries play an important role in community recovery. 

Libraries are comfortable, safe spaces that provide programs where families can connect with the support and resources they need, particularly during difficult times.  

The staff of Cairns Library know this, and in January they brought the community back together with the launch of the 2024 First 5 Forever Out and About program in partnership with Tanks Arts Centre. 

Over 150 families attended the launch and engaged in conversation, enjoyed readings, sang songs, played together, and shared in the rich array of yarns and stories. 

Staff were thrilled to share Bulkaway Muruku (singer/songwriter Merindi Schrieber) with families from Cairns and Kuranda, creating an energetic atmosphere filled with storytelling, music, laughter, and much more. 

Aunty Francis Walker, from Wujal Wujal, captivated the crowd with her engaging stories and Uncle Victor Steffensen introduced his latest CBCA notable publication, The Trees: Learning Tree Knowledge with Uncle Kuu written by Victor Steffensen and illustrated by Sandra Steffensen (2023). Many who attended the event said the highlight was when families joined in a dance inspired by the theme of the tree. 

In addition, the event featured a unique segment from Ngamumu/For Mothers, a visionary cultural project dedicated to supporting mothers and their babies in their crucial first 1000 days. 

For more information on how you can support your child’s health and wellbeing through reading and imaginative play join a First 5 Forever session at your local library and chat with the First 5 Forever staff about any special events happening in your area.