First 5 Forever staff spotlight, Fiona Thackray

10 years of First 5 Forever. This month, we’re celebrating Fiona Thackray, a true champion of early childhood, and her important and rewarding work with First 5 Forever. 

Children and Youth Services Librarian, Fiona Thackray and the team have been talking, reading, singing and playing with many children and their families over the years, connecting with families and enabling the space and opportunities for connection with each other. They are a team truly motivated by making a difference and supporting babies and young children to thrive. 

Below Fiona shares her journey, including her work with program partners, various initiatives, and the impact she has seen First 5 Forever have on a dedicated team and the families engaged with the program.

“Wow, 10 years of the First 5 Forever program and what an amazing 10 years it has been! I have been lucky to be involved with the program for the last 6 years, ‘talking, reading, singing and playing’ throughout the North Queensland region. It has been such a rewarding experience both personally and professionally, and I look forward to seeing what the next 10 years will deliver. 

Throughout my long career I have worked in various roles, in a range of early childhood settings and organisations. My desire to make a difference for children and families is my driver. First 5 Forever has been the perfect platform for me to utilise my skills and experience to support the early years. 

Delivering the program I have experienced many memorable moments and interactions, but the standout for me has been the opportunity to connect with and share in the lives of so many children and their families. It is a privilege to be able to plan and develop programs, spaces and resources to support children on their early years journey. 

The flexible and adaptive nature of First 5 Forever to drive significant change in our communities has been such a growth experience for me. I just love how this unfolds and shapes my day which can range from collaborating with a puppeteer to deliver free storytimes, networking with other early childhood organisations or revamping children’s spaces in libraries with a range of play resources, the sky is the limit! I consider myself extremely lucky, that I can deliver and implement such positive experiences that not only sustains me but also meets the deliverables of the First 5 Forever program and guides the lives of our young ones. 

Working now as the Child and Youth Services Librarian in Townsville, we continue to strive to increase our community’s access to the messaging and resources of First 5 Forever. The development and distribution of the ‘Toolkits’ are an effective way we can ensure our local families have access to a range of quality resources, messaging and links to support services. The toolkits have something for everyone. This year we have added a buggy book, playdough and a set of stacker blocks linking families to First 5 Forever messaging and skill development in their homes. 

First 5 Forever is such a valuable program in our community and one I am proud to be associated with. Through the program, there are so many ways we can make a difference in young families’ lives, through the simple acts of talking, reading, singing and playing together.” — Fiona Thackray

The future looks bright for our babies and young children with First 5 Forever and our network of libraries providing the environments and experiences for them to thrive through their first 5 years and into their futures.