Celebrating 10 Years of First 5 Forever in Livingstone Shire!

Published on 01 October 2025

Livingstone Shire Council is proud to celebrate a decade of First 5 Forever (F5F), a state-wide early literacy initiative that has grown into a much-loved program for local families. 

Since its beginnings, almost 30,000 children and caregivers have attended First 5 Forever sessions across Livingstone Shire.

The program was first announced state-wide in 2014 (then called the Best Start Program) and officially launched at Yeppoon Library by Premier Campbell Newman, giving Livingstone Shire a special place in the history of this important Queensland initiative. 

By 2015, Council reported just 353 annual attendees. Today, participation has grown to an average of 3,000 attendees every year – dipping only during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when 1,483 people participated.

Since then, the program has been championed by Council’s dedicated library staff, with Children’s Library Services Officer, Sally Faulkner, leading the way. 

Originally employed part-time as the First 5 Forever Officer, Sally now coordinates a wide range of children’s programming across the Shire, from babies and toddlers through to primary and secondary school students.

Recreation and Culture Portfolio Co-Lead Councillor Lance Warcon, said First 5 Forever has been such a valuable part of our community, supporting parents and carers with the tools to give their little ones the best start in life.

“Sally has been the driving force behind the success of this program in Livingstone Shire,” Cr Warcon said. 

“From Storytime in the park and fun partnerships with local groups, to taking the First 5 Forever van out to remote playgroups, she has worked tirelessly to ensure all families can access these opportunities, no matter where they live.”

Reflecting on the milestone, Sally said she has loved every moment of facilitating the program.

“It’s been an absolute joy to share stories, songs and play with thousands of local children over the years, and to watch their confidence and imagination grow,” she said.

“The First 5 Forever program has such a positive impact – not only helping children build early literacy and social skills, but also creating special moments of connection for families.”

Funded by the Queensland Government and coordinated by the State Library of Queensland, First 5 Forever empowers families with free, playful environments, experiences, and resources to help children thrive in their crucial early years. 

The program highlights the importance of everyday moments — talking, reading, singing and playing — in building healthy brains and bright futures.

Over the past decade, Livingstone Libraries have partnered with health nurses, speech therapists, schools, kindergartens, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, and even the Surf Life Saving Club to deliver engaging literacy and learning opportunities for children. 

Events have been held everywhere from local parks to gymnastics centres and even a farm.

To mark the 10-year milestone, a photo timeline of the program was on display at a birthday celebration at Yeppoon Library this morning, including special “then and now” photos of the children who once featured on the First 5 Forever van.

“Celebrating 10 years of First 5 Forever is really about celebrating the families, children, and community connections that have been built along the way in Livingstone Shire,” Cr Warcon said.

For more information on the First 5 Forever program, visit www.slq.qld.gov.au/first5forever