Our History
Good Beginnings was founded out of NAPCAN (National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect) , which advocated ‘home visiting’ as a major objective in the promotion of effective care and protection of children. In November 1988, NAPCAN co-founder and Foundation president Rosemary Sinclair devised and launched ‘Neighbour Network’, a six-month pilot in Sydney’s west, designed to ‘encourage community caring and help in alleviation of stress’.
In September 1994, Rosemary was invited to help establish the Lions Club of Greater Sydney and, with it, a local project that could be adopted by the Club. Rosemary suggested a home visiting program run with trained volunteers. Rosemary was assisted in the project development process by NAPCAN member Jane Ewins, Ron Hussey, Professor of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Sydney Kim Oates, Professor of Community Paediatrics, University of Newcastle Graham Vimpani and former Director of CONTACT, June Jeremy.
A project committee developed the Lions Good Beginnings draft prospectus, which was released in November 1995. Ms Veena McCarty was nominated as program coordinator, and program commencement was scheduled for mid-1996.
After approaches from Good Beginnings in November 1996, the then Federal Minister for Family Services the Hon. Judi Moylan MP advised Rosemary that funds were available to test a ‘network’ of parent support programs based on the Good Beginnings model. Four pilot sites were agreed upon, and a National Director appointed.
The first money in the bank in May 1997 signified the beginning of the Good Beginnings National Parenting Project. Good Beginnings has since grown to be a provider of early-intervention programs for more than 2000 children and families at any time.
Barbara Wellesley - Founding National Director
From 1997, Barbara Wellesley became the first National Director of Good Beginnings Australia (this role later to be known as the Chief Executive Officer).
Barbara had extensive experience working both as a Manager and Clinician in multi-disciplinary child health services in urban and rural New South Wales, with a sound working knowledge of the role and function of community based child, youth and family health services. Prior to starting at Good Beginnings, Barbara was the Child Health Policy Officer for New South Wales Department of Health.
Barbara cultivated and led significant growth in the Good Beginnings national parenting project for a decade between 1997 and 2007, transforming an original 4 pilot sites in to a national organization supported by funding from government and philanthropic sources. Barbara left a legacy firmly based on the core Good Beginnings values – child focused, strengths-based, local ownership, inclusiveness and collaboration, evidence-based practice, innovation and learning.
“Barbara has given Good Beginnings the greatest gift of all – its own good beginning. I am delighted to take over from Barbara and ensure that the organization continues to be one of the most innovative and professional in Australia.“ Jayne Meyer Tucker, Chief Executive Officer, 2007-Present.