Do you have a passion for supporting children and families during the most important years of a child's development? Join our Libraries team and help create positive literacy and learning experiences that inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning.

As the First 5 Forever Project Officer, you'll develop and deliver engaging early childhood literacy programs, build strong community partnerships, and help local families access the resources and support they need to give children the best possible start in life. This role is focused on improving language and literacy outcomes for children aged 0-5 years while empowering parents and caregivers as their child's first and most important teacher.

About The Role Reporting to the Young People's Services Librarian, you will be responsible for coordinating and promoting the First 5 Forever program across the Mackay Region. You'll deliver engaging programs and events, work collaboratively with community stakeholders, and contribute to the ongoing success of this important literacy initiative.

Key Responsibilities

- Deliver engaging early childhood programs and events, including Baby Bounce and Story Time.
- Develop, implement, promote and evaluate literacy-based programs and initiatives for children aged 0-5 years.
- Build and maintain partnerships with early childhood educators, health professionals and community organisations.
- Research and analyse community needs and demographics to support responsive service delivery.
- Coordinate reference groups and support First 5 Forever project objectives.
- Monitor budgets and resources associated with the program.




- Prepare reports and evaluate outcomes in line with funding requirements.
- Deliver training and support to library staff involved in First 5 Forever activities.
- Provide high-quality customer service and assist with front-of-house library duties.

About You To be successful in this role, you will have:

Essential Requirements

- Tertiary qualification in Early Childhood Education, Librarianship (with childhood specialisation), or a related field.
- Current Working with Children Blue Card.
- Current Queensland "C" Class Driver Licence (or interstate equivalent).
- Experience working with children, preferably in language and literacy development.
- Experience delivering early childhood programs and projects for children aged 0-5 years.
- Robust project management, planning and organisational skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience developing partnerships and working collaboratively with community and government stakeholders.
- Knowledge of strategic and operational planning principles.
- Knowledge of government guidelines, funding programs and grants relevant to service delivery.

Why Join MRC?

- Base annual salary of $86,710
- Up to 18% superannuation (conditions apply).




- Choice of 4 or 5 weeks’ annual leave with 17.5% leave loading.
- 9-day fortnight roster (Any 5 out of 7 may apply).
- May be eligible for salary sacrificing options.
- Membership to lifestyle benefits program including corporate discounts.
- Study and assistance programs for career development.
- Learning and career development opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Employee health and wellbeing initiatives.
- Active Social Clubs.

Applications If you're passionate about early childhood development, community engagement and delivering programs that have a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you. Applications may close at any time, so don’t delay! Apply today with your cover letter and resume!

Important Information For Applicants To be considered for this position, all candidates must have the appropriate working rights for Australia, Your Australian work rights will be verified during the recruitment process.

Applicants who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to undergo a pre-employment process, which includes comprehensive Pre-Employment Medical Assessments (inclusive of Drug and Alcohol testing)

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer, where all applicants are treated fairly and respectfully and have equal access to all available opportunities. At Mackay Regional Council, diversity is about creating a respectful and inclusive workplace that recognises our employees' unique contributions and perspectives, working together to deliver extraordinary results.

📌 First 5 Forever Project Officer (Mackay)
🏢 Mackay Regional Council
📍 Mackay