Wednesday 4 November 2026 • Health, social and family service professionals from across the Mid Coast gathered last night for the Mid Coast Health & Social Services Networking Night, filling the Early Connections Manning & Great Lakes for an evening of conversation, collaboration and community spirit.
Held from 5:30pm to 8:30pm, the event drew a strong turnout of professionals working across health, allied health, NDIS, early intervention and community support services — a testament to the appetite for genuine connection within the region's care sector.
Hosted at the Early Connections Taree, the evening gave attendees a rare opportunity to meet outside of their day-to-day roles, share insights about their work, and build the practical referral pathways and partnerships that strengthen local service delivery.
Attendees heard from Sally Gibson and the Early Connections team, gaining a firsthand look at the centre and its work in early childhood intervention, education, therapy and family support. The night also featured a lively discussion on the Thriving Kids reforms and what they could mean for children, families and service providers in our region.
A central theme of the evening was workforce — and how programs like the Mid Coast Community Connector Program and The Welcome Experience are helping health professionals and their families feel welcomed, settled and connected to the Mid Coast for the long term.
Community Connector Kate Dunn said the night reflected what the program is all about.
“When professionals feel connected to each other, to families, and to the community they serve, everyone benefits. This event’s turnout showed just how much our region’s health and community services sector wants to work together. Strong connections are how we attract and keep great people on the Mid Coast.”
Since its launch in July 2023 under the AH202, the Community Connector Program has helped more than 300 professionals — and over 650 people including their families — settle successfully on the Mid Coast. What began as a strategy to attract allied health workers has grown to support professionals across nursing, engineering, construction, manufacturing and beyond. Now an integral part of TUC’s CROWD initiative, it continues to go from strength to strength.
The evening was proudly hosted in partnership with MidCoast Council and AH202, with food and beverages generously supplied by Mid Coast Council and Mission Australia (Communities for Children) and provided by the hugely talented Dundaloo team.
