Queenslanders win acclaim as extraordinary carers

Minister for Child Safety and Minister for Sport
The Honourable Phil Reeves
10/03/2010
Queenslanders win acclaim as extraordinary carers

Eight Queensland foster and kinship carer families have today been rewarded for their extraordinary contribution to Queensland's most vulnerable children and young people.

Child Safety Minister Phil Reeves presented eight families, from across the State, with Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards.

"These awards have recognised families from the Gold Coast to Thursday Island for their tremendous work caring for Queensland children," he said.

"The winners are an inspiration to us all, opening their hearts and homes to give vulnerable children a chance to build a better future.

"Around Queensland, we have more than 4000 carer families providing safe and loving homes to more than 7,500 children and young people in out-of-home care.

"They are a rare breed - individuals and families who are willing to give so much of themselves with no thought of financial reward."

Mr Reeves said the awards were the highlight of Foster and Kinship Carer Week, which was being celebrated across the state.

"The Bligh Government has provided $40,000 in funding to foster and kinship carers and community groups to hold events during the week," he said.

The week is a celebration for all Queensland carers with activities taking place across the state.

For more information about Foster and Kinship Carer Week (7-14 March) activities, visit: www.childsafety.qld.gov.au

For more information on becoming a foster carer, contact the Department of Communities, Child Safety Services on 1300 550 877 or visit www.childsafety.qld.gov.au

Foster and Kinship Carer Week is held annually from the second Sunday in March.

Winners:
Brisbane - Mick and Pam Dunn from Ellen Grove have looked after around 150 children and young people in the 20 years they have been carers.
North Coast - Paul and Natalie Upshall from Gympie are fulfilling a commitment to caring they made to each other when they first married 25 years ago.
South East Queensland - Lina and Paul Swalling from Carrara and Cheryl Montgomery from Robina. Lina and Paul care for a toddler with complex needs that has required them to modify their house and lives, while Cheryl is a trainer and carer "buddy" as well as opening her home to help a teenage boy.
North Queensland - A Mackay couple, who prefer not to be named, care for their six grandchildren, aged two to 10.
Far North Queensland - Thursday Island "sea changers" Sam and John Devine, are giving two young children a safe and happy environment.
South West Queensland - Sharan and Barry Winslade have a houseful of "toddlers" on their five-acre property near Ipswich.
Central Queensland - Josie and Mark Beck have seven children of their own, and now provide a loving home for children in care at Murgon.

Permanent Link: Queenslanders win acclaim as extraordinary carers
Publish Date: 11 Mar 10