Foster and kin carers at an appreciation dinner on Saturday met to dine and dance but most of all to connect. “Getting to know other carers in my area is my main aim tonight,” said Jannah Currie of Coffs Harbour.
“Who understands better than another carer?” asked William Bloomfield, referring to what it takes day-to-day when providing care to a child, often with trauma in their background.
Close to 40 carers from Coffs-Clarence and Richmond-Tweed were at the MacKillop Family Services’ Foster & Kinship Carer Celebration Dinner in Yamba. MacKillop took the opportunity to thank carers and to help them make valuable connections with one another.
On any one night, 55 carer households supported by MacKillop care for 70 children in northern NSW.
MacKillop Director NSW North and West, Naomi Burke, said that at a time when foster carers were increasingly hard to recruit, she was especially grateful for those who continue to volunteer. “At the Dinner we honoured carers who have opened their homes for many years, and whose great motivation is seeing children and young people fulfill their potential.”
10-year carer Emily Roalfe of Lismore was awarded the 2024 Catherine McAuley Award for Excellence in Caring. Teacher Emily is also active in carer support groups and serves as a mentor to newly authorised carers.
Foster carers find it useful to attend MacKillop’s Carers’ Corner support group held in Grafton and Lismore each month. Anyone exploring foster care is encouraged to join MacKillop’s non-pressured Information Sessions or to call 1300 791 677 for a chat.
