City2Surf’s infamous 2km incline will not keep foster carer Dave from his mission on Sunday 11 August.
He and the MacKillop Family Services team are out to recruit and support more foster carers, at a time when the state is facing a critical shortage.
The NSW Carers Register shows that over the 12 months to March 2024 the number of foster carers has dropped 7.4 %, while the need for foster homes is increasing.
As someone who knows the impact a carer has on young lives, Dave wants to help draw attention to the urgent need. “It’s going to be a big day with lots of exercise,” laughs Dave, “but I'm excited to help spread the word about kids in need and inspire future carers to get involved. That’s driving me to do this.”
“More than 10,000 children and young people across NSW live away from their families,” says Dr. Robyn Miller, MacKillop CEO and board member of the Association of Children's Welfare Agencies (ACWA). “The sector-wide carer shortage means there aren’t enough homes available to help children who are hurting and desperately in need of love and belonging.
“We would like people considering foster care to know about the support available to them,” says Dr. Miller, “and that now is absolutely the time to put their hand up. That’s why we are running with this message, which we want everyone at or watching City2Surf to know: ‘Foster carers are urgently needed.’”
Dave, who is in the education sector, began fostering through MacKillop three years ago, providing respite care to two children. Soon after, that grew into caring for a sibling group, long-term.
Dave has reached out to family and friends through his City2Surf fundraising page. “My appeal to them and to anyone is: if you have ever thought about helping to keep a child safe, please contact MacKillop now.”
Team MacKillop urges the public to share their City2Surf page to help them reach more people with the call for foster carers. “Kids need your help,” Dave urges. “Just sharing the page and talking to your friends and colleagues could lead to a child finding a safe home. Whether it be short- or long-term care, you can help, and we need you.”
To support the team’s effort, please visit their City2Surf page where you can also sponsor a fundraiser like Dave or donate.
Visitors to the team’s marquee at the Bondi end of the City2Surf course can learn about the different types of foster care and MacKillop’s training and 24-hour support. Alternatively, please call 1300 791 677.
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For further information and interviews, contact:
Suzanne Schokman, Media & Communications Advisor
M: 0488 777 497 E: suzanne.schokman@mackillop.org.au
