Joan Graham, one of OzChild’s longest serving foster carers is the recipient of the Order of Australia (OAM), a notable edition on the King’s Birthday Honour list this year.
Patient, gentle, warm, and tremendously humble, Joan’s compassion toward children in foster care has seen her dedicate her whole life to making things better for children in care. Every child who walked through her doors has been treated equally, with kindness and an abundance of love.
Joan’s devotion to her role as a foster carer extends beyond providing a safe, loving, and welcoming home, Joan worked tirelessly to ensure other carers are supported on their journey.
Meanwhile participating in the OzChild Peer Support Program for several years, offering support and mentoring new carers, sharing her knowledge, tips and tricks with others to build a strong community of carers.
A cornerstone of Joan’s work has also been her advocacy of carers – Joan is not afraid to speak up and step up when others need the support. Consistently, Joan has volunteered her time to OzChild’s Carer Focus Group and Consultation Group which she was a founding member of.
In her spare time, Joan organised and participated in numerous fundraising activities to support the program and volunteered with several other organisations, contributing significantly to her local community and the sector.
The OzChild team cannot think of a more deserving person to be recognised and honoured for their work in child welfare. Joan’s input has helped shape OzChild’s foster care program and her legacy to the organisation encompasses not only the many lives she has changed but the way in which we work in partnership with carers.
“I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of the Order of Australia than Joan Graham. Joan has dedicated much of her life to improving the lives of others. I couldn’t be prouder to see her recognised in this way, and the children, young people and families whose lives have been touched by Joan’s kindness will no doubt feel the same way”
– OzChild Chief Executive Officer, Dr Lisa Griffiths
Foster Care Week is celebrated in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia from 11-17 September. We are both humbled and amazed by the enormous contribution of our village of carers who open their homes, their hearts and their lives giving back to the community so selflessly.
Child maltreatment is a pervasive issue that casts a long, dark shadow over the lives of countless young Australians. It’s a problem that transcends social, economic, and cultural boundaries, leaving a lasting impact on victims and society as a whole.
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