Every year we recognise and acknowledge the commitment and dedication of OzChild carers at our annual carer dinner event.
While this year we cannot celebrate our carers in person, during Foster Care Week the recipients of the Elizabeth Tudor Award and the inaugural Jillian Wain Award are announced.
Nominations for the two awards are received from case workers on behalf of OzChild carers and successful recipients are chosen by OzChild’s Executive Leadership Team.
It is not surprising, with a Village of carers as strong as ours, nominations for these awards are plentiful.
This award recognises the outstanding dedication and commitment of a foster carer within our In-Home Care program in Southern Melbourne and Gippsland in the spirit of an inspirational lady – Elizabeth Tudor.
Elizabeth passed away early in 2015 and was a Life Member of OzChild. Elizabeth sat on the Board of Melbourne Family Care, one of OzChild’s founding organisations and she had a strong sense of community service, being active in her community for many years during the 20th Century.
Nell and Russ have been OzChild foster carers since early 2015. Two weeks into their foster care journey two siblings entered their world, and they remain with them today. READ MORE
For the first time in 2020 the Jillian Wain Award is included in the OzChild Carer Awards.
This award recognises the outstanding dedication and commitment of a foster carer within our In-Home Care program in western Melbourne in the spirit of a great advocate for children and families – Jillian Wain.
Jillian has been involved in foster care since 1975, when she and her husband Greg become foster carers. In 1995 Jill began managing the Melton/Bacchus Marsh Foster Care program for The Salvation Army.
During her time as manager of the foster care program, Jill was a strong advocate for keeping sibling groups together and respecting and supporting birth parents. Jill also strongly advocated for children to remain connected to their culture and family.
Bob and Barb have dedicated their lives to children in care. For 25 years the couple have always put the children’s needs before their own, displaying a strong sense of service to others. Committed to siblings being placed together Bob and Barb are extremely supportive of birth families. READ MORE
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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