Commissioner supports achievements of carers

Commissioner Elizabeth Fraser and Assistant Commissioner Barry Salmon attended the Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Awards at Parliament House on 1 August.

Each year, the awards celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of all foster and kinship carers throughout Queensland.

The 2011 Foster and Kinship Carer Excellence Award winners are:

• Rodney and Janice Kime (Central Queensland)
• Rayleen and Fred Barlow (Far North Queensland)
• Wayne and Eileen Hughes (South East Queensland)
• Anita and John Evans (Brisbane)
• Felisha Crawford and Chris Devon (North Queensland)
• Narelle Green (North Coast), and
• Ann-Marie Tyrie (South West Queensland).

The Department of Communities also recognises carers who have made extraordinary contributions to children and young people.

"It is important to acknowledge the excellent work of those across Queensland who received awards," Ms Fraser said.

"Good work such as theirs is also recognised by the Commission’s Community Visitors (CVs) when visiting children regularly in out-of-home care, including those in foster care, to verify their safety and wellbeing." Ms Fraser said.

The Commission also participated in two other foster care recognition activities during Foster and Kinship Carer Week 2011, which ran from 31 July to 6 August.

Assistant Commissioner Barry Salmon attended the official launch in Brisbane on Sunday 31 July which was held at Lollipops Playland Springwood.

"This is an opportunity for foster and kinship carers to be acknowledged and thanked for the important role they play," Mr Salmon said.

"This year’s theme of Caring now for tomorrow highlights the vital role that foster and kinship carers play in strengthening the lives of the children and young people."

The Commission showcased publications and other materials it provides to support young people via its CVs and complaints function at an information booth in Townsville.

The material helps children understand the role of CVs and how they listen to and speak up for children.

Northern Zone Community Visitor Zarina Reljanovic worked at the stall to provide information to families on the Commission’s complaints resolution and community visitor services.

The event was hosted on 2 August at Raintree Grove, at Riverway, in Townsville.

Along with the Commission, a number of local care-focused organisations attended including Department of Communities, Care Pathways, Life Without Barriers, Wee Care Shared Family Care, TAIHS (Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Services), and Churches of Christ Care.

For further information on Foster and Kinship Carer Week, including the award winners, visit the Department of Communities website here and for further information on Foster Care Queensland visit their website here

Last Updated: September 1, 2011

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