A message from our Director - Tim Reed
As we near the end of 2024, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to each and every one of you for what you have chosen to do for kids by being foster carers. I know it can be rewarding, and I know it can be incredibly challenging, so I thank you for your perseverance through the good times and tough times. No one will really know the immeasurable difference you have made and continue to make in the lives of the children and young people you support. It is all of these ‘micro-moments’ that are changing lives, one positive interaction or experience at a time. This can be a slow process, but eventually, there will be a spark of hope for a bright future. A future where these kids, young people or young adults will start to believe in themselves. An outcome that could not be achieved without people like you!
I also encourage you to take time to care for yourself as a foster carer. Some of our Carers are fantastic at self-care, and over the years I have heard of some excellent ways they choose to rest and re-charge. Whether it is exercise, walking on the beach, going to the movies or doing yoga, I encourage you to make time to re-charge your batteries. There is an old saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. Just remember this and try to make sure you find the time to fill your cup so you can help others who need your care and support.
I am looking forward to seeing more of you at some of our carer events next year, such as ongoing training or fun days. We intend to hold more trainings next year, and there is an excellent one already planned for February. For those of you who have attended previously, you will know that the food is awesome and there is always something to learn from the training. I also want to introduce some live, online trainings which will be held in the evening during a weeknight. Many of our Carers work, so we want to start to cater more effectively for those who just can’t make it to our mid-week trainings.
It was my 20th year with the organisation this year (hence the grey beard), and it truly has been a privilege to be a part of something that really matters for so long. I continue to be inspired and encouraged in the work I do, because of the good things that are happening in your homes with the kids you support. That is what really matters and I thank you again for all that you do.
I hope you and your family have a happy and safe Christmas and an amazing 2025.
Sincerely,
Tim
Save the date for ongoing training in February
Dr Paul Baker will be presenting the first Ongoing training for the year on February 12th, 2025. The title of the training has not been confirmed so watch this space! The training will be held at Allambi Care and as usual, morning tea and lunch will be supplied. We are looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible for a cuppa, catch-up and learning. The confirmed details in the January newsletter.
Congratulations and thank you...
- Louise Orlandi on the one-year Anniversary on 17th January, 2025 of her re-Authorisation.
- Ann Stevenson on her one-year Anniversary on 25th January, 2025 of her Authorisation.
Christmas Pool Party
The Weather was kind to us this year with a cooling breeze and everyone who attended had a great time. The kids had a ball on the slide, the food was delicious, and the photos show it all!
Good news stories
Throughout the year we are fortunate enough to have ‘Good News Stories’ shared with us. The news shares goals and amazing things that our kids have achieved with their determination, resilience and hard work and with support from Carers and their Care Teams. They are a bright spark in a sometimes-challenging environment, so we have decided to share some of the joy with you. Enjoy.
RIVER
River demonstrated that he is the embodiment of tenacity and determination by graduating his 10-week Certificate 2 in Automotive and Preparation for Employment, whilst living in Queensland.
Though facing major personal challenges during his course, River persevered through thick and thin and never wavered from his goal. His single-mindedness and strength of character impressed his Employment Mentor, and he was also noticed by prospective employers. River never complained about his challenges but faced them all with humility and dignity.
River’s Case Worker was privileged to attend his graduation in Queensland, support which River found overwhelming.
During the presentation River was asked out the front to answer questions about his course, in front of everyone, which he did with ease.
It was evident that River was very proud of himself, which he told his Case Worker over and over. This was reciprocated by his Case Worker who told him, “We’re all very proud of you”, to which he graciously replied, “Thank you”.
River’s Case Worker asked him, “Thinking back to before you started the course to now, what differences do you notice?”
River answered saying, “That I've been able to finish something”.
It’s amazing, that with just a little bit of support how much a person can blossom. River has achieved this because of his strength and unwavering support from his casework team.
Go River! You’ve got a bright future ahead of you.
ISAIAH
Isaiah took part in 2024 Spicy Brain – an amazing event celebrating Neurodiversity, Disability and Creativity.
Isaiah headed to the Spicy Brain stage and SMASHED it! Practices had been pretty tricky for Isaiah as he was very nervous with a microphone to start with. The idea of singing in front of others started to get a little scary and he wasn’t sure if he wanted to continue but he pushed himself through it and with the amazing help of some other young people, took the stage like a pro and got straight into it.
We are Super proud of Isaiah for stepping out of his comfort zone and doing something completely different to his norm, but something he loves as well.
Isaiah blew all his supporters away and there were some tears of pride from his Carers and care team who were there to watch him.
BOYD
We have so much talent to showcase. Look at this fantastic costume that Boyd made.
This is Boyd’s first attempt at making a costume, and he is 100% self-taught. The costume is Fred Bear from Five Nights at Freddie’s and took weeks to make. There were some minor supply issues for the fabric, but Boyd persevered until the end and his attention to detail is impeccable. Even the eyes illuminate!
Boyd has moved onto his next project which involves woodwork, and we are all very excited to see it finished.
JOSH
The past couple of months have been pretty special and busy for Josh. He has demonstrated remarkable achievements, showcasing both his academic talent and resilience. His dedication and hard work have meant that he has achieved his goal of graduating Year 12 and earned himself an early entry offer to the University of Newcastle, where he will pursue a Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering. His excellence in mathematics has also been highlighted, as he was awarded 1st place in both Mathematics Extension 1 and Extension 2 at his Year 12 Graduation Ceremony.
In addition to this, Josh received the Youth Off the Streets 2024 scholarship from the Traffic Engineering Centre, recognising his potential. This scholarship is awarded to 25 young people from across Australia and includes financial support towards educational or training goals over two years, staff support with budgeting, housing, employment, healthcare, counselling and mentoring.
At times things have been challenging but his has all been achieved because of his dedication and the support of his Carer Rod, his support network and casework team. We are so proud of Josh and cannot wait to see what he achieves and where he ends up.
Allambi Care Frameworks Training
Have you heard about our one-day course on Allambi Care Frameworks? The training gives a summary of Allambi’s care model and touches on parts of the Needs Based Framework and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention training that all employees of Allambi learn and use in our work with children and young people. There have been two sessions so far and all who attended found the training to be informative and interesting with some looking to complete the four days of training that the framework covers.
If you are interested in doing the Introduction one-day course, please speak with your Case Worker or email us at H&NFCenquiries@allambicare.org.au
My Forever Family Training Calendar 2025
“My Forever Family NSW offers a range of training courses to help carers better support the children and young people who rely upon them. We have designed the training program using feedback from carers, adding more weekend and after-hours training in addition to our on-demand webinars and modules.”
My Forever Family runs this training online at a variety of times during the day. There are options for Carers who work during the day or at night-time and you can register by following this link:
https://ahomeforeverychild.my.site.com/NSWcarerportal/s/learning-calendar
If you have any questions, please call them on 1300 782 975
