A striking new public display in Mount Duneed is turning heads and raising awareness about the urgent need for foster carers across the Geelong region.
Motorists travelling along the Surf Coast Highway will find it hard to miss the ‘Foster a Future’ message in giant letters at Villawood Properties’ Armstrong development.
The display, aimed at promoting Meli’s Foster a Future Appeal, comes as the region grapples with an urgent need for more foster carers to keep up with demand.
Meli, one of Geelong’s major foster care providers, receives an average of five referrals per week for children needing placement – equating to more than 250 children each year.
The organisation’s Manager of Care Services, Jo Dumesny, said the shortage of foster care homes made it difficult to support the growing number of children needing care.
“On any given night, there are children in need of a safe place to stay, and unfortunately, we don’t always have enough homes for them to go to,” she said.
There are around 500 children in Geelong currently living in Out of Home Care, which includes arrangements such as foster and kinship care.
The issue has a strong personal connection for Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe, who grew up alongside foster children in his family home.
“My parents, Tess and John, had five children of their own, and also fostered others,” he said.
“We often had children from orphanages stay with us, including some who had disabilities, as Mum taught in a special school.
“I understand there’s a real need today to find places for children in difficult circumstances. Meli needs suitable people to step up and help children and young people … just as my parents did.”
Meli CEO Robyn Hayles welcomed Villawood’s support for the Foster a Future Appeal, which runs from September 12 to 20.
She said funds raised during the campaign would be used to recruit, train and retain foster carers, as well as provide support and recreational activities for children and young people.
“We urgently need more foster carers – whether you’re a couple, a family, or an individual, you can make a difference,” Ms Hayles said.
Locals can also show support by joining Meli’s Foster Care Village or donating towards the Foster a Future Appeal, which has raised $120,000 over the past two years.
As part of Foster Care Week, Meli will host the Foster a Future Breakfast on 18 September, featuring guest speaker Sophie Delezio and MC Myf Warhurst
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