More than 200 community members came together at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday for Meli’s fourth annual Foster a Future Breakfast, sharing a powerful and moving morning that celebrated the life-changing impact of foster care.
Held during Foster Care Week, the Breakfast is the flagship event of Meli’s Foster a Future Appeal, which has raised more than $280,000 over the past four years to provide additional support, experiences and opportunities for foster carers and the children and young people in their care.
Guests heard stories of resilience, family and the profound difference a safe home and strong support network can make.
Olympic gold medallist Brooke Hanson captivated the room with a deeply personal account of the triumphs, challenges and setbacks that have shaped her life.
While the pool played a defining role in Hanson’s life, so too did the people around her. Through some of her most difficult moments, the strength of her family and a stable home environment helped her keep moving forward.
Growing up in a family that fostered also gave Hanson an early understanding of the importance of opening a home to others and making them feel safe, valued and accepted.
“At that moment, I never judged,” she said.
“Mum and Dad wouldn’t ask what was wrong with anyone that came through our door.
“They would just see them, value them, give them a bed, a towel, somewhere to sleep, but most importantly, a place where we all felt safe. We felt that sense of belonging.”
That message was echoed during a moving panel discussion featuring 19-year-old past care leaver and recent Geelong Youth Awards Leadership Award joint winner Ella Bone, Meli Foster Carer Gemma Charnock and Meli Manager Care Services Jo Dumesny, moderated by MC Myf Warhurst.
Reflecting on the difference the love and support of her foster carers had made in her life, Ella said she believed she would be a “pretty lost individual” without them.
“We talk about how your family is your community, and when you have a community around you, you feel supported and want to achieve those big things – like being an Olympic medallist,” she said.
“Brooke wouldn’t have been able to achieve that if she didn’t have the village of supports around her.
“It plays a huge effect in my life and I’m so grateful to have somewhere to call family. That really means a lot to me.”
Drawing on her own experience as a Foster Carer, Ms Charnock urged the wider community to do more to support children and young people in need of a safe and stable home.
“We are really privileged in this country to have what we have, and if you have an extra seat in your car or a spare room in your house, then I feel like it should be your responsibility to step up,” she said.
“The number of kids who don’t have a safe place to stay in Geelong alone are shocking, and we should all be embarrassed about that. It just takes that one person to stand up.”
Meli Board Chair Rob Birch paid tribute to Foster Carers and their families, acknowledging the commitment involved in providing a safe and supportive home.
“One thing I’ve come to appreciate through my involvement with Meli is that fostering is truly a whole family commitment,” Mr Birch said.
“It requires compassion, patience and generosity from everyone involved, and we’re deeply grateful for that.
“This isn’t always easy work. It can be challenging, complex and emotionally demanding, but it is incredibly important.”
The Breakfast celebrated the extraordinary contribution of foster carers while highlighting the urgent need for more carers across the region.
To find out more about becoming a foster carer with Meli or donate to the Foster a Future Appeal, visit meli.org.au/fostercare
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