The Meli Foster a Future Breakfast returns to GMHBA Stadium on Thursday 18 September, with inspirational speaker Sophie Delezio headlining the event.
Held during Foster Care Week (14-20 September), the breakfast celebrates the life-changing impact of foster carers in our community.
Sophie Delezio, who captured the nation’s heart after surviving two devastating childhood accidents, will speak on ‘Resilience, Hope, and the Power of Community’.
“I am so excited to have the opportunity to visit Geelong this September in support of the Meli Foster a Future Appeal. This is such a great event for an incredible cause which I am honoured to be speaking for,” said Sophie, who is speaking in Geelong for the first time.
“It’s going to be a wonderful morning with a chance to share my story and connect with the incredible Meli Foster Carers. I have two amazing parents who stood by me through every high and low and now as a mother myself, I deeply appreciate the value of a safe and loving home.”
Sophie first made headlines in 2003 when, at just two years old, she suffered life-threatening burns and lost both feet, one hand, and an ear in a car crash at her childcare centre. She defied medical expectations, learning to walk, sit, and swim again. In 2006, she was struck by a car near her home, sustaining a brain injury and multiple fractures. Her recovery again showed extraordinary resilience.
Now a mother to 11-month-old Frankie, Sophie is a passionate advocate for disability awareness and family support.
Returning to the role of MC is beloved broadcaster Myf Warhurst, with entertainment provided by Australian Idol finalist Kim Cooper.
Meli CEO Robyn Hayles said the breakfast honoured the everyday heroes who open their homes to children in need.
“Foster carers are ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” Ms Hayles said. “They provide stability, love, and hope to children who need it most – sometimes for a night, sometimes for much longer.”
“We need more people to consider fostering. A safe, nurturing home can change a child’s life – and bring deep purpose and connection to the carer’s life too.”
The breakfast supports the Foster a Future Appeal, running 12-20 September, which raises funds for Meli’s foster care programs across the region.
Since raising $120,000 over the past two years, the Appeal has been able to fund life-enriching and vital services and items such as therapeutic support, school holiday activities, car seats, cots, tutoring, driving lessons, meals and training.
Tickets for the Meli Foster a Future Breakfast are now on sale.
To purchase individual tickets at $95 each (inc. GST) or tables of up to 10 people at $900 (inc. GST) visit https://events.humanitix.com/meli-foster-a-future-breakfast-2025
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