Queensland Foster and Kinship Care 2024 Conference Dinner

Acting Director-General of the Department of Child Safety, Seniors and Multicultural Affairs, Mr Rob Seiler; Principal Commissioner of the Queensland Family and Child Commission, Mr Luke Twyford; Queensland Foster and Kinship Care, President, Ms Hazel Little and Members of the Board; carers; supporters; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen.

I begin by acknowledging the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we gather, and pay my respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and to all First Nations people here today.

It is an absolute delight to be here with you this evening for your Conference Dinner. Congratulations to all involved in the convening of the Conference and to the many attendees.

As Governor, and Patron of Queensland Foster and Kinship Care, I am so proud of the purposeful work that this organisation continues to do in supporting and caring for Queensland children and young people who have become displaced for reasons outside of their control.

Founded in 1976, Queensland Foster and Kinship Care continues to honour its vision to leave no child in foster and kinship care behind.

With the extraordinary support of foster and kinship carers, the most vulnerable members of our communities can look forward to a brighter future. For whatever reason a child or young person cannot remain in their home, they can still receive love and care in other family-based care environments.

We know that foster and kinship carers come from all walks of life. We also know they share an enduring desire to give love.

Carers have big hearts… very big hearts. Big enough to open their arms and their homes to children who find themselves without a safe space in which to thrive. And to provide care, that for a long or short period of time, is so desperately needed to ensure that each of these children can feel safe and secure.

The theme of this year’s conference, ‘Helping Hands, Caring Hearts’, identifies so clearly the pivotal role of foster and kinship carers in providing a safe, stable and loving home environment for children and young people in need. A space free from fear or neglect.

To all those involved in Queensland Foster and Kinship Care, there is great merit in the work that you do and the role you undertake.

It’s incredible that you represent more than 6,000 dedicated foster and kinship carer families. Your dedication and commitment to young people in need is exemplary, and for that, I would like to offer a heartfelt thanks on behalf of all Queenslanders.

Together with the carers, you continue to improve lives and leave a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of those who need it most.

So, it gives me great delight to now call upon your President, Ms Hazel Little to please accept this certificate of Vice-Regal Patronage, signifying my ongoing support of your great work here in Queensland.