Hunter foster carers celebrate $1b state funding, but still a way to go
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done.
The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget.
More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance.
One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help.
"It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said.
"To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely."
She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics.
"Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said.
"Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them."
The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed.
"They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said.
Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said.
She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed.
As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific.
As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home.
The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms.
Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter.
"A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said.
"We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve."
Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis."
"What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said.
"Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done.
The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget.
More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance.
One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help.
"It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said.
"To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely."
She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics.
"Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said.
"Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them."
The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed.
"They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said.
Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said.
She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed.
As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific.
As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home.
The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms.
Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter.
"A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said.
"We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve."
Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis."
"What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said.
"Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done.
The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget.
More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance.
One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help.
"It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said.
"To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely."
She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics.
"Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said.
"Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them."
The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed.
"They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said.
Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said.
She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed.
As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific.
As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home.
The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms.
Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter.
"A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said.
"We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve."
Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis."
"What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said.
"Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done.
The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget.
More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance.
One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help.
"It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said.
"To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely."
She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics.
"Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said.
"Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them."
The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed.
"They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said.
Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said.
She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed.
As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific.
As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home.
The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms.
Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter.
"A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said.
"We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve."
Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis."
"What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said.
"Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
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The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Hunter foster carers celebrate $1b state funding, but still a way to go
A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was." A Hunter foster carer has welcomed the government's historic funding to child protection, but said there was still more work to be done. The state has announced a $1.2 billion funding boost for vulnerable kids, carers and caseworkers as part of this year's budget. More than $49 million will go towards upgrading or building 44 government-owned care homes, including in the Hunter, as well as a 20 per cent rise in foster carers' allowance. One Maitland-based foster carer, who has been looking after kids and teens for seven years in emergency care, short-term and long-term care, and restoration, said the funding would help. "It's an incredibly hard role but incredibly rewarding at the same time," she said. "To have it recognised that we are hopefully breaking that cycle of generational trauma and making a difference in these children's futures, is just really lovely." She had cared for 35 children, and hoped the new funding meant carers would have more money to support children in extracurricular activities, such as swimming lessons or gymnastics. "Carers were paying above and beyond the carer allowance because we don't do it for the money," the carer said. "Our caring role doesn't end when they turn 18 or 21; we've had a couple of teenagers age out, and I'm still in contact with them." The $191.5 million funding to recruit new caseworkers and maintain existing ones was also welcomed. "They are who we go to when we need something, and when there's a big turnover of carers and caseworkers, that ultimately impacts on the children," the carer said. Despite the significant funding, there was so much more that could be done to truly make a difference, the carer said. She said foster care was a last resort for children, and that more funds for programs that supported vulnerable children before and after they had been restored to their families were needed. As an emergency carer, she would also like to see resources available for things that were not child-specific. As an example, she pointed to funding to boost safety and other aspects of a home. The Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington, said the Hunter would get its "fair share" of the system's reforms. Ms Washington said the divide of the 44 new or repurposed care homes throughout the state would be based on need, but some would be in the Hunter. "A child who went through the experience of being holed up in hotels and motels described it to me as being like a doggy in a pound being moved from cage to cage," she said. "We will be reforming the system to ensure that they get the safety, stability and the future they deserve." Troy Wright, assistant general secretary of the Public Service Association, thanked the minister for the funding package and the "recognition of a system in crisis." "What it represents is a great relief for our members on the front line that are dealing with these crises every day," he said. "Now it gives them the confidence that the system they represent is going to be better than it previously was."
News.com.au
4 days ago
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Couple's home becomes ‘unsellable' over one feature
A US couple's huge, two hectare property has been deemed unsellable over one major issue. In an episode of Unsellable Houses, Bob and Karolyn were considering selling their home after 30 years. Real estate experts Leslie Davis and Lyndsay Lamb were called in to help the pair prepare their home for the market. The home situated in Washington's Snohomish County boasted sweeping views and an entertaining space, however the twin sisters were surprised by one detail in the home — carpet in the bathroom. The TV personalities couldn't help but laugh when they pointed out the dated green carpet extended into the bathroom. 'And the green carpet is continuous,' the siblings said in unison. 'I mean, why would you end it at the doorway? No logical reason,' Lyndsay joked. It wasn't the only problem. The experts noticed a tripping hazard with a large step between the shower and bath, also the only tiled portion of the bathroom. 'A lot of tiles around the bath, you're losing a lot of space. It makes it feel tighter than it really is,' Lyndsay said. The outdated bathroom was a major obstacle for Bob and Karolyn selling their home. The couple decided to renovate, giving Leslie and Lyndsay a $76,000 budget. The twins removed the tiled shower, ripped up the carpet. They also installed underfloor heating as a solution to Bob's fear of getting cold feet. The brand-new bathroom featured a walk-in shower, freestanding bath, a stylish bamboo ladder to hang towels from, as well as a stool, plants and bath caddy with candles. Leslie and Lyndsay revealed the bathroom's transformation which left the couple stunned. 'This is so pretty!' Karolyn said. Leslie and Lyndsay estimated the renovation made a huge difference increasing the value of the couple's home from $3.06m to $3.22m. Sign up to the Herald Sun Weekly Real Estate Update. Click here to get the latest Victorian property market news delivered direct to your inbox.
The Age
19-06-2025
- The Age
‘Tragic, unnecessary': Missed chance before plane crash
A phone call minutes before a deadly firefighting crash was a missed opportunity to save the lives of those on board during the preventable tragedy, an investigation has found. Australian Transport Safety Bureau chief commissioner Angus Mitchell released a report on Thursday into the crash of the twin-engine Gulfstream 695A aircraft near Mount Isa, in the Queensland outback. 'This was a tragic and entirely preventable and unnecessary accident that took three precious lives,' he said. 'The dangers of aircraft owners and pilots engaging in practices that deliberately circumvent critical safety defences cannot be underestimated.' The aircraft was conducting aerial fire surveillance operations for bushfires in the state's north-west on November 4, 2024. There were radio communication issues with the pilot indicating a lack of oxygen in the body, a condition known as hypoxia, before the plane crashed near Cloncurry. A pilot and two camera operators, including 22-year-old American William Jennings, were on board the plane. It was operated by AGAIR, a Victoria-based firm that specialises in aerial firefighting.
