Mandy and Bill's journey.
Mandy and Bill commenced their career as Community Foster Carers in January 2007 in the Mandurah region. Over the last 18 years they have welcomed over 25 children into their home including children requiring short-term placements in emergency situations, as well as three siblings who stayed long term and are now part of the family.
Mandy and Bill are extraordinary carers who have worked tirelessly in ensuring that the children in their care have what they need to thrive. This has included identifying medical and educational goals, as well as navigating often-complex relationships with biological family, all while coming to terms with their care experience and sense of belonging.
Mandy has also worked extensively in the community advocating for better supports for foster carers, as well as for individuals and couples who are considering becoming carers. They openly share their foster care journey and are realistic and transparent about the difficulties they have experienced. Mandy had a dream for many years, where there would be a meeting place for foster carers to come together; to not only make friends, have a cuppa and support each other but to also share resources such as children's clothing, toys, and furniture.
In early 2021, Mandy and fellow community foster carer, Leanne O'Brien brought this shared dream to reality, with the creation of the Foster Share Shed. This then transformed into a local charity now located at Promises Op Shop, in Mandurah.
With funding from a community member; Leanne and Mandy purchased and renovated a local house and created 'Pamela's Place', where carers can come together for support, training, clothing and equipment needs for the children in their care. Pamela's Place also holds annual events for Carers and Children in Care, Christmas Parties, Carer catchups and a multitude of other supports.
Mandy and Bill are about to embark on another dream, with the youngest of their three foster children accompanying them. This young man, who recently celebrated his 18th birthday; has an Autism and Intellectual Disability diagnosis and loves caravanning as much as Mandy and Bill do. The three of them are planning lots of travelling near and far.
The couple said fostering, while challenging at times has been an incredibly rewarding experience.
"Fostering has been one of the greatest challenges of our lives, and also the most rewarding," they said.
"We have faced significant difficulties navigating the processes and expectations involved, but even through those challenges, we have never doubted our commitment to foster care.
"Supporting the children in our home - even with their complex needs - has always been the part that comes most easily to us. Our love for the children and dedication to their wellbeing has carried us through."
Mandy and Bill have made an enormous contribution to the community and touched the lives of many. They are adamant that when they return; they will continue with their foster carer journey and again welcome children for short-term and emergency arrangements.
If you would like to learn more about foster caring visit the Foster Care website .
