- Foster carers Bob and Kay Lockley retiring after 60 years of supporting children in out-of-home care
- Couple who welcomed first foster child in 1967 to be honoured at special event in Northam
- Cook Government calling on more people to open their hearts and homes to become foster carers
A Wheatbelt husband and wife who took in their first foster child in 1967 have called time on an incredible near six-decade career.
Bob and Kay Lockley became carers at a time when The Beatles were dominating the charts, Australia was swapping pound sterling for the dollar and Premier Roger Cook was just a toddler.
Before toasting their first New Years as husband and wife, Bob and Kay decided to welcome a foster child. He was a young boy named Danny, who they subsequently adopted and still lives happily with them to this day.
They have supported more than 100 children in need all while raising five biological children of their own.
Having decided to take a well-deserved break, their incredible service to Western Australian foster care will be officially honoured at a special ceremony in the Wheatbelt on 16 September.
The State Government is always looking for people like Bob and Kay, who are willing to open their hearts and homes to children in need.
Further information on the foster care process is available via: www.fostercare.wa.gov.au
As stated by Child Protection Minister Jessica Stojkovski:
"On behalf of the Cook Labor Government, I extend a big thank you to Kay and Bob for their 60 years of supporting Western Australia's most vulnerable children and young people.
"Foster and family carers play a vital role and deserve to be recognised for the care and stability they provide to children and young people in need.
"Sixty years of fostering is an incredible achievement. The impact Kay and Bob have had on more than 100 lives will continue to be felt for years to come.
"The Cook Labor Government is encouraging more Western Australians to become a foster or family carer and see firsthand the difference you can make to a child's life."
