A Horn Island couple at the heart of the Palaszczuk Government's state-wide foster carer recruitment campaign have been praised for their decade-long commitment to supporting children in need.
Embarking on a round of community meetings in the Torres Strait today (2 July) Minister for Child Safety Di Farmer called in on Althea and Ben McKeown to thank them in-person for their many years welcoming children and young people into their home.
"Althea and Ben have made a huge difference in the lives of children and young people throughout the Torres Strait region," Ms Farmer said.
"For more than a decade they have provided children with love and care, day in and day out.
"Their generosity extended to sharing their knowledge and experience as carers as part of our foster carer recruitment campaign – part of a $2.6 million investment to attract more carers across the state.
"They have my admiration for sharing their journey, which I'm sure will encourage other like-minded people to join them."
Althea and Ben are passionate about providing a loving home for children in need and are strong advocates of children remaining in their communities and staying connected with their culture.
"Our younger generation doesn't seem to be too interested in what we used to do back in our time, so with my family, I tend to keep that culture and tradition rolling," said Ben.
"It's for the good of the kids. Being a foster carer is challenging but I enjoy the challenge.
"It does make me proud knowing you are helping those in need. I love it."
Minister Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to reducing the disproportionate number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the child protection system.
"I am especially proud of our investment of $34 million each year to run 33 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Wellbeing Services across Queensland," she said.
"Here in the Torres Strait, the Mura Kosker Sorority provides an invaluable service, making it that little bit easier for children and families to access culturally responsive child and family support to safely care for and protect their children.
"It is a change to the old way of working and confirms our commitment to people and organisations having greater control over decisions that affect their children."
Ms Farmer said the welcome mat for new foster or kinship carers was always open, adding carers like Althea and Ben played a crucial part in the government's commitment to strengthen the child protection system and keep children and young people safe.
"We know we cannot do this alone. Protecting children is everybody's responsibility," she said.
While in the Torres Strait, Minister Farmer will also be visiting the Thursday Island Government Hub Centre and Mura Kosker Sorority as well as meeting with Mayor Vonda Malone and representatives from the Torres Shire Council.
