Foster carer wins prestigious mother of the year award

One of Queensland’s dedicated and hard-working foster carers has won the prestigious 2014 Queensland Barnardos Mother of the Year Award.

Child Safety Minister Tracy Davis congratulated Brisbane mother-of-two Kerrie Gorman, who received her award at a ceremony at Brisbane City Hall today.

“For more than 10 years, Kerrie has provided a stable, safe and caring environment for children and young people in her care,” Ms Davis said.

“Kerrie has made a positive difference to the lives of the children she has cared for."

Ms Davis also congratulated Townsville foster carer Kerrie Lewty who was runner up for the Queensland award.

“Kerrie has been a foster carer since 2009 and during this time, Kerrie has cared for more than 64 children and young people – providing both primary and short-stay care,” she said.

“I thank Kerrie and Kerrie for their dedication and commitment to improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable children and young people in care.”

Ms Davis said that foster and kinship carers, like Ms Gorman and Ms Lewty, played a crucial role in protecting vulnerable young Queenslanders.

“Foster and kinship carers do a great service in their communities around Queensland, looking after children and young people who, sadly, are unable to stay at home with their families,” she said.

“On any given night in Queensland, there are more than 7400 children and young people who have a better life because of their foster and kinship carers.

“Since coming into government, I am pleased that there has been a steady rate of increase in the number of foster and kinship carers.

“Becoming a foster or kinship carer is a great way to give back to the community, and I encourage more Queenslanders to consider if they had room in their hearts, their homes and their lives for one more.”

Ms Gorman will travel to Sydney in May to represent Queensland at the national Barnardos Mother of the Year Award ceremony.

[ENDS] 9 April 2013

Media Contact Minister Davis’ office 3719 7512