Child Safety Minister thanks a bunch of old bastards

Media release

December 3, 2007

Child Safety Minister thanks a bunch of old bastards

They may call themselves a bunch of old bastards, but Child Safety Minister Margaret Keech says they’re heroes with hearts of gold.

The Australasian Order of Old Bastards (AOOB) at Labrador are brightening the lives of Gold Coast children in foster care this Christmas with the donation of 14 bicycles.

Mrs Keech today met with representatives of the AOOB, including Australian Secretary Roy Grace, to present them with Certificates of Appreciation for their donation of the bikes, complete with helmets and padlocks, to children in foster, kinship and respite care.

“I thank the AOOB for their generous gift to children and young people faced with the prospect of living away from their families,” Mrs Keech said.

“Christmas is a time of family celebration and these bikes will no doubt put a big smile on the faces of children who need it most.

“Through this kind action, the AOOB is helping to build a society that truly cares for, and values, children and young people.

“I am continually impressed by the selfless generosity of community groups such as the AOOB, foster carers and other community agencies to achieve positive outcomes for Queensland’s most vulnerable children and young people.”

Across the state, the Department of Child Safety works in partnership with more than 3100 foster and kinship carers to provide safe and stable homes to an estimated 7000 children and young people in care.

At 31 December 2006 on the Gold Coast there were 223 foster carers providing a home for 511 children and young people in the care of the Department.

Mrs Keech said the Department supported carers through increased allowances, improved training and an after hours helpline.

“The Department is always keen to recruit more foster carers and the need on the Gold Coast is as great as any other location across the state,” Mrs Keech said.

For further information about becoming a foster carer phone the Department’s foster carer recruitment line on 1300 550 877.

The AOOB is a charity group established by allied servicemen who had been based in Australia during the second World War.

The Order is dedicated to joviality, good fellowship and raising money for charity.

The bikes were purchased from Mike’s Bikes at Miami at cost price by the AOOB. The owner of Mike’s Bikes, Mike Stout, is a member of the AOOB.

The bikes were delivered to the Department of Child Safety’s Labrador Child Safety Service Centre on 9 November 2007, for distribution to children in care.

For further information on the Australasian Order of Old Bastards visit the website:www.aoob.com.au

ENDS.

Media Contact: Jo Crompton 3224 7081