Meli employee nominated for foster care award

MELI staff member Ari-Elle Dart is a finalist for the Foster Care Association of Victoria’s Commitment to Supporting Carers Awards 2024.

This prestigious award acknowledges those who provide outstanding support in the everyday lives of foster carers or who excel in exceptional circumstances.

Foster carers nominate their case workers for the award, highlighting the lasting impact these professionals have on the lives of the carers, their families and children they support.

“My nomination for Ari-Elle is based on the exceptional and comprehensive support she has provided,” Meli foster carer Denise Hollingworth said in her nomination for Ms Dart.

“(She) is a fierce protector and advocate of our children’s right. Her dedication to helping carers is nothing short of remarkable.”

Another foster carer shared glowing feedback about Ms Dart, saying: “We look after a little boy occasionally through Ari-Elle, and she is consistently positive and an absolute joy to work with.”

Ms Dart, who is a senior caseworker in the Meli Care Services team, said her favourite part of being in Meli’s foster care program was “knowing that what I do is making a difference, even if it’s only something small.

“I am a part of these children’s lives that require so much love, support and stability.

“I have the opportunity to not only help them, but to also assist my foster carers, who are essential to providing the love and care these children need.”

She was full of praise for Ms Hollingworth.

“Her dedication to providing a loving and stable environment for young people in her care is nothing short of admirable,” Ms Dart said.

“Her compassion, patience and unwavering commitment even when things are challenging is what I admire the most about Denise. If I could clone her to care for all children in care, I would.”

Foster Care Week runs from September 8 to September 14, raising awareness about foster care in the wider community and celebrating the invaluable contribution carers make to the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

This year’s theme is ‘Today’s carers, tomorrow’s future’.

The winners of the Commitment to Supporting Carers Awards will be announced at The Hotel Windsor Melbourne tomorrow (Friday, September 13).