Standing with families and children of the north

PEOPLE of the Northern Rivers know what it means to come together in difficult times.

The 2022 floods, followed by last year’s torrential rains, tested the region’s resilience but also highlighted the strength of community spirit.

MacKillop Family Services has been part of that collective response, standing alongside local communities and reinforcing a long-term commitment to families in the region.

MacKillop offices in Tweed Heads, Lismore and Grafton enable a consistent presence for the recruitment and support of local foster carers.

Staff teams are regularly at events like Lismore’s Lantern Parade, Casino’s Beef Week (in years past) and, this year, at the Norco Primex Field Days in Lismore.

“Being at these events reflects more than community engagement,” explains Patricia Maher, MacKillop’s NSW Recruitment Manager.

“It demonstrates MacKillop’s ongoing dedication to rebuilding and strengthening the region, while raising awareness about the needs of children, young people and families.”

The need is significant.

At any given time, close to 14,000 children and young people live in out-of-home care in NSW, including 122 children in Lismore, 101 in Ballina and 113 in the Tweed area as of June 2025.

While the need is increasing, the number of available foster homes is not keeping pace with demand.

Fewer people are becoming foster carers.

This shortage means fewer safe, nurturing environments for children and young people who urgently need care, right here in our own backyard.

MacKillop believes that the same spirit helping to rebuild the Northern Rivers can also rally around the families, children and young people of the region.

“One of the most meaningful ways communities can help is through foster care, providing a safe and supportive home, sometimes temporarily, while families work toward reunification wherever possible,” says Ms Maher.

Foster carers come from all walks of life.

You might be single or partnered, same-sex or heterosexual, have children or not, rent or own your home, work full time, study or be retired.

Care options vary and include emergency placements, respite care, sometimes as little as one weekend a month, and long-term care.

Respite care can be a gentle way to begin a fostering journey while making a real difference to both children and existing carers.

When carers come from the same community as the children they care for, it helps reduce disruption during an already traumatic time.

Children can remain close to their school, friends and familiar surroundings, preserving important connections that support healing and stability.

Staying local also helps children maintain cultural connections, from food and customs to celebrations and shared experiences.

Those who foster with MacKillop are supported at every step.

Each child has a tailored support plan, a dedicated case manager and a care team that includes the carer.

Regular check-ins, trauma-informed training, access to after-hours support, respite options and ongoing learning opportunities are all part of the support offered.

Carers are also encouraged to connect with one another through monthly social gatherings and MacKillop’s peer mentoring program, creating networks of shared understanding and encouragement.

“Our MacKillop carers love getting together and enjoying that extra level of support that can only come from someone with a shared experience,” says Ms Maher.

“It shows how much can be gained from conversations and that’s why we encourage everyone keen on finding out more about foster care to meet and chat with our team at Primex next week.”

MacKillop Family Services will be at Norco Primex Field Days in Lismore from 21-23 May.

It’s an opportunity for people to chat with MacKillop and ask anything they’d like about fostering.

Alternatively, visit mackillop.org.au/fostercare or call 1300 791 677.