Meet foster carers Gemma and Dan

ONE Christmas Day, local father Dan looked around at the joy in his home and asked his wife Gemma if she would consider being a foster carer.

Inspired by the warmth of family and a desire to share it, the couple began their journey with Meli’s foster care program.

Now caring for two children, Dan and Gemma will be celebrated alongside other carers at the coming Meli Foster a Future Breakfast at GMHBA Stadium.

The event, featuring keynote speaker Sophie Delezio and MC Myf Warhurst, raises vital funds and awareness for Meli’s Foster Care program. It also supports the Meli Foster a Future Appeal, which runs from September 12-20.

With older daughters Chloe, 21, and Oli, 19, having moved out, and youngest Lily, 5, still at home, Dan and Gemma felt it was the perfect time to open their hearts and home.

“We’re pretty lucky with what we’ve got,” Gemma said. “We realise not everyone can provide what we can.”

 

 

Dan added: “We’ve got the space and see it as our opportunity to help others.”

Foster care supports children who cannot live with their parents or extended family for various reasons.

Across Victoria, thousands of children are in Out of Home Care, but the need for carers far exceeds availability. Meli offers flexible care options, from short-term to long-term arrangements.

Gemma and Dan began fostering earlier this year, initially providing emergency care for two young children and then progressing to longer term care. They have kept a pair of siblings together and provided stability and endless fun – movies on the couch, camping trips, board games and hours on the trampoline.

One of the best parts, Dan said, has been watching Lily thrive as a sister to her foster siblings. Of all the rewarding moments, it is the small ones that warm their hearts most.

“The other night we were snuggled up watching a movie and I thought, these are actually the moments kids need,” Gemma said.

“We’re warm, we’ve had dinner and we’re enjoying a movie together. I realised that this is a safe place for them.”

 

 

Through challenges, the couple leans on each other and Meli’s support network. From training and therapeutic services to practical help like meals and babysitting, Meli ensures carers feel supported.

Meli manager of care services Jo Dumesny said more carers like Gemma and Dan are needed in the Geelong region.

“On any given night, there are children who need a safe place to stay, and unfortunately, we don’t always have enough homes for them to go to,” she said.

Ms Dumesny said foster carers often tell her that being a foster gives them back as much, or more, as they feel they give to the children and young people.

“Being able to be there for a child or young person, to provide that safe and nurturing home for them when they need it most, is an incredible feeling,” she said.

The Meli Foster a Future Breakfast will take place on September 18. For tickets, head to events.humanitix.com/meli-foster-a-future-breakfast-2025

To learn about becoming a foster carer, head to meli.org.au/fostercare