𝗙𝗢𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 - 𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗖𝗔𝗥𝗘
It was thrilling to host over 140 carers, children, staff, students, politicians and sector leaders at the FCAV Carer Celebration and AGM event at the Sofitel Hotel on Friday 19th September 2025. Natalie Pryor, foster carer and FCAV Board President, hosted the event and delivered an inspiring call to action for foster care.
We thank Natarsha Bamblett for a beautiful and inspiring Queen Acknowledgement as we gathered on Wurundjeri land. Natarsha invited us into a shared experience of First Nations culture, country, and ways. With her powerful Queen energy, she reflected on the nurturing and healing carers give, and the importance of giving back to themselves in return.
She reminded us of the value of being present with mind, body, and spirit as an act of self-care. Through this, Natarsha infused a sense of connection to country, culture, ourselves and each other that set the tone for the whole event.
Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Children and Minister for Disability
Sarah Witty MP, foster carer, FCAV board alumna and Member for Melbourne
Paul Edbrooke MP & Roma Britnell MP, co-chairs of the Parliamentary Friends of the FCAV
Meena Singh, Commissioner for Aboriginal Children and Young People & Acting Principal Commissioner
Thank you for taking time to talk to and hear directly from foster carers about the joys, challenges, needs and experiences of foster carers and the children and young people in their care.
The FCAV thanks the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP, Minister for Children and Minister for Disability, for attending the event and delivering a speech recognising the vital role of foster carers in Victoria.
The Minister acknowledged that foster carers step in during times of great need for vulnerable children, providing stability and care. The Minister's acknowledgement of their contribution makes a powerful difference and reinforces the value of the work carers do every day.
In her address, Minister Blandthorn outlined the Government’s commitment to strengthening support for carers and children in out-of-home care, discussing two key initiatives:
The new therapeutic support program, described as innovative and designed to better meet the complex needs of children in care.
The introduction of carer support hubs, intended to provide accessible and coordinated services for foster carers.
Both initiatives represent important steps toward strengthening the support system for carers and the children in their care.
The FCAV extends its sincere thanks to the Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP for attending the celebration and recognising the indispensable role foster carers play in the lives of vulnerable children and young people across Victoria.
We were so honoured to welcome Sarah Witty MP as Guest Speaker. Sarah is an FCAV Board alumna and long time foster carer who was recently elected to the seat of Melbourne in the Albanese Government. Her professional and private life is dedicated to raising the bar of services and supports to marginalised and vulnerable people and this continues into her role in Federal Parliament. Sarah gave a very raw and open account of her foster care story and there were not many dry eyes left in the room.
Congratulations to all nominees and finalists in both Awards. Your nomination and selection to the shortlist reflect the trust, care, and respect you have built. Thank you to the children, carers, workers and colleagues who took the time to make nominations.
Congratulations to our Commitment to Supporting Carers Awards winners for 2025 Stacey Brown - MacKillop Family Services & Miriam Wolthuizen - Anglicare Victoria and to this year's winners of our first Foster Carer Awards Cristy and Mat Oxley - Victorian Aboriginal Child and Community Agency & Anne Dight - Berry Street. The awards ceremony was conducted by our incredible Ambassadors, Fiona and Michael te Wierik who also delivered a $250 prize voucher to each foster care winner courtesy of Snooze, Fountain Gate.
In 2025, the celebration embraced the Foster Care Week theme "Time to Care". Foster carers make Time to Care - knowing every moment matters in a child or young person's life. With fewer carers and increasing demands, now is the time to recognise, support, and strengthen foster care. Now, more than ever, it’s Time to Care.
Natalie Pryor, President of the Board of the FCAV held the Annual General Meeting along with a quorum of foster carer members. Stephen Bowers, Treasurer of the Board, delivered the Treasurer’s Report including financial reports, thanking Board members and staff for their ongoing dedication and careful stewardship of FCAV's financial resources. Stephen also thanked FCAV donors, funders, and supporters whose contributions have made our work possible. Looking ahead, Stephen is confident the FCAV will continue to strengthen its financial sustainability to support FCAV’s mission and expand our impact in the community. All agenda items were passed and seconded. FCAV full members voted to accept:
With gratitude to our donors providing gifts and giveaways to carers: Renato at Snooze Fountain Gate, Australian Quilters Association, Watsonia Neighbourhood House, and Pinchapoo. These donations bring joy to children and carers alike and create a sense of being valued within the community.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to the foster carers who joined us at the event. You are the true VIPs of this celebration, and every single day.
Follow the latest foster care news and events on the Foster Care Association of Victoria facebook page.
