Cristy and Mat Oxley are “exceptional foster carers committed to providing stability and keeping sibling groups together. They are fierce advocates for all children… they deserve every bit of recognition they can get.” Currently, Cristy and Mat are providing long-term care for a child with significant disabilities, as well as two other young children with varying health needs – all while caring for their three biological teenagers and still asking for more foster placements. Their dedication even led them to build a larger home, so they could provide emergency, short-term, and respite care for more children in need. Fellow carers have described them as an essential support during complex placements, with one saying they wouldn’t have gotten through without their help. Last Christmas, they opened their doors to a teenage mum, her newborn, and her siblings, creating a safe and supportive family environment. Perhaps most telling of all – children who have lived with them, even years ago, continue to ask to return to their home for respite or short-term care, a testament to the lasting sense of safety and belonging they provide.

Anne Dight is a “dedicated carer, who is committed to the children in her care and is their strongest advocate.” Her commitment to foster care extends far beyond providing a safe home – she is recognised as a tireless advocate, a nurturing figure, and a role model for best practice in caregiving. Carers and professionals alike have highlighted her ability to care for children with diverse and complex needs, noting that it speaks volumes about her resilience, patience, and expertise. As a single carer for five children, including those with disability, neurodivergence and mental health diagnoses, she balances structure and warmth, creating an environment where children feel both safe and valued. Anne's therapeutic approach is remarkable, working closely with allied health professionals and implementing behaviour support plans with precision, always with a smile and a genuine presence. As the nominator put so powerfully: “To provide exceptional care to five children with complex trauma, single-handedly, is something most people couldn’t even start to comprehend.”