Pam and Des Gunnis of Caboolture have dedicated 30 years to fostering over 65 vulnerable young people, creating safe havens and shaping futures. Their extraordinary milestone reflects the compassionate spirit of Queensland’s foster care community.
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The couple currently provides short-term, respite, and emergency care in the Moreton Bay region, where their efforts address a growing demand for foster carers.
Meeting a growing need
Philippe Coquerand of Anglicare Southern Queensland reports that their work comes at a critical time for Queensland’s child protection system. Recent data reveals a 3.2% rise in children requiring out-of-home care, with 373 more children needing support in the past year alone. Pam and Des are part of a network of 6,000 foster carers across Queensland, including 1,870 with Anglicare Southern Queensland who support nearly 12,000 children in care.
Pam and Des Gunnis : creating safe spaces
For Pam, fostering is deeply personal. “I was adopted and just wanted to give back to the community,” she explains. “One of the best things about being a foster carer is seeing the young people achieve their goals.”
Her approach focuses on providing safety while helping children maintain cultural connections and, where possible, relationships with their biological families.
The couple takes a compassionate and practical approach to their work. “We try to have a teddy bear, book, or colouring books to help them settle in,” Pam shares. This thoughtful attention to detail ensures a welcoming environment for children during challenging transitions.
While acknowledging the difficulties of fostering, the Gunnises emphasise the importance of strong support networks. They credit their success to the backing of foster care support workers, family, friends, and the Anglicare Southern Queensland team.
“Being a foster carer is very rewarding. You get to watch a child grow up, achieve their goals, and overcome some of life’s biggest challenges,” Pam reflects.
As Queensland faces an increasing need for foster carers, the Gunnises’ three-decade commitment serves as an inspiration for others considering this vital role. Their advice to potential carers is straightforward: provide safety and reassurance to children in need.
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About Anglicare Southern Queensland
Anglicare Southern Queensland is one of Queensland’s most trusted community services and health care organisations. Founded in 1870 as the Brisbane Women and Infant’s Refuge, it has grown into an inclusive and diverse not-for-profit charity delivering a broad range of services, including aged care, foster care, homelessness support and mental health and family counselling. More than 50,000 Queenslanders are empowered by Anglicare Southern Queensland every year.
For more information on becoming a foster or kinship carer, phone Anglicare Southern Queensland on 1300 610 610 or visit their website.
Published 20-November-2024
Featured Image Photo Credit: Supplied
