Caring couple clock up 30 years

Caboolture couple Pam and Des Gunnis have opened their hearts and homes to help young people for more than three decades years.

In that time, the Anglicare Southern Queensland foster carers have provided safety and support to more than 65 people in need.

Pam and Des are among 6000 carers in this state and 1870 Anglicare foster and kinship carers who care for more than 11,966 children and young people in out-of-home care.

This year alone, the number of children in care has increased by 373 - up 3.2 per cent from last year - highlighting the need for people such as Pam and Des.

“I was adopted and just wanted to give back to the community,” Mrs Gunnis said.

“I wanted to help children feel safe and connect to their culture in the hope of being able to reconnect with their family, if it’s possible to do so.

“One of the best things about being a foster carer is seeing the young people achieve their goals.”

Pam and Des currently provide short-term, respite and emergency care to children in need in the Moreton Bay region.

“We have had some involvement with the parents of the children we care for and it’s always great to see things get to that stage as they work towards being a family again,” she said.

Pam’s advice for those considering becoming a carer is to just “be there for the children and to reassure them they are okay and safe”.

“For us, we try to have a teddy bear, book or colouring books to help them settle in,” she added.

“Being a foster carer is very rewarding. You get to watch a child grow up and achieve their goals and overcome some of life's biggest challenges.

“There are challenging moments. But it’s important to use your support network like your foster care support workers, family and friends to get through these times.

“We’ve always felt supported and valued by the team at Anglicare Southern Queensland.

“They have been there for us and listened to us and have provided support whenever we needed.”

To be a foster or kinship carer, phone Anglicare Southern Queensland on 1300 610 610 or visit https://anglicaresq.org.au/chi...