Changemaker Spotlight – Linda Smith: Human Services Leadership with Heart, Advocacy, and Action for Disability and Foster & Kinship Care Be genuine, be kind, and connect with people. Even a smile or hello can make a big difference.” In the human services sector, where lives meet corporate decisions, leadership can take many shapes. Linda Smith...
Changemaker Spotlight: Paula Lloyd demonstrates Inspiring Leadership in the Family Services Sector “Solving the problems is not helpful. Giving families the skills they need to support themselves is the only way forward.” Paula Lloyd stands out as a changemaker who leads with a deep commitment to putting families, children, and young people first. As the...
The Changemaker: Bryan Smith and the Evolution of QFKC For over three decades, Bryan Smith has emerged as a remarkable advocate, leader, and devoted carer, making waves in the lives of vulnerable children and supporting foster and kinship carers. His unwavering commitment has not only impacted local communities but has also resonated on a national...
In the realm of disability, the voice of the caregiver can sometimes go unheard. Add in the complexities of being a kinship or foster carer where authority for decision making passes through the Chief Executive, or The Office of the Public Guardian and if can feel very disempowering. Every day the carer of a child...
Family connections are crucial for children or young people who can’t live with their parents, providing a sense of belonging and stability. Living away from parents can be traumatic, especially when transitioning between caregivers. This disruption can lead to overwhelm, emotional distress, anxiety, and fear. Approaching these transitions with sensitivity and providing appropriate support is...
For children, speech therapy plays a crucial role in building the foundational skills needed for effective communication. These skills encompass articulation, language comprehension, and social communication—cornerstones that shape a child’s ability to express themselves and connect with the world. Early intervention is key, as addressing speech and language difficulties during formative years can significantly impact...
From humble beginnings over 5 years ago for a small sewing group, packing care kits to a registered charity with over 2000 volunteers now shipping boxes of backpacks full of essential items for kids across Queensland, Care Kits for Kids has created a legacy that even the founder Ann George could not have imagined. It...
The QFKC is the peak body for all Foster and Kinship Carers in Queensland, representing more than 6000 carers throughout the state. Each year QFKC holds a conference, bringing together like-minded people including carers, government, and non-government staff to participate in professional development, network, and collaborate in a relaxed atmosphere. This year Kummara Limited and...
Chris Smith is a young man who loves to perform on stage which helps him step out of his comfort zone every time he performs. For someone who has a diagnosis of autism, acting can at times present challenges. So, performing and speaking in public is no easy accomplishment. Not only is Chris a confident...
As Kinship Care is a rapidly growing area within the social sector, the need for Carers has increased. In 2020 Kummara and Infinity Community Solutions (KICS) were granted funding for the KICS Kinship and Foster Care Service (KICS KFC) with a child and young person centred, whole of family focused out of home care service...
