RHONDA Farmers and her husband Brian’s natural desire to help and nurture has seen the Nhill couple spend almost two decades fostering vulnerable children.
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Foster Care Week runs from September 11 to 17.
Rhonda said she had always known she wanted to be a foster carer.
“When my fourth child turned one, my husband and I decided it was time to give it a go,” she said.
“Brian is very hands-on with the kids and it’s great to share the load.”
Rhonda started foster caring 35 years ago after seeing a Wimmera Uniting Care recruitment campaign for its newly established foster care program.
The Farmers own a property at Nhill and have cared for many foster children, as well as their four children, who are now adults and their grandchildren.
“It’s a bonus for everyone,” Rhonda said.
“The children we’ve had in our care enjoy the change of environment the farm offers. Being outside, the wide open spaces. The kids haven’t had that before. We often take long walks and it tires them out, which is good.”
Rhonda also provides respite for long-term carers, which she believes is an important, but sometimes overlooked part of the program.
“There’s lots of networking and chats between carers, which is nice, but we need more carers to provide respite,” she said.
She said being a foster carer could present challenges.
“Dealing with the unknown is tough. You don’t know how long the children will be staying with you or where they’ll end up.
“There’s no magic wand. The children have experienced some trauma and they do test you.” Rhonda and Brian are currently caring for a 13-month-old girl, who they have been fostering since she was four months old.
Wimmera Uniting Care’s Out of Home Care team member Erin Smith said Rhonda and Brian had been strong advocates for foster children and young people in their care.
“Family and the inclusion of foster children is very important to Brian and Rhonda. Their home is full of photos of their children, grandchildren and the children and young people they have cared for,” Ms Smith said.
“Rhonda is a fantastic support for other foster carers and was recognised by the Nhill Lions Club for her service to the community.”
People who want to find out more about being a foster carer can visit wuc.org.au or call 5362 4000.
