Wayne and Kim had contemplated being foster carers for many years. As they settled into early retirement, the two former school teachers talked about their aspiration to share their time and their home with children in need of support.

"We never doubted this was something we wanted to do. It was about the right timing for us to begin foster caring", said Wayne.

They attended an information evening that featured presentations on the different types of care required and a meet-and-greet with various foster agencies. After the event they both decided it was time to take the plunge and start the process of becoming carers. 

"We have the time and the ability to provide care and we were both looking at how we could help kids who needed some support", said Wayne. "We were both looking to do something with purpose and meaning. We could just sit back and enjoy retirement, but we feel the need to give back", he said.

Wayne and Kim both felt they have the ability to help children in need of short term and crisis care, while also giving long term carers a well-deserved break.

" We try to provide quality one-on-one time, some time out from their normal routine and perhaps some new experiences", said Kim. "We try to help them enjoy quality time with us and the opportunity to experience day trips and things they haven’t seen before," she said.

Kim and Wayne have provided emergency and respite care for many children of all age groups. "It has fulfilled our hopes and our desire to give back to the community", said Wayne. "It's wonderful to give them your time and attention and it's rewarding to see the smiles on their faces", he said.

They enjoy their role as carers and enjoy the flexibility of doing this on their own terms, so they can still enjoy quality time together during their retirement. Their advice to people thinking about becoming carers? "Make the call and start the process so you can find out more about caring" Wayne said. Kim added, "There are so many children out there who need support."