A big THANK YOU to everyone who came out and participated in our celebration. Thank you for making it such a wonderful afternoon!
Also a huge shout-out to all the staff, young people and volunteers who made the day possible, we loved seeing so many young people in attendance - you are the very reason for our existence.
We also wanted to say special thanks to our speakers, The Hon. Alister Henskens, SC MP, Prof Brian Burdekin, AO, Briony Foster from the Department of Justice and Community Services and Jon Davies, Burdekin Board representative.
We listened to live music from local talent, Jayden Sierra and were entertained by Sydney Opera Bar resident Magician "Dare" from Dare 2 Trick - thank you both for donating your time and talent!
The smoking ceremony and welcome to country was special, followed by speeches MC'd successfully by Anna and Justine. The day brought a heart-warming sense of community with laughs as well as gratitude - what Burdekin is all about.
Many of you noted the importance of meaningful interactions, connecting with us, our staff, young people and the local community.
Thank you to our photographer on the day Tim Pace who took the amazing photos and video below - take a look.
The year that was
The aim of our event was to officially recognise and appreciate the work that has gone into the launch of our inner west services. The process has been no mean feat so we wanted to remind our staff and young people that they have played a crucial part in making it to this milestone.
Staff
We consider it a blessing to have come across this amazing community of people who continue to inspire us. Just one year ago we came across a bunch of very skilled professionals, whose brilliant expertise has guided us through the process of managing an already established service. Our staff in the Inner West have an abundance of positivity, determination and the guts to make things happen.
Young people
Working alongside young people is the greatest pleasure and we thank every single child, young person and family for allowing us into their lives. We watch them try, fail, learn, rise and grow and we are proud and privileged to have this view.
As many of you will know the reason that young people come to Burdekin are because their parents or extended family are unable to or won’t look after them. Reasons are many but they are often due to family breakdown, illness, death, financial problems, mental health, housing, neglect, abuse, violence or substance abuse. These children and young people are often frightened, feel unwanted, unloved and like they have no say. They may also have multiple traumas and they need loving homes where they are accepted for who they are.
Community
Burdekin has gone from strength to strength in the Northern Beaches of Sydney over 4 decades, we have a strong community and are fortuitous to have a phenomenal network of supporters. Being new to the Inner West and not being very well known here has been daunting but we thank those of you in the community who have welcomed us here and made us feel like this is home too. Being welcomed and supported as newcomers has been game-changing.
Further information
If you would like to know more about our organisation, we encourage you to contact us. If you would like to know more about becoming a Carer please visit these pages - Become a Carer, Live-in Foster Carers FAQs, Meet Our Carers.
If you would like to know more about our Inner West services please visit here.
If our work inspires you and you would like to support us, please visit our donate page.
You may also like to follow us on social media or sign up to our monthly newsletter below.
