The involvement of community figures like Mathew Buck, head coach of the Carlton AFL Women’s team shows the positive impact foster carers can have.  

Mathew and his wife Rachael have provided respite and emergency care to over 100 children through MacKillop Family Services over the last eight years, demonstrating the incredible rewards of fostering.  

“The most rewarding parts of being a foster carer are often the small, everyday moments that we might take for granted,” Mathew shared.  

“We had a young girl who came to us for a respite placement who had just started playing footy. We took her along to the Carlton AFLW training sessions a few times, and to see the spark in her eye just by doing something that is very normal in our lives was one of the most exciting things.”  

“It’s these little things, like a child who has never had a birthday cake before or visited the zoo, that make fostering so rewarding. Our own boys have been around foster kids their whole lives, and it has been really beneficial for them. We think it’s been such a positive impact on our boys and our family as a whole.” 

The benefits of fostering on their own children 

Foster carers Rachael and Mathew have opened their home to create a haven for children who cannot live safely with their families. With a background in education and teaching, they have seen first-hand the disadvantages and traumas children face and decided to extend their support both at school and at home.  

“Foster care has brought a lot of conversation into our household and taught our own children empathy, gratitude, and sharing,” Mathew explains. “We feel really proud we can do this as a family.” 

For the Bucks, respite and emergency care fit well with their family dynamic, allowing them to step in and provide the necessary support in what can be a stressful situation. “You’ve got to make it work for you, and respite care is a flexible option that works for our family and living arrangement,” Mathew said.  

“We find that most kids that come into our care are really grateful for what you have to offer. Whether it’s just feeling safe, or the food you eat, they’re really happy to be there.” 

Interested in becoming a foster carer?   

Play a part in your community by becoming a foster carer. To learn more about becoming a foster carer, give us a call on 1800 013 088 or enquire online.