Fostering hope and transforming lives in rural Australia

In the heart of rural Australia, foster parents Stephen and Colleen are shining examples of the profound impact a loving home can have on vulnerable children. Stephen and Colleen currently live in the beautiful coastal town of Port Lincoln, South Australia and have been caring for babies across our country for 16 years.

Due to Stephen’s work as a Police Officer, the couple have lived in many communities across Australia, and with each placement, they have opened their hearts and their home to at-risk children, providing the stability, care, and support these young lives desperately need. Their unwavering dedication is not only transforming the futures of these children but also strengthening the fabric of their community.

Foster parents like Stephen and Colleen play a vital role in regional and rural areas, where access to resources and services can be limited. By stepping up to provide a safe haven, they ensure children have the opportunity to thrive, fostering hope and resilience in the face of adversity. Their nurturing presence addresses not just the immediate needs of these children but also lays a foundation for long-term wellbeing and success.

Colleen, now 72 years old, has always found pleasure in giving little ones the best start to life when their families are unable to care for them due to a range of personal and financial circumstances. Most of the babies Colleen and Stephen care for have disabilities and with a background in this field of work, Colleen is perfectly suited to being their foster Mum.

The ripple effect of this support is profound. Stephen and Colleen’s efforts in providing a safe and nurturing environment contribute to the stability and growth of their rural community. By addressing the unique challenges faced by at-risk children, they are helping to break cycles of disadvantage and build brighter futures. The couple are dedicated to staying in the lives of every child they have cared for, with their oldest foster child now 16 years old. Known to many as ‘Grammy and Pop’, Colleen and Stephen are community spirited angels who have touched the lives of so many.

In their mission to care for these children, Stephen and Colleen have relied on the invaluable support of Angel Flight to transport them into the city when they have required specialists medical care. Living in remote communities often means travelling great distances to access specialist medical care, attend important appointments, or connect with critical services. Angel Flight has bridged this gap by enabling travel for families like theirs, ensuring that children and adults alike, receive the medical and therapeutic support they need.

Angel Flight’s work extends beyond the individuals it serves directly. By facilitating the travel needs of foster parents like Stephen and Colleen, Angel Flight is indirectly supporting entire communities. When caregivers can access the resources they need, they are better equipped to provide holistic care for children. This not only improves the health and wellbeing of the children but also empowers foster parents to continue their vital role.

Angel Flight's commitment to improving access to services in rural and remote areas through our free flight and drive service, is a lifeline for people like Stephen and Colleen, who are pivotal in shaping their communities. Together, we demonstrate how fostering hope and enabling care can create lasting positive change for individuals and the wider community