NEWS DESK
All you need is love, love is all you need Liz Bell liz@baysidenews.com.au CARING for someone else’s child may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, but for Helen Fox of Frankston North, it’s what she does best. Ms Fox has been “mum” to more than 300 children during her 29 years as a foster carer, and she’s not ready to stop just yet. “When I can’t hold a baby in my arms anymore, that’s when I’ll stop,” she said. Ms Fox’s tremendous generosity was recognised last week by OzChild, which awarded her the prestigious Rob Clark Protecting Children award. With four children of her own, it has not always been an easy decision to take in children in need, but Ms Fox said the experience had been reward-
ing beyond words. “I’ve made a lot of friends and many loving, lifelong connections, with of my past foster children still come to see me and bringing their own children to visit.” As a 23-year-old just moving into a new house, and with a toddler of her own, Ms Fox received her first charge – a baby. Two more came straight after the first, and the door did not stop opening. “Yes, it was pretty scary at first, but the reward of seeing frightened and helpless children leave your care happier and more secure is all I need,” she said. “When I first started all those years ago, I thought I’d take in a couple of pre-adoptive babies and give it up when they went after about six months. “But I couldn’t say no and the ba-
bies and children kept coming.” OzChild CEO Lisa Sturzenegger said Ms Fox was nominated by OzChild staff and the principal at Seaford Park Primary School for her “warmth, strength, no-nonsense attitude and wicked sense of humour that makes foster children feel welcome and loved.” Ms Fox’s case worker Ashanti Kulasekera said Helen was an “incredibly committed carer” who dedicates her life to ensuring children are safe, nurtured and loved. “She always puts the needs of others before her own and is very well known in her community for doing so”. OzChild is looking for more people willing to become foster carers. If you are interested in becoming a foster carer, call 9212 3900.
Baby bliss: Helen Fox has loved and nurtured 300 foster children and has no plans to stop any time soon. Picture: Gary Sissons
Police patrol
Car park assaults THREE men attacked the driver and passenger of a white Ford utility leaving Thrift Park shopping centre, Friday night, 9 September. The driver, 39, of Patterson Lakes, told police they were about to leave via the Nepean Hwy exit, 10pm, when a man stepped from the curb and directed them to a side car park. When they stopped the man reached in and grabbed the car keys – and then punched the driver twice to the face when he attempted to retrieve them. The man then demanded his wallet and money. The car’s passenger received a deep gash to his eye in the incident causing extensive blood loss. The car was disabled at the scene for the driver to return with a second set of keys. Cheltenham police said the three attackers were a Caucasian, African and Indian who left the scene in two cars – one a white van with graffiti on the side.
Car park arrest A MAN spotted by police loitering in the car park of a Mordialloc hotel was allegedly found to have drugs, pipes and cash in his car, midnight Friday 9 September. He was also found to be driving an unregistered car, to being in breach of six outstanding warrants, and wanted for questioning over the theft of a car. Police said drugs in a bag in the centre console included methyl-amphetamine, ice and GHB, as well as a set of digital scales and 100 deal bags. On the back seat was a bag allegedly containing four ice pipes, another set of scales and more deal bags. Cash of $525 allegedly found in the man’s wallet is suspected to be the proceeds of crime. The man fronted Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court next morning charged with trafficking and possession of drugs of dependence. Further court dates are yet to be fixed.
Girl power: The team at Peninsula Strikers is giving the competition a run for their money.
Strikers make their mark in soccer THE girls at Peninsula Strikers are showing them how it’s done in the fast-paced and growing world of female soccer. The club finished the season last year mid field but has turned the tables on the competition to scoop three major winds this year. Coach James Waller said the Peninsula Strikers under-13/14 girls showed their spirit early by winning the pre-season event at Darebin, then
later becoming league winners for the FFV south east under-13/14B league, before winning the state championships against the undefeated Watsonia Heights last Sunday week. Mr Waller said the grand final at Watsonia was nail biting, with forward Jasmine Ristevski getting a hat trick and 32 goals for the season after extra time, and strikers winning 5-4 on penalties. “Our keeper and player of the
season Tahlia Jackson, who saved Watsonia’s first penalty, finished the job by scoring the last spot kick”. Mr Waller said the club started the season with fairly low expectations, but the girls had worked hard and were getting the recognition they deserved. “It’s a real achievement as the core team of 14 are small in stature, but they have used great teamwork, spirit and self-belief to beat a lot of
bigger stronger teams.” Club president Steve Schreck said the club was growing in size and success. “In 2016 we have 111 girls, with 55 new to the club, we have eight all-girls teams, with more girls in the under-7 squads too.” He said Peninsula Strikers remained the destination club for girls for “fun and development” in the southern Victoria region.
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK PAGE 6
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 14 September 2016