NEWS DESK
All you need is love, love is all you need 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-
POKIES bankrupted the Frankston Football Club. The Dolphins went into voluntary administration late last month as the club struggled under large debts and the administrators called in by the club have now confirmed most of the club’s debts are related to pokies machines licences. Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants, administrators called in by the club, revealed at a creditors meeting last Wednesday (7 September) that the footy club owes the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation about $475,000 and $230,000 to Tabcorp. Both debts are related to 27 electronic
gaming machines the Dolphins decided to remove from its new $3.4 million function centre in May to make the venue pokies free. Frankston Council is also owed $68,000 for unpaid rent, the administrator confirmed. Worrells confirmed all debts, including unsecured debts, total about $1 million. The administrator has tapped former Melbourne Storm CEO Ron Gauci, who comes to Frankston with a reputation for turning around troubled businesses, to help a possible restructure of the football club and its finances. Mr Gauci helped turn around the NRL
Liz Bell liz@baysidenews.com.au
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
club when he was called in to assist in 2010 after the rugby club faced sanctions over salary cap breaches. “Drawing on Mr Gauci’s expertise will give the Frankston Football Club the best possible chance of survival and assist in obtaining an outcome that is in the best interest of both the club and its creditors,” Mr Burness said. Worrells says it will meet with club members, staff, players, sponsors, and those with functions booked at the club as soon as it is possible. The administrator said it is working with AFL Victoria to try to ensure the club remains a VFL club. Neil Walker
In limbo: Frankston Dolphins players await the outcome of the club’s administration.
Pokies debts plunged Dolphins into crisis
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK Frankston Times
12 September 2016
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