Agency wants to double number of welcoming families in region

ANGLICARE Victoria is looking for new foster carers to open their homes to vulnerable children in north-central Victoria.

For children in state-care, who have been removed from their families, the beginning of a new school year may mean new guardians, new friends and a completely new life.

Foster carers can provide a supportive, stable and safe environment for these children, allowing them to thrive both emotionally and academically.

Inglewood’s Rebecca Luckman and her family have been providing foster care in the region for several years.

Rebecca, a teacher, is encouraging other teachers to give fostering a go. Anglicare’s north central regional Michael

Oerlemans said: “We currently have close to 60 active carer households in Bendigo and surrounds, but we desperately need more.

“To ease the current pressure in our local region, we’d love to almost double that number to provide homes for children in need. Carers can be single, de facto or married, with or without their own children. Anyone over 21 years of age who can offer a child in need a secure, loving home, is eligible.

“Over the Christmas period we saw an increased number of children entering care who needed emergency placements. So even if carers can only help out for a weekend, or the odd day here and there, it does make a difference.”

Mozzie repellent

MOSQUITO repellent is expected to be provided at Loddon Shire events after Murray Valley encephalitis was detected in local traps.

Council on Monday confirmed trap detections had been in the northern part of the shire.

“Council is undertaking mosquito prevention activities as advised by the State Government,” according to a council spokesperson.

“These activities include barrier spraying, fogging and larviciding. Additionally council has increased our messaging to

BUSY BEN TANADARA’S Ben Govett had another big week judging at New Zealand’s major dairy show last week.

Gremlins were at play with the Loddon Herald’s earlier print deadline last week