Leonie Patterson’s family has grown exponentially over the years, on top of four birth children, one adopted son, one permanent-care daughter, 17 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, she is a “nan” to more than 300 foster children.
The Melton nan said she couldn’t imagine her life any other way.
“If I was able to have as many children as I wanted I would have had 100,” she said.
“I love having bubs and toddlers around me, so once I got a taste of foster care that was the end. I absolutely love what I do.”
Ms Patterson said she was amazed to be awarded the 2023 Protecting Children wards Carers Award on September 5 for her dedication.
“I won this award just for being a nana, I can’t understand, that’s all I am!” she said.
“The children are our entire future. We need to be able to look after those children and nurture them so they can be the best they can be.”
At 77, Ms Patterson said she still has some years of caring left in her.
“My aim is to be 90, in a wheelchair pushing a pram in front of me with a skateboard on the back for the two-year-old. Then I’ll retire,” she said.
On an average night there are 1,500 children in foster care in Victoria, and OzChild chief executive Dr Lisa Griffiths said there’s a particular need for more carers in Melbourne’s west.
“We are very lucky to have many wonderful carers like Leonie who has provided a loving, stable family environment for hundreds of children in the western suburbs during her 40 years as a carer,” she said.
“But, the need for foster carers is ever present. I encourage anyone who has the capacity to care to take the first step today, we’d love to see a new generation of carers rise to the challenge.”
Foster Care Week, which begins on Sunday 10 September. Information about foster care can be found through the state-wide foster care recruitment service Fostering Connections.
Details: fosteringconnections.com.au or 1800 013 088.
