SITUATED in Camooweal are two caring locals who have homed almost 200 indigenous foster children from across North West Queensland.
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Owners of the Camooweal Driveway, Crocket and Sue Paterson relocated from Mount Isa to Camooweal to retire, but have found themselves busier than ever fostering children and running a business.
The Patersons have seen almost 200 indigenous foster children pass through their care and are currently raising eight children full time.
Mrs Paterson said it works well providing the children with opportunities.
“Children that have passed through our care over the last 18 years have attended Camooweal State School and moved away to attend boarding schools when they reach high school age,” she said.
“Primary age children have received awards at school for 100 per cent attendance, which is good, a fantastic starting point for them.
“We are currently in the process of organising School of the Air so the older children do not have to relocate and can complete their schooling locally.
“Not many indigenous children today have opportunities presented to them. I would rather see the children here in our care and going to school over walking the streets of Mount Isa. We never know they might grow up and turn into something.”
The Patersons’ passion for fostering started almost 18 years ago after receiving fostering rights for their three grandchildren.
“After caring for our grandchildren the Department of Child Safety said it would continue to support us as foster parents, therefore we continued to foster other indigenous children,” Mrs Paterson said.
“We really enjoy what we do and it also keep the children local. Children we care for are mostly from Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Mount Isa and the Northern Territory. Their families all know where to find them and if they are passing through they always call in and visit.”
Mrs Paterson said they hope to continue to foster children for a long time to come.
“We have to see them all grow up. Our children range from years eight to 15 so we still have plenty of time to enjoy their company.”