Since then she has opened her Cloncurry home to countless children — all in the name of love.

“I am at this stage in my life now where I know that love is the greatest gift you can give – and if you show children a little love you’ll overcome a lot of things,” Ms Cummins said. 

Testament to Ms Cummins spirited care is the local recognition she receives.

“When I walk up the street I’ll hear someone yell out ‘mum’. It reminds me that I’m still a part of their lives and I’m a part of theirs.”

Many of the foster children placed in her care are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander children and mostly from Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

An Aboriginal woman herself from Mayie nation, she takes great care to ensure they have a connection to their culture and kin.

Today Ms Cummins home is abuzz with the footsteps of four foster children - all under 12 years old.

Her advice to people interested in becoming carers is simple.

Welcome the children into your home as you do your own kids, draw on your local support networks and where you can build connection with the children’s families.

Child Safety minister Di Farmer thanked Ms Cummins for her tireless dedication and commitment to creating brighter futures for some of the state’s most vulnerable children.

“Ms Cummins is one of more than 5300 foster carers across the state who provide loving, stable homes for children who are no longer able to live safely at home,” she said.

“Foster and kinship carers are the backbone of the Queensland child protection system, and without them we would not be able to provide the response we do to children in need.”

The tireless dedication of Queensland’s foster and kinship carers put in each and every day to keep vulnerable children safe is being recognised this week.

Anyone interested in becoming a foster carer should call the Foster Care Recruitment Line on 1300 550 877 or visit www.fcq.com.au