Today is National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, a time for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities to celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. 

CareSouth supports hundreds of children and young people across our wide geographic footprint, many of whom are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. Buwanha, CareSouth’s Aboriginal collective, was established five years ago to ensure that these children and young people entrusted into our care maintain their links to Culture, Kinship and Country.

CareSouth and Buwanha are urging all Australians to show their support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by learning about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.

Most Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are thriving and growing up strong in their cultures, with support from their families and communities. However, a significant number of our children continue to face ongoing challenges stemming from colonisation and its effects. This includes discrimination, poverty, systemic removal, intergenerational trauma, dislocation from land and culture and community disempowerment. 

To achieve equality, we must approach these challenges through holistically, considering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children’s wellbeing, safety and development.

Our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in foster care