Discover the people behind CareSouth’s 30-year history
Shoalcare, now known as CareSouth, started from humble beginnings in 1994 with two programs, The Nowra Youth Refuge and Aunties & Uncles.Over three decades, it has grown to encompass 10 programs that support over 2000 children, young people and participants across seven regions in NSW. Behind each milestone CareSouth has reached, is a group of passionate individuals who shared founder Jim McEwan’s vision to “give every kid a terrific life”.
Last year, CareSouth celebrated its 30th anniversary. To mark this important milestone, the CareSouth History Book 1994 – 2024 was published. The book doesn’t just recount the organisation’s history, it showcases individuals who helped to create positive futures for children, young people, individuals, families and communities. It features stories from founder Jim McEwan, current and past CareSouth staff, Board members, volunteers and foster carers.
Among those stories is Therese Gehlhaar, Shoalcare Youth Worker 1996-2013. She worked with some of the organisation’s most vulnerable children and young people during her 18 years with the organisation and was known for her “heart of gold”. Therese oversaw the Aunties & Uncles program for several years before working at Nan Bishop House as a disability support worker. “We’re here to work with kids. If there’s a problem, I’d like to figure it out and I’ll keep trying until I figure it out,” she said at the time.
Another employee, Rhonda Miller was a Shoalcare Foster Care Caseworker and CareSouth Family Choices Caseworker from 2003-2018. She was instrumental in growing The Family Choices program, which supported the families of children with a disability by providing respite care through trained volunteer carers. It was one of the first CareSouth programs to be delivered in western NSW as the organisation began its expansion into remote areas of identified need. “Witnessing how the Family Choices program was successful in preventing family breakdown was one of my fondest memories.”
“I worked with the most incredible carers who were dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and their families, to help them keep their child at home. Supporting carers to take on the shared care of children with very complex care needs and to witness the growth in their confidence and the wonderful relationships that developed between the child, family and the carer was a highlight for me,” said Rhonda.
The book also recognises the support CareSouth has and continues to receive from the local communities we work in. Norm Potter, Aunties & Uncles South Coast Co-Founder and Shoalcare Chair from 1994-1996, recounts the contributions of many when the old Albatross Motel became Shoalcare’s Youth Hostel in 1996.
“With the help of the South Nowra Rotary Club, Shoalcare volunteers and a few Community Service Order workers, the task was completed. The painting included 41 ceilings, 164 walls, 31 door frames, and 64 doors, all requiring two coats, before tenants were able to move in,” said Norm.
Read more stories from the people behind CareSouth’s history in our CareSouth History Book 1994 – 2024.
