MacKillop Family Services

21/08/2026

Enduring Wisdom. Emerging Futures.

As the complexity of contemporary practice continues to grow, so too does our responsibility to create safer environments for children, support workforce wellbeing, and deliver outcomes that make a lasting difference. The Lead the Way Conference 2026 brings together sector leaders, practitioners and experts to explore the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the future of practice.

Learn more:

Save the Date for Lead the Way 2026 at The Rydges Hotel Melbourne 2nd and 3rd September 2026, where 500 professionals working with children and young people will come together to explore stronger outcomes for those we serve and those who serve them.

19/08/2026

For Mardi, fostering started with a simple thought: Could I make a difference? Five years on, she's provided safety, stability and care to children and young people who need it most. 💙 Read her inspiring foster care journey.

A secondary teacher with 20 years’ experience, Mardi became a foster carer with MacKillop Family Services to help children and young people in need.

18/08/2026

We’re grateful to The Ross Trust for its generous $150,000 contribution and support of MacKillop’s new education strategy.

This investment will strengthen education outcomes for children and young people in residential care by equipping residential care workers to become Education Champions and supporting trauma-informed practices within schools.

For many young people in care, the impacts of trauma can create significant barriers to education. Together, we're creating more supportive learning environments that help students build confidence, stay engaged, and reach their full potential.

Thank you to The Ross Trust for partnering with us to help change the educational outcomes and life opportunities of young people in care.

Children and young people in out-of-home care often blame themselves when they struggle at school. Of course, that self-blame is misplaced — even the brightest, most motivated person is going to have difficulties if they have barriers. We are providing a $150,000 grant to support the new MacKillop...

17/08/2026

Ever thought about becoming a foster carer? Right now, there are children and young people who need a safe, caring place to call home. At MacKillop Family Services, we're looking for people from all walks of life to provide safe and nurturing homes for children in need.

Whether you're single or partnered, have children or not, rent or own your home, are working, studying, or retired you may be able to help. If you're over 21 and have a spare bedroom, we’d love to hear from you.

Your home could be the place where a child feels safe and supported.

Foster caring is one of the most important and rewarding roles you can play in your community.

14/08/2026

💙 Teacher, leader and foster carer Erin is making a difference beyond the classroom. Since 2020, her family has opened their home to more than 20 children, providing stability, care and kindness when it’s needed most. Read her inspiring story:

Teacher and foster carer Erin was inspired to start fostering after seeing the challenges faced by children in care. Since 2020, her family has cared for…

13/08/2026

Congratulations to the team at MacKillop Education Waranara School on receiving the Best School Strategic Plan Award at the 2026 Australian Education Awards.

This national recognition reflects Waranara’s commitment to supporting young people who have experienced school refusal and helping them reconnect with education, confidence and future opportunities. Developed through extensive consultation with students, families, staff, alumni and community partners, the award-winning strategic plan provides a vision, measurable priorities and a strong framework for achieving meaningful outcomes for students.

A great achievement for a small Special Assistance School, and a testament to the dedication of the Waranara leadership team, staff, students and families who helped bring this shared vision to life.

👏 Well done to everyone involved in creating a supportive and inspiring learning community.

12/08/2026

What a fantastic day at the Glenreagh Timber Festival! The MacKillop team enjoyed connecting with so many members of the local community and being part of such a great event.

Our market stall provided a great opportunity to share information about foster care, answer questions, and have meaningful conversations with people interested in how they can support children and young people.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by for a chat, shared their experiences, or took the time to learn more about the important role foster carers play in our communities. We truly value these opportunities to connect, listen and build relationships with the communities we serve.

11/08/2026

There’s under one month to go until The MacKillop Institute's Lead the Way Conference 2026!

Now is the perfect time to invest in professional learning before the end-of-year rush begins. Join more than 1,000 leaders, educators and practitioners from across education, community services and mental health for two inspiring days of keynote presentations, interactive workshops and valuable networking opportunities.

This year’s conference will explore how we can build safe, trauma-informed and thriving communities through collaboration, research and evidence-based practice. Attendees will hear from internationally recognised experts, gain practical strategies and connect with professionals who are making a difference in their fields.

✅ Hybrid attendance options available
✅ Recorded sessions included
✅ Complimentary online ticket with every in-person registration
✅ Group pricing available for teams of 3+ attendees

Secure your place today:
🔗 https://www.mackillopinstitute.org.au/conference-registration/

04/08/2026

This Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day, we stand alongside Aboriginal-led organisations, communities and advocates working to ensure First Nations children remain connected to family, culture and community.

The 2026 theme, Living Our Truth, highlights an important reality: children thrive when they are supported to maintain strong cultural connections and a sense of belonging.

Across Australia, thousands of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are living in out-of-home care. Strengthening Aboriginal-led approaches, supporting family reunification where safe, and keeping children connected to culture are vital steps towards better outcomes.

At MacKillop, we acknowledge the leadership of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and recommit to listening, learning and walking alongside them to help create stronger futures for children and young people.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day is held annually on 4 August dedicated to celebrating our children.

29/07/2026

National Foster Care Conference 2026
31 July – 2 August
Novotel Twin Waters, Sunshine Coast

MacKillop is proud to sponsor this year's National Foster Care Conference, hosted by Queensland Foster and Kinship Care.

With the theme "Let's Talk", the conference provides an opportunity for foster and kinship carers to connect, share experiences, and hear from the wider care community.

It's also a chance to recognise and celebrate the incredible commitment carers make every day to support children and young people. 💜

We look forward to joining the conversation on the Sunshine Coast.

https://web.cvent.com/event/5059abeb-37c8-4bca-9ddd-2228b6b214ae/summary