Cheryl’s dedication makes a lasting difference in the lives of the children she cares for.
Cheryl has been a foster carer with Life Without Barriers for several years. She provides a welcoming, stable home to children and young people in her community. She is a respected member of the care community, especially since caring for Celeste*, a spirited nine-year-old child. Cheryl goes above and beyond to ensure Celeste receives the support and advocacy she needs to thrive.
Image: Close up of Cheryl, who has shoulder-length light brown hair and is wearing a black polo shirt.
Celeste, who has complex medical needs, is a bundle of energy and enthusiasm. Cheryl makes sure that energy is has a positive outlet and takes Celeste to dancing, swimming, soccer practice and school events—helping Celeste explore her passions and have fun along the way.
While Life Without Barriers provides essential support, Cheryl takes charge of Celeste’s education, health, and emotional well-being, ensuring she experiences the joys of childhood to the fullest.
Cheryl and Celeste also carve out time for fun and connection, whether it's going on a holiday together or enjoying a day out. These moments help them build a strong, positive relationship.
Image: A group of children wearing blue uniforms, playing soccer.
Cheryl’s own Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage is an important part of her support for Celeste, helping her stay connected to her culture and community. With Cheryl’s guidance, Celeste feels rooted in her community and identity, something that’s essential for her sense of belonging.
In addition to her role as a foster carer, Cheryl works part-time as a social worker in the health care field. She balances her professional life with her commitment to Celeste, and on top of that, she also offers respite care for other children in the community when she can.
Being a carer comes with its challenges—juggling emotional care, advocacy, and everyday logistics can be tough. But Cheryl is a natural carer. Her resilience, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to Celeste’s well-being shine through in everything she does.
Cheryl’s hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, she was honoured with the AbSec Carer of the Year Award, a well-deserved recognition of her dedication to Celeste and the wider foster care community. Marden Abdulla, Regional Director for Child, Youth, and Family, NSW and ACT, was at the awards and celebrated Cheryl.
"Cheryl is a committed carer and passionate advocate for the Aboriginal child she carers for. We are so thrilled that she was recognised at the AbSec Awards," Marden said.
Image: A close-up of Cheryl's Carer of the Year award.
"Honestly, if superwoman existed, it would be Cheryl." Added Bianca Iriarte, who works closely with Cheryl.
Life Without Barriers is committed to Aboriginal children being under the care of Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations to support children’s connection to culture.
We encourage people who are interested in fostering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, to become foster carers or kinship carers with an Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation.
An Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation or 'ACCO' is an agency that is run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in their own community who provide services including foster and kinship care.
A person's story is precious. We take storytelling seriously. Sometimes people are able to tell their own story, and we love that. We always make sure they give us their ok, and we will always honour the trust placed in us to bring their story forward.
*Names have been changed to protect the children in this story.
