End-of-year celebrations bring joy to CareSouth staff, carers and kids

Griffith was the first of CareSouth’s offices to kick off its end-of-year celebrations with a party for children, young people and their foster carers at Pioneer Park.

Despite a wardrobe malfunction – Santa’s moustache kept falling off – the party was a great success. Guests from CareSouth and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) enjoyed a BBQ lunch followed by craft activities, a jumping castle and a water slide.

Griffith Foster Care Manager Brenda Trembath said the day was an opportunity for staff, carers, children and young people to connect with their community, carve out some time to relax and enjoy each other’s company in the lead-up to the busy Christmas period.

“It is a lovely way to acknowledge and thank carers and staff for the support they’ve provided to children and young people throughout the year,” said Brenda. “We would like to thank Griffith Leagues Club, Baiada and Bunnings for their generous donations, which allowed us to make this event even more fun. Thanks also to Santa, who rolled up on his Harley and handled his wardrobe malfunction with patience and grace.”

The Griffith end-of-year celebration has become a tradition for the close-knit team from CareSouth, their DCJ colleagues, the carer community and the children and young people they support.

CareSouth’s Shoalhaven team also hosted a Christmas Carers lunch at The Butter Factory to thank carers for their unwavering commitment to supporting children and young people. Goulburn staff, carers, children and young people enjoyed an afternoon of celebrations at Veolia Arena and Recreation Centre. While Illawarra carers, children and young people will be treated to a park fun day, with a guest appearance from Santa. Before Christmas, the Wagga and Deniliquin PSP teams will also host their end-of-year celebrations.

On the subject of fun, please save the date for CareSouth’s upcoming events next year for our Southern and Western carers, children and young people. Griffith’s Kick, Skate, Bounce event, which was postponed due to flooding, will now be held in January. The annual CareSouth fun days will take place in February at Jamberoo Recreation Park for our Southern region and Lake Talbot Water Park for our Western region.

CareSouth will also host several School Dayz events across our footprint, offering children and young people free stationery, school shoes, backpacks and haircuts in readiness for the new school year. Caseworkers will be in touch with more details as the events draw closer.