Big-hearted carer

Fostering Hope Australia
Amazing. Irreplaceable. Dedicated

Teresa Tucker has helped hundreds of vulnerable children as a volunteer at the Fostering Hope Australia.

Teresa has 14 years of experience as a foster carer and gives her time at the charity’s store to ensure other carers have access to clothing, cots and other essential items at no cost.

The store is a gathering place where carers can find a listening ear and helpful information.

It still gives Teresa goosebumps to see other carers excited by the help available at Fostering Hope.

Teresa was motivated to give back in return for the warm welcome she received when she arrived in Australia from Ireland with her four children. She is admired for making herself available day and night for emergency placements.

She has three teens of her own and currently fosters six children, including a seven-year-old whom she took in as an emergency placement at birth and has not had the heart to let go.

However, her greatest hope is that the children can return to their families one day.

Teresa is excited to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I am passionate about these little lives, and this nomination fills me with loads more energy and love to give,” she says.

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Fostering Hope Australia will use its funds to install wheelchair access and air conditioning in its new store and for cultural workshops.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here