What’s Happening?
Twenty Queensland households are approaching approval to become foster carers, while another 66 prospective carers are moving through training and assessment.
MacKillop Family Services has described the progress as encouraging, although it says more households are urgently needed to care for children and young people who cannot live with their families.
The organisation brought its statewide recruitment campaign to Rockhampton on 2 November 2026, encouraging residents to learn more about fostering and whether they could become carers.
Why It Matters
The latest figures show that more Queenslanders are taking steps towards becoming foster carers, offering encouraging progress for MacKillop’s recruitment campaign.
However, those approaching approval are not yet confirmed foster households, and the organisation says more people need to come forward.
A MacKillop representative said:
“To have 20 households already approaching approval and another 66 prospective carers moving through training and assessment is incredibly encouraging, but we need many more people to take that first step. The situation is URGENT, these kids need foster carers, and many Queenslanders are more eligible to become foster carers than they realise.”
MacKillop hopes the progress will encourage people who may have previously ruled themselves out to enquire about the requirements.
Local Impact
Rockhampton was among three Central Queensland communities included in MacKillop’s November recruitment visits, alongside Emerald on 3 November and Gladstone on 4 November.
The visits provided opportunities to raise awareness of fostering and encourage residents to consider whether they could provide a safe, stable home.
The campaign forms part of a broader effort to recruit carers across Queensland, with the latest statewide figures showing progress through the assessment process.
By The Numbers
- More than 2,000: Children in home-based care across the combined Sunshine Coast and Central Queensland regions.
- 1,243: Approved foster households across those regions.
- 3 communities: Rockhampton, Emerald and Gladstone were included in MacKillop’s November recruitment visits.
Zoom In
MacKillop says some Queenslanders may be eligible to foster but dismiss the possibility before finding out what the role involves.
Jasmine Perry, MacKillop’s National Leader of Foster Care Development, said:
“Queenslanders have always been good at looking after one another, particularly when someone in their community needs a hand.”
The organisation is encouraging prospective carers to seek information about eligibility, the assessment process and the support available.
Existing foster families also feature in the campaign, including Remi and his husband, who are caring for three children.
Zoom Out
MacKillop’s recruitment effort highlights both the willingness of Queenslanders to consider fostering and the continuing demand for suitable homes.
The campaign is seeking people who can provide care for children and young people unable to live with their families. Prospective carers must complete the relevant assessment and approval requirements before becoming approved foster households.
What To Look For Next?
The 20 households approaching approval and the 66 prospective carers undergoing training and assessment remain at different stages of the recruitment process.
MacKillop continues to encourage Queenslanders to enquire about fostering. More information is available through MacKillop Family Services. Register for an online information session or call 1300 791 677.
