Hannah Newson admits she was unsure she would be the right person to foster care.
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But her desire to help vulnerable children was ultimately her reason why she walked into MacKillop Family Service's program two years ago.
The 28 year old single-mother-of-one has no regrets in her decision and is prompting other people to step forward if they are able.
"I work full-time and I'm a single-mum so I thought I my life wouldn't suit," Ms Newson said.
"But I love it, I wouldn't change a thing and I would've started earlier if I could have.
"I've never been on my own as a foster carer; MacKillop have been right there supporting and helping me transport the kids around."
Originally starting out as a respite carer, Ms Newson soon made the switch to being a long-term carer and has welcomed 10 children into her family throughout the past two years.
While she acknowledges it can be difficult to say goodbye to children, the joy of the experience far outweighs any negativity.
"I think when the kids leave, it might put people off from becoming carers, but it shouldn't," she said.
"Even though you can't control the amount of time you have with the kids, you do get to make their days good. It's those small wins that really count."
For Ms Newson's eight-year-old daughter, having foster siblings has been a rewarding experience.
"She loves it," Ms Newson said.
"She adapts really well and it gives her an insight into different family dynamics.
"When we took in our first child, she drew a picture to welcome that child into our family.
"Foster caring teaches her resilience and acceptance of all people."
Ms Newson has cared for children from six weeks old to eight years. MacKillop's carer recruitment and development coordinator Tania Ferris has seen a great change in Ms Newson and encourages more families just like hers to step forward.
"I once saw Hannah look after a one-year-old who hadn't been expose to any food other than baby food," Ms Ferris said.
"Hannah worked with the baby to introduce new food into their diet and ultimately created a great change.
"Hannah is exactly what we're looking for in our carers."
MacKillop Family Services celebrated their foster carers at a lunch on Thursday at The Cally for Foster Carers Week.
To find out more information on how to become a foster carer through MacKillop Family Services head to https://www.mackillop.org.au, call 5500 2000 or drop in to 202 Lava Street, Warrnambool.
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