Camden resident Wayne Adamson, a regional community manager for disability service provider Aruma, has been a foster carer for the past 11 years.
He has opened his home to more than 25 children through both short-term (respite) care, and three children through long-term placements.
Now, on the eve of another NAIDOC Week, he has reflected on the strength and resilience of the Indigenous children he says he’s had the privilege to care for.
For Wayne, NAIDOC Week is more than just a celebration, it’s a reminder of the importance of cultural connection, and the role carers can play in nurturing it.
“Through foster care for Indigenous children, I’ve learnt so much about the First Nations background and culture. It’s been incredibly educational, and deeply humbling,” he says.
Many of the children who come into Wayne’s care are dealing with trauma, loss, and uncertainty.
“It’s a raw experience sometimes, but even them being with me for just a short time can really make a difference. Helping them feel safe, even just for a while, is something I’ll never take for granted,” he said.
Wayne, who also has Indigenous siblings, was inspired to become a foster carer by one of his childhood friends who was in care himself and now manages a care organisation.
In 2020 Wayne was honoured with the KARI Children’s Choice Carer Award, nominated by the very children whose lives he’s impacted.
But he says the real reward is in the everyday wins.
“Seeing a child go from surviving to thriving is the best feeling,’’ he says.
“Watching them reclaim their identity, their pride, and feel at home that’s powerful. And nothing beats seeing the pain turn into a smile. Watching a child feel safe enough to call your place home, it’s magic.”
Wayne’s life as a foster carer doesn’t just impact his home, it also shapes how he leads at work. His deep understanding of trauma, identity, and resilience directly informs his role at Aruma, especially when supporting people with disability and complex needs.
“It’s all connected, people want the same things, to feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that honours who they are,” he said.
The theme for this year’s NAIDOC Week, which starts this Sunday, is The next generation: strength, vision and legacy.
