This month marks a significant transition for Donna-Maree and David Large. After nearly 30 years of opening their hearts and home to vulnerable children and young people, the couple are officially retiring from foster care.
But, naturally, the caring will continue.
Drawing on decades of experience in foster care, her deep faith, and her passion for supporting others, Donna-Maree is stepping into a new role as an Anglicare Pastoral Care Volunteer, where she will provide specialised support and encouragement to fellow carers across the region.
To recognise Donna-Maree and David’s remarkable contribution and celebrate this new chapter, Anglicare staff gathered in Wagga Wagga earlier this month for a heartfelt morning tea. Surrounded by colleagues who had walked alongside them throughout their fostering journey, the couple reflected on nearly three decades of service, sacrifice and love.
In an emotional speech, Donna-Maree shared that when she and David first became foster carers in 1997, they simply hoped to make a difference in the lives of children who needed safety and support.
“Today, looking back as official empty nesters with the time and space to truly reflect,” she said, “we realise that the difference was truly made in us.”
Throughout their fostering journey, Donna-Maree and David cared for numerous children and young people through a variety of care arrangements, including respite, restoration, permanent care, and Therapeutic Home Based Care. Their willingness to embrace new approaches and provide a stable, nurturing home earned them the respect and admiration of both Anglicare staff and the young people in their care.
While they in turn, valued the support of the Anglicare team.
“Foster care is a journey of profound highs and deep challenges,” Donna-Maree told the Anglicare team. “We could not have navigated the complex systems, the significant behaviours and disabilities, or the emotional goodbyes without your unwavering support.”
The gathering also celebrated a significant milestone for the young woman they had been caring for over the past seven years. After overcoming considerable challenges, she recently transitioned into Supported Independent Living through the NDIS, a testament to her determination and the stable, caring environment provided by Donna-Maree and David.
Looking back on nearly three decades of fostering, Donna-Maree reflected on the many children and young people who became part of their family’s story.
“The greatest privilege of our journey as foster carers has been the children”, she said. “Each child who crossed our threshold brought their own unique story, their own vulnerabilities and their own beautiful strengths.”
Whether they were known as “Mum and Dad” or, as one young person affectionately dubbed them, “Crazy Dave and Safe and Sensible Donna”, the couple remained committed to creating safe, loving and stable homes.
“Family is not defined solely by blood, but by commitment, safety and love,” Donna-Maree said.
While retiring from active foster care marks the end of one chapter, another is already beginning.
Donna-Maree was formally commissioned in her new role at St John’s Anglican Church in Wagga Wagga after receiving her licence from Bishop Mark Short. It is a fitting next chapter for someone who has dedicated so much of her life to caring for others, and we are incredibly thankful she will continue supporting foster carers through her pastoral care ministry.
There many types of foster care and many types of foster carers. Visit our Foster Care webpage to learn more.
