As we celebrate NAIDOC Week, Wayne Adamson, Aruma’s Regional Community Manager for Southern NSW/ACT, reflects on the strength and resilience of the Indigenous children he’s had the privilege to care for.
Wayne has been a foster carer for the past eleven years, and opened his home to more than 25 children through both short-term (respite) care, and three children through long-term placements.
For him, 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,” said Wayne.
Many of the children who come into Wayne’s care are dealing with trauma, loss, and uncertainty.
He said, “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.”
Wayne was inspired to become a foster carer by one of his childhood friends who was in care himself and now manages a care organisation. Wayne also has Indigenous siblings.
“Foster care is something people often think they can’t do but once they start, they wish they’d done it sooner. The support is there, especially around trauma-informed care. You’re never doing it alone,” shared Wayne.
The theme for this years NAIDOC Week, is “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” It celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of our young leaders, the vision of our communities, and the legacy of our ancestors.
Wayne is especially proud to share Euan’s story. Euan is a young Indigenous man who has been in his care for four and a half years. His life hasn’t been easy. Entering the care system at just three months old, he’s faced immense hurdles, from living with Haemophilia (a rare and life-threatening blood disorder) to managing Autism Spectrum Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and intellectual learning challenges.
Despite the odds, at the end of June, Euan achieved something remarkable, he began a chef traineeship while completing his final year of high school.
“No one thought this day would come, but Euan is determined. He refuses to be defined by his diagnosis. His strength and his drive inspire me every single day.”
Wayne believes that creating culturally safe, respectful environments is vital to helping Indigenous children thrive – and that NAIDOC Week is an excellent reminder of why.
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. 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.
This story was also featured on South West Voice and on Indigenous Business News.
