“Mum has got a natural way with the kids. Someone else wouldn’t be able to do what she can. She’s an incredible person,” Shelley Taylor said on Friday morning after her mother, Merinda Taylor, received the NSW Government Community Service Award.
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MP Pru Goward hosted a morning tea in her office and invited members of CareSouth, family and friends to celebrate Ms Taylor’s achievement.
“It’s an honour. You don’t expect to be rewarded for something you absolutely love,” she said.
Working in family day care for over 10 years, the mother of three decided to become a foster care worker in 2011. She now cares for four children.
CareSouth caseworker Jacqui Mather – Griffin says Mrs Taylor is a valuable, important member of the organisation and community. “This is the community saying thank you,” Ms Goward said. “She is an inspiration.”
Conversations between Ms Goward and Ms Taylor surrounded the impact of neglect and importance of family values.
Ms Taylor admitted to sitting in the driveway with her cup of tea to clear her mind and crying in the super market after an unexpected breakthrough. “Outside of family, my hugest support is my friend, Christine McAlister,” she said. “Yes, you have to be realistic, but it’s the best thing anyone can do.”