Foster carers

Volunteers Mark and Josie Beck

For as long as she can remember, Murgon mum Josie Beck has known that one day she would become a volunteer and care for abused and neglected children.

Josie and husband of 30 years, Mark have seven children on their own ranging from 30 to six, plus another child they took in about eight years ago, the Becks have big hearts to go with their big house.

"It's been my dream since I was little to look after abused and neglected kids," says Josie.

"We've only got three of our own at home now and Mark and I just knew the time was right.

"We've had about 20 kids and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

The Becks care for a toddler who came to them as a baby just a few days old - and almost died in those early days.

"We're just ordinary people who live in the bush," says Josie. "I'd just say to people who are thinking about it - give it a go.

"I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Volunteers Sam and John Devine

Five years ago Cairns couple Sam and John Devine headed to the Torres Strait for the quiet life and a sea change.

These two special people have only been carers for just a few years, but have made a huge difference to the lives of two children in need in that time, in a remote part of Queensland that really needs carers.

Sam and John left their jobs and their city lifestyle for a more relaxed life as dress shop operators on Thursday Island.

Within two years, the plight of a young Thursday Island girl who was going to have to leave for a safe place to live prompted them to open their hearts and home and become carers.

"I've always known that I would do this," says Sam. "I remember as a girl knowing that there were kids who needed love and stability while their own family couldn't meet their needs.

"We knew this girl, and we heard that she could not live with her family and that she was going to have to leave the community.

"We just couldn't see her leaving her community, her school and all her friends.

"We could never have done it without the excellent community support we've had - fundraising for medical equipment, even a furniture donation. In a small place, you have to have the community behind you."