Lisa Khan is an AFSS Kinship Carer and has such a positive relationship and partnership with the Aboriginal Kinship program that she donated an art piece to celebrate our new office. The art piece is the 7 sisters and is awaiting framing for the office opening.

Minyma Tjukuṟpa (Women’s Story)

Kupa Piti (Coober Pedy)

Lisa Khan

I don’t consider myself an artist; I’m simply an Yankunytjatara/Antakirinja woman committed to preserving my culture and history. As a traditional owner, it is my responsibility to carry on these important narratives. Each day, I gain wisdom from the elders in my community. Their knowledge and experiences guide me in my journey. As a mother to children with special needs, art has provided me with a deeper understanding of navigating life amid the complexities of three cultures: Aboriginal, Pakistani, and the contemporary world.

Wednesday 10th September marked a special occasion for AFSS as we gathered at Sunnybrae Estate Function Centre to honour the extraordinary work of our foster and kinship carers across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

A Day of Culture, Connection, and Celebration.

The day began with a Welcome to Country performed by Spirit in Unity, featuring beautiful singing and interactive dancing that invited all participants to join in. Spirit in Unity brings people together as one family to honour Mother Earth and celebrate connection to Country, community, and family with a focus on unity, healing, and shared experiences that empower families of diverse backgrounds. Guests were also treated to a powerful dance performance by David Booth and his sons from Imbala, followed by live music from Warren Millera during lunch, adding to the vibrant and heartfelt atmosphere.

Honouring Our Carers

At AFSS, we proudly walk alongside carers who open their hearts and homes to Aboriginal children and young people who, for many reasons, cannot live 16 offer love, stability, and a deep sense of belonging. They help children feel proud of who they are, stay connected to culture, and grow into strong young people with identity and hope. Whether it’s emergency, short term, respite, or long-term care, every role is vital. Each calls for patience, resilience, and above all, compassion.

Acknowledging Our Staff

A special thanks to our dedicated AFSS staff. Your work in training, supporting, and walking alongside carers ensures that children remain at the centre of every decision. Your commitment makes an enormous difference. This day was about celebration, recognising the small wins and life-changing moments happening every day in homes across our communities. Moments like a child smiling again, a teenager reconnecting with culture, or a family gathering where a child knows they belong.

AFSS is pleased to share a wonderful outcome for one of our dedicated Kinship Carers.

For several years, she had been advocating for support to address overcrowding in her home. As a sole carer of four children, she worked tirelessly to create a stable and nurturing environment. Through her determination and resilience, she was able to purchase her own home, providing long-term security for her family.

Despite the home being only three bedrooms, she selflessly gave up her own room to ensure the children’s needs were met. Recognising the challenges she faced, AFSS worked alongside her to identify a sustainable solution. Rhett one of our Kinship Liaison Officers successfully completed an application for an undercover extension, through Kids Under Cover, and AFSS advocated for the Department for Child Protection (DCP) to provide additional funding beyond the standard delegation. DCP agreed to contribute to the project, and after several months, the new room was completed.

This addition has provided much-needed space for both her birth children and the child in her care, greatly improving the family’s living arrangements and overall wellbeing.

This success story highlights the power of collaboration and advocacy between AFSS and DCP, and more importantly, showcases the strength, patience, and perseverance of our carers.