Tanya Davies MP, Member for Badgerys Creek, hosted a morning tea this week to celebrate the 2024 Badgerys Creek Local Woman of the Year, Leisa McGivern OAM.

Leisa was awarded the honour by Mrs Davies in recognition of her extraordinary service to children as a foster carer over the last 24 years, in which she has fostered more than 60 children, many of whom she is still in contact with.

Mrs Davies stated, “I’m so proud to celebrate and commend a woman of Leisa’s character and values. She has provided babies and children a safe and loving home and a wonderful start to life.”

In attendance at the morning tea was Leisa’s daughter Amanda McGivern, who stated that her mother “has the biggest heart.”

Also in attendance was Renee Klippert, Leisa’s friend of 15 years who she met through foster caring and who is Co-Chair of Metwest, which is a part of the Carer Reference Group of My Forever Family NSW. Renee stated that “there are a lot of people struggling, some moreso than others, and we need to open our homes to the vulnerable people. There’s a lot of support for anyone wanting to consider foster caring through agencies and Non-Government Organisations such as Anglicare.”

Leisa shared that she believes that every child needs ‘love to grow’. She stated, “my role is to make sure that these children have a safe, loving home, whilst awaiting their ‘forever family’.”

Leisa is also a mother to her own 5 children.

True to her nature, Leisa encourages anyone curious about caring to look into it. “There are plenty of children in need of a place to stay,” she stated.

One of the organisations Leisa recommended to those looking to assist, and to those requiring assistance, is Anglicare Telopea, which can be contacted on 02 9890 6800.

“On behalf of the community of Badgerys Creek, I sincerely thank Leisa and her family for giving a safe, loving and nurturing home-life to many vulnerable babies and children over many years. I congratulate her on this well-deserved award,” concluded Mrs Davies.