Dawn Jennings

Foster carer

2022 SA Senior Australian of the Year Nominee

From 1994 until her retirement in 2020, Dawn Jennings opened her home and heart to support foster babies. While raising her own four children, she cared for foster children as young as two days old, helping ensure they had a safe and nurtured start to life.

Parents understand the complex and rewarding privilege that comes with raising children. Dawn has lived this experience 91 times within the fostering environment, safeguarding them until permanent homes were found and secured.

Over the years, Dawn has looked after babies for a couple of days right up to 18 months, with the average stay between 10 to 12 months.

Many people describe Dawn as inspiring, selfless, humble and strong; a loving woman who has made an incredible impact within the community.

She’s a shining example of how important it is to care for those who need our support, and the remarkable difference one person can make to the lives of many.