Phil and Di Wilson have spent more than three decades quietly changing lives, opening their Sunshine Coast home to more than 200 foster children and adopting 10 of their own.
Their extraordinary commitment has now been recognised, with the couple named Senior Citizens of the Year at the Sunshine Coast Australia Day Community Awards. The awards attracted 113 nominations from across the region, making the honour particularly meaningful for the couple.
“We were very surprised – we honestly weren’t expecting to win,” Phil says.
“There were some pretty special people nominated, so to be chosen was amazing. We were absolutely delighted.”
After having two children of their own, the couple’s journey into fostering began unexpectedly.
“It really started because my wife wanted more children,” Phil says.
“Adoption wasn’t possible at the time, and when overseas adoption fell through, someone asked us, ‘Have you considered fostering?’ I still remember Di saying, ‘What is fostering?’
“After more than 200 kids, I think she knows now.”
For Phil and Di, fostering was never just about providing shelter.
“It was about giving a child a good opportunity at life – to grow up in a family that truly cared for them, to feel that our house was their home,” Phil says. “We just wanted to help raise a child to live a life the way you’d want your own to be.”
Seeing those children thrive has been the greatest reward for the Wilsons.
“The most rewarding part is seeing the kids succeed – especially those who came from really tough circumstances where the odds were against them,” Phil says.
“We became true mum and dad, not just foster parents.”
Their children have gone on to make meaningful contributions to the community.
“One has become a university professor, one of our daughters cares for elderly people, and our son works as a teacher’s aide with children with disabilities,” Phil says.
However, despite the joy, the couple witnessed confronting realities.
“When we first started, we had no idea life was like that for so many children. It really did shock us,” Phil says.
Now reflecting on their life’s work, Phil says the experience has shaped their family.
“Looking back, it’s created a great family for us,” he says.
“We’re just proud to be such a happy family together.”
With their youngest child now 18, the children have been returning the favour to help their parents.
“Di has had a bit of a rough time in the last couple of years. She has had a leg amputated,” Phil says.
“The kids have been so helpful and even the ones who live in another state are always calling to check in on her.”
Phil says there’s a big need in the community for fostering and encourages others who are capable to put their hand up.
“I would encourage anyone that talks with us about that possibility. It would be great if they did it,” he says.
Fellow award winners include:
- Citizen of the Year: Selina Tomasich
- Young Citizen of the Year: Jessica Cronin.
