Sarah Foley, Kids+ Co-Founder, awarded OAM

Kids+ was delighted to hear the news that Sarah Foley, one of the co-founders of Kids+, was awarded an OAM (Order of Australia Medal) at the recent 2023 Australia Day honours. Sarah is the most deserving of recipients.

Sarah has made an outstanding contribution supporting families and young people across the Greater Geelong region, and to the field of paediatric physiotherapy in general. She has spent the vast majority of her career working with, and alongside, young people with cerebral palsy and their families.

In addition, Sarah has been a lifelong and passionate learner. She has a strong commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge and research into practice.  This includes contributing to research projects and establishing world-class programs that are accessible within local communities in regional and rural Australia.  Sarah was instrumental in establishing the Parent Infant Program at Kids+ and this community-based, developmental pathway has now been replicated in other centres across Australia. 

Thousands of allied health professionals have benefited from Sarah's commitment to supporting professional and personal development. Too many she has been a mentor, friend, and confidant.

Sarah has, and continues to be, a passionate advocate for advancing the interests of young people with disabilities and ensuring the voices of families are heard.  Parents, Carers, and other family members have valued Sarah’s input, and they have always been at the centre of Sarah’s endeavours.  Her work has been dedicated to supporting and guiding the family, to enable them to create the best environment possible for their child.  Sarah always sees the potential and strives to realise this for all.

Kids+ continues to be shaped very much by Sarah’s approach on how best to support young people, families, and carers. Our current organisational identity is what it is because of Sarah’s legacy. For that, we are most thankful.

We are thrilled that her career, and her care and commitment to others, has been recognised.