The pandemic has changed a lot of things in Rebecca Hopkins' life, but it can't move mountains.
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Which is just as well: The Natimuk resident has found Mount Arapiles important in maintaining her role as a foster carer.
"If I couldn't take the kids there, I would be a real struggle," she said.
Ms Hopkins has been a carer with Wimmera Uniting for three years, in that time fostering around 20 children through emergency and respite care, placements which normally last a few days.
When coronavirus made its presence known, she lost her job as a climbing instructor. So she decided to foster two children on short-term placements, which despite its name, this lasts longer than the other two forms of care.
"I've had them for about six weeks," she said. "It has been tough: Trying to explain the rules to them so they understand I'm not just saying no to be mean. Them not being able to socialise has had a big impact on them and me.
Ms Hopkins has been taking the children to the mountain during the pandemic, to complement indoor activities such as baking muffins.
She said she missed the support she received as a carer from her friendships. "I would catch up with friends of mine who have kids of similar ages (to the ones she fosters), and the kids could play and we could bounce ideas off each other," she said.
"I've still got the phone, but those social gatherings is what I miss."
Uniting Wimmera has continued providing a 24-hour on-call phone number to answer carers' questions during coronavirus. The children also have a case manager that supports Ms Hopkins.
Under Department of Health and Human Services guidelines, these vulnerable children can learn from the classroom, while most others must learn from home.
Ms Hopkins said she hoped the pandemic did not discourage people from becoming foster carers for the first time.
"It is quite a lengthy process to get your accreditation, so I'd be hopeful for people that sign up now, it will be a brighter day by the time they are caring," she said.
"It can be quite challenging, so having a really supportive partner or family that can help you through the process on a personal level is great.
"Foster caring has given me a bit of direction and focus while I've been unemployed. I had been a bit lost and aimless."
National Foster Care Week runs until Saturday, September 19.
Uniting's Out of Home Care Manager for Wimmera, Philip Yew said: "Carers receive an allowance to help cover the costs of caring for a child or young person, including regular respite care.
"Our carers come from diverse backgrounds and family types. You can be single or in a relationship, have children of your own, be working, studying or retired, and come from any culture, religion or sexual orientation,"
"Foster care can sometimes be challenging, but with the right support, our carers tell us the rewards far outweigh the tough times."
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Alexander Darling
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
Alexander has been a member of the Wimmera Mail-Times' editorial team since December 2018, covering politics, business and property among other rounds. He is a passionate St.Kilda and rock and roll fan, and has previously worked as a radio reporter in Port Macquarie and Gosford, NSW.
