Our Children Belong in our Community – Ida’s Story

Ida Bly lives in the Cherbourg Aboriginal Community in the South Burnett and has dedicated her life to raising and protecting her grandchildren. As a long-term guardian, she has fought to keep them connected to their culture, their land, and their people.

“I did all the courses to get my grandchildren back, and look at them now,” she said. “Four of them have finished high school, and I’ve still got five going—three in high school and two in primary school at Cherbourg State School.”

Fighting to Keep Family Together

For Ida, keeping her grandchildren in their community wasn’t just important—it was essential. She believes that Aboriginal children should be raised within their culture, surrounded by family and community.

“You see our children being removed from the Black Shahed. This is our children. They’re our future, and they should be back here in our community.”

She worked hard to ensure her own grandchildren could return home and is now calling on others to do the same.

“I’ve fought for my grandchildren to come back here,” she said. “They’ve got free legs in the community. They go horse riding, fishing, swimming down the creek, and they learn culture. They’re starting to teach Wakka Wakka language at Cherbourg State School now—that’s where our children belong.”

Become a Carer

Ida wants to see more people in Cherbourg and the wider South Burnett community step up to become kinship and general carers.

“Our children don’t learn culture in the Main Street,” she said. “They learn it here in Cherbourg. That’s the only place our children know, and that’s where they should be—here in our community.”

She encourages anyone who is thinking about fostering or caring for a child to take the next step.

“So I’m saying to anyone that wants to be a general or kinship carer—please put your name down. Please do it. Put your hand up for our children.”

Could You Be a Carer?

Ida’s story is a powerful reminder that every child deserves to grow up with family, culture, and community.

If you’re considering becoming a kinship or foster carer, we’d love to talk to you. Contact us today to learn more about how you can provide a loving home for a child in need.

Because our children belong with us.