Neroli Endacott (a single Mum) raised her four children on her own - all whom are responsible working, wonderful, caring, very supportive to their Mum, young adults with families of their own.

Neroli also bought up a friends three children when their Mum was not able to cope with life.
(seven children under seven!)

Neroli started off many of the first After School and Vacation Care centres on the Gold Coast, as she was concerned with what she called "the latch key kids".
Neroli ran an after school & vacation care at a local church - in a voluntary position for many years. At her own cost! Neroli's own children and friends helped out with the many children who attended. When funding became available Neroli left to spend more time with her many Foster Children.

Neroli is a dedicated person and is totally committed to helping the children of our community.

Neroli became involved with the Department of Families when a young lad of five approached her saying he needed "a new mum" and would she take him home with her!

He lived with Neroli and her family for seven years.

Neroli must have been part of the Department for near on 15 years now (if my memory serves me correct!) caring for damaged, abused and neglected children for the Department of Families.

Neroli or Ma as we all lovingly call her, is the most honest person we know.

Neroli has always looked after those less fortunate than herself - even when she had nothing left for her self - she gave!

Neroli's love for children and also animals has been her whole life.
Neroli was a Foster Mum for the Currumbin Sanctuary before she became a Foster Mum for The Department.

Neroli with the help of her grown family, started one of the first Pet Food companies in Australia making a dog roll - fit for human consumption - recommended for dogs!
When Charlieville had the huge floods Neroli donated pallet loads of Dog food to feed the animals.

When we heard the news that rocked us all - Papua New Guinea struck by a Tsunami.

The wave of Tragedy.

Neroli set up a web site and raised thousands of dollars to help the children.
Her very first donation was from a friend of hers from USA for $1,000 US.

All money raised purchased much needed items which were sent to assist the children and their family's of Papua New Guinea.

Neroli took on the position of Human Resource Manager for the Indy Car Racing, for 4 years while caring for up to 7 children. The children were all very involved and loved the attention and excitement of the Indy. Neroli would arrive at work with all the children and a baby Joey she was also caring for!

The Company she was working for valued Neroli and her input and so her 'children' were an accepted part of her position within the Management Team.
Neroli offered jobs to the unemployed and looked after - once again those less fortunate than most - people who needed and wanted to work and found it hard to be given that 'first chance'.

Neroli gave them that chance.

Neroli never waivers in her love for children and assisting any person in need.

Neroli now needs to reconsider her life long commitment to help the children, damaged and abused by others.

Last year - 2003 - with her wonderful well deserved awards tucked under her belt, being chosen Australia's Biggest Hero for her work as a Foster Mum and Regional finalist for Mother of The Year 2003, acknowledged as one of the TOP 100 VOLUNTEERS of Queensland, Awarded a Certificate for Citizen of the Year 2004 plus many more accolades.



We ALL know her so well and how she operates, as I firmly believe anyone who meets the person we all call - our Mum, our Ma, our Friend, would realise the kind of person she is - loving, sincere, honest and dedicated are just a few of the words that come to mind.

Thank you for listening to my story about Neroli.

This was written from Julie, Neroli's friend and supported by all her loving Family.