You don’t often meet people like Carolyn and Dave Steadman. Married for six decades, they’ve built a legacy that stretches far beyond the walls of their home on Sydney’s North Shore — a home that has welcomed not just family, but dozens of children in need of love, care, and stability. At an age where many might slow down, Carolyn (78) and Dave (82) are still going strong. And incredibly, they’ve just become parents — again. Watch this heartwarming and inspiring segment on A Current Affair.
We’ve been new parents 75 times,” Dave says with a smile. “Not all at once. It’s taken 49 years.
The Steadmans first opened their hearts to foster care in 1976. Carolyn, then at home with their young family, heard a radio ad that would change their lives. By the time Dave walked in the door, the decision had been made.
“I was barefoot and pregnant in the kitchen when I heard the ad,” Carolyn recalls. “I told Dave, and he rolled his eyes.”
At first, they thought they might take in one or two children. Nearly 50 years later, they’ve fostered 73 — alongside raising six children of their own and doting on 26 grandchildren. Their home remains a hive of life and love, bustling like Central Station with little ones coming and going. The latest additions? Two infants, just six and seven months old — a fresh chapter in their ongoing story of care. Their motivation has never been fame or recognition. Instead, it’s about doing what they feel called to do: provide a safe, nurturing space for children who need it most. Even now, in their late seventies and early eighties, the Steadmans continue to inspire with their boundless compassion and tireless dedication.
Foster Care: A Lifelong Calling For Carolyn and Dave, foster care isn’t a phase or a project — it’s a way of life. Their story is a testament to the profound impact one couple can have over a lifetime of service. If you’ve ever considered fostering — or simply want to support those who do — the Steadmans remind us all that it’s never too late to make a difference. This story highlights the joy that Foster Care can bring.
Find out more about Foster Care through Wesley Mission
