A new foster care campaign from Centacare and creative agency SAUCE is shining a light on the small moments that can leave a lasting impression, including one dad proudly showing off his painted nails at work.
Launched for Foster and Kinship Carer Week 2026, the campaign encourages more South Australians to consider becoming respite foster carers, challenging the idea that fostering requires a full-time commitment.
The hero film follows a young girl spending time with her respite carers, including a moment where she paints the nails of both her foster mum and dad.
Later, while at work, the dad is spotted with his brightly painted nails and is asked whether he had a big weekend.
Rather than hiding them, he proudly holds them up, revealing the simple moment has stayed with him, responding “yeah it was”.
The campaign uses these small, everyday interactions to demonstrate how respite care can create meaningful relationships between children and carers, even when the commitment is only occasional.
“For children and young people, respite carers offer opportunities to further build trusted relationships, develop new experiences and expand their network of safe and nurturing adults. Many people don’t realise that even a small commitment of time can have a lasting impact,” said Alicia Remedios, assessment manager at Centacare.
With almost 5,000 children and young people in foster care across South Australia, Centacare said the need for more respite carers remains significant. It said 70.2 per cent of carers who requested respite were told it was unavailable, while around three-quarters feel they do not receive enough respite.
The campaign’s message is summed up by SAUCE managing director Tom Ootes: “You don’t need to be a full-time foster carer to make an impact. It could be an hour on a weekend, a school holiday outing or simply being there when you can. Whatever time you can give, you can make a full-time difference, part time.”
Creative director Dave Ormston said the campaign was designed around the idea that seemingly insignificant moments can become lasting memories.
“From messy painted nails to a hand-drawn piece of artwork on the fridge, these might seem like small moments, but they can become lasting reminders of the positive impact respite care has on a child’s life,” he said.
Centacare matches respite carers with children based on their individual needs and circumstances, with carers receiving training, professional guidance, development opportunities and access to a 24/7 on-call service.
The campaign rolls out across South Australia via social and digital.
Credits
Client – Centacare
Marketing and Communications Officer – Danielle Lentini Assessment Manager – Alicia Remedios
Recruitment Officer – Claire Davies
Digital Media Designer – Bek Gratton
Agency – SAUCE. The Creative Agency.
Managing Director and Principal – Tom Ootes
Creative Director – Michael Gagliardi
Creative Director – David Ormston
Art Director – Ella-Maude Wilson
Account Manager – Hayley Riessen
Production
Director/DOP – Jarrod Knoblauch 1AC – James Wire Gaffer – Nic Datson H&MU – Mandy Khalil
Editor/Colourist – Jarrod Knoblauch
Sound Design – Scott Illingworth (Seeing Sounds)
