Winner

Barnardos Australia's Mother of the Year for 2006

Carmel Gordon of Victoria - nominated by her daugher, Jenni

A mother of six and grandmother to eight, Carmel has worked with children with disabilities for the past 15 years. A year ago she donated one of her kidneys to her son and is now involved in a kidney support group counselling other families going through the same thing. Carmel says "if you're empowered with information it takes away the fear. "Mum teaches us to love, respect and care for each other without even saying it" says her daughter Jenni who nominated her. She is also the full-time carer for a girl who has Angelman Syndrome." *

* Biography current at time of Awards.