2010 Kaye Worth

Barnardos Australia's Mother of the Year for 2010

Kaye Worth of Western Australia - nominated by her granddaughter, Amy Pratt

Kaye Worth - Mother of the Year 2010

At 68, with her own three children married with their own families, Kaye should be taking time out for herself. Instead, she started fostering 15 years ago and has fostered more than 50 babies and children, some with disabilities, as well as providing respite care. She currently has a new born baby in her care. At various times, her home has also been a haven for family friends, neighbourhood children and also homeless people from the hostel where her husband used to work. Such is Kaye’s caring and loving nature that no matter how long she has a baby in her care – whether it’s just a few days or months – she puts together a photo album of the baby’s development to give to the biological parents.

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Kaye's nominator and granddaughter , Amy Pratt, said in the nomination:

Kaye has an extraordinary love! At almost 70 years young she is still fostering babies that need a loving mum. For over a decade she has provided love and nurture to dozens of babies for just a few days and others for months. Kaye has cared for babies with disabilities and those that have failed to thrive, she has settled these little ones and 'fattened up' those that have needed to! When others carers have needed respite, Kaye has supported them, taking on their babies. She has even taken in two small babies when no one else was available. At points her and her husband have opened their home to various family members, and many others who have needed a roof over their heads, despite often having six people already in a three bedroom home. Kaye has also spent time volunteering at Princess Margeret Hospital. When anyone is EVER in need of anything, she makes it happen, always finding a way to come up with baby equipment for a refugee family or a young mum! She is an inspiration to many.

Kaye's Top Tip: "Feed him! Feed your baby when he is hungry. Forget routine for now and just feed him!"

* Biography current at time of Awards.