2011 - Rebecca Healy of Northern Territory

Barnardos Australia's Mother of the Year for 2011

Rebecca Healy of Northern Territory - nominated by her Friend, Jessica Arnold

At just 25, Rebecca has turned her life around to become an inspirational mother to not only her own two children but also to many in her remote community. After leaving home at 12, Rebecca lived in refuges for seven years and was taken in by friends. At 19, she decided to clean up her act. She bought her first house, lost 50 kilos and decided she was going to lead by example. Now, a single mum to her two boys Blake, three, and Chase, four, she also cares for her 16-year-old sister full-time and is an emergency foster parent. Rebecca is a passionate advocate for the local youth and is regarded as a role model in her local community. She works full-time as an indigenous economic development officer, and participates voluntarily on a range of community committees, including the Barkly Youth Service Providers Network, which she formed. “I believe that if children are given positive encouragement and support they will feel good about themselves and that attitude can inspire them to lead happy, productive lives,” says Rebecca. *

Rebecca's nominator and Friend , Jessica Arnold, said in the nomination:

“Rebecca is a dynamo with a clear mission for community service, along with a devotion to her own family. She somehow manages to still find the energy to encourage development of those less fortunate than herself. It’s her mission to help as many people as she can.”

Rebecca's Top Tip: "Always take time for yourself, a happy healthy mum equals happy healthy children!"

* Biography current at time of Awards.