Frequently Asked Questions

Does the person I nominate have to be my own mum, or can I nominate a friend?
You can nominate any mother you like so long as they are an Australian resident. They can be a friend, wife, partner, sister, step-mother, foster mum, grandmother, a member of your community, or anybody else you believe is doing a wonderful job in their role as a mother.

Can I enter as many times as I like?
No.  We only accept one nomination from an individual for each mum, so make sure you tell us how wonderful she is in 150 words or less.

Who can be a referee? Do I really need to fill out this section?
The referee should be another person aside from the nominator, who is over 18, not related to or living with the nominee and who has known the nominee for two years or more. They could be a friend, colleague or somebody in the community who can be contacted if necessary, during the judging period, to ask any further questions or obtain any additional information for the judges. It is compulsory to provide a non-related referee, including their full contact details, for your nomination to be considered.

I do not have a digital photo that I can send online. Can I send a photo by post?
We ask that all nominations and photos be sent online, as hard copies cannot be returned. Please do not send by mail, unless we specifically ask you to do so. Please note that all nominations must be accompanied by a photo. We apologise for any inconvenience.

What does the question asking for my nominees 'top tip' mean?
This is your chance to add a little extra information that you may not include in the150 word description. This could be something funny that your special mum says, her favourite quote or piece of advice, an old wives tale she lives by that has been passed through her family or even her life motto. This is a short, light-hearted question to make you think about the unique side of your special mum.

What happens after nominations have closed?
After nominations close on 31 January 2010 the judging panel will meet to select shortlisted nominees for each state and territory. If your nomination is successful at this stage of the judging process, you will be notified in early March 2010. Your nominated mum will then be asked to sign an agreement covering such issues as confidentiality, and to complete a standard criminal history check in order to ensure we maintain the credibility of the awards and all those associated with them.

When will the finalists and winners be announced?
The short-listed nominees, three for each state or territory, will be contacted mid-March 2010 to inform them they have progressed to the state and territory finals. The state and territory announcement functions will be held in each capital city, scheduled  for between 26 March 2010 and 14 April 2010, where one lucky mum will be announced as the finalist for their respective state or territory. The 2009 Barnardos Australia's Mother of the Year will be announced at a gala event to be held in Sydney on Thursday, 6 May 2010, just before Mother's Day. See the awards calendar for more information.

Should I tell the person I'm nominating?
Nominators will forthwith make the nominees aware of the Terms and Conditions of Entry published on this website and obtain from the nominee all necessary authorisations, consent, documents and undertakings to meet the Terms and Conditions of Entry as required from time to time by Barnardos Australia.

If you have any further questions that are not addressed here, please contact bamya@barnardos.org.au