The judges have spoken

The panel members were Rowena Millward from J&J Pacific, Dianne Jagelman (Barnardos Australia representative), Paul Mercurio (Barnardos ambassador), Claudia Keech from motherin.com.au and Mara Lee from Practical Parenting (all pictured left).

The three finalists for each state and territory will now be invited to an invitation only morning tea ceremony in their captial city where their achievements will be showcased and the winner announced.

Family and friends of the finalists, dignitaries, Awards ambassadors, sponsor representatives and the media will attend each of these moving events.

As part of national Mother's Day celebrations each state and territory winner will then be flown to Sydney for the annoucement of the overall Barnardos Australia's Mother of Year at a prestigious and high profile gala dinner.