Winners
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2010 - Kaye Worth of Western AustraliaAt 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. *Kaye's Top Tip: "Feed him! Feed your baby when he is hungry. Forget routine for now and just feed him!" |
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2009 - Bernadette Black of TasmaniaWhen Bernadette fell pregnant at 16, she promised herself that she would be a good mother, complete her education and write a book to help others in her situation. Now at 32, Bernadette has fulfilled her promises. She has three children aged 15, seven and four and wrote a book called 'Brave Little Bear' championing motherhood. Bernadette is a regular speaker at schools and community events throughout Australia providing advice and support on teenage pregnancy. 'She works tirelessly to show single mums how life's adversities can be turned into positives,' says her son Damien. 'But she also always has time for her own kids and makes us all feel very special - and she makes great choc chip cookies!' * Bernadette's Top Tip: "Support and encouragement will get you through anything!" |
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2008 - Heather Round of Goolwa, SAHeather is a testament to a mother's strength. Heather was devastated when she lost one of her twin sons at just 13 days old to a heart condition. During this time, Heather and her family endured incredible stress and financial pressure. Aware she had her family to think about she channelled the grief and pressure to take positive action. Heather and her husband set up an accommodation support network and foundation for other families affected by congenital heart defects. Heather now has six children (aged two to eight) and involves the whole family in fundraising and awareness days. * Heather's Top Tip: "Love" |
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2007 - Natasha CroftsFor someone so young, Natasha has already filled the role of mother 10 times over. Besides her two adopted daughters, age 11 and 8 years, she is the permanent carer of a three toddlers. In fact Natasha has cared for over 50 children in the last 10 years in her role as foster carer. Many of these children have been suffering significant medical problems including drug addition and neglect, which explains why Natasha often draws upon her nursing background to assist the children. "Seeing the trauma some of these children have been through is very disturbing. If I can help them get through it and move on in their lives, then I'm willing to do it." * Natasha's Top Tip: "Every child deserves a good home and a loving family." |
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2006 - Carmel Gordon of VictoriaA 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." * |
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2005 - Melissa Davies of QLDMelissa left school at 16 to care for her younger brother and sister, so her single mum could work two jobs. Now, as a single mum herself two boys, she is an inspiration to others. As a foster mum she has cared for numerous children and babies, some of whom have drug addictions or intellectual disabilities. * Melissa's Top Tip: "All people have feelings just like theirs and they can be hurt all the same." |
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2004 - Maryanne Malbunka of NT"Maryanne would be one of the most dedicated mothers I have met," says her friend and work colleague Helen Haughton who nominated her. She has two of her own children, plus has adopted and cares for six other children. Maryanne has worked full-time at the Hermannsburg Health Centre as the Senior Aboriginal Health Worker since 2003 and is a model example to other mothers educating them on nutrition, hygiene and the daily care of children. * |
* Biography current at time of Awards.
