In the lead up to Mother’s Day, we as a nation stop to thank the mothers in our lives and our communities.   It’s the perfect time to acknowledge the vital role Mums play in society as a whole and in the lives of young Australians. Each year Barnardos – Australia’s leading child protection charity – celebrates the incredible achievements of exceptional Aussie Mums through the Barnardos Mother of the Year Awards.

Belinda Nunn with her family.

This morning, the winner of the Barnardos Mother Of The Year 2014 Australian Capital Territory was announced as Belinda Nunn, 37.  Belinda is not only the biological mother of three daughters, but also took on the responsibility of raising her niece, Takisha, after the little girl’s own parents were deemed unsuitable by authorities. Belinda took Takisha into care before she could even walk and has since provided Takisha with opportunities she would never otherwise have had. Belinda has placed Takisha into a private school and she is now excelling scholastically.

Sadly, when Belinda’s twin sister died, Belinda also became heavily involved in the lives of the other three children she left behind, aged 8, 11 and 12 at the time of their mother’s death and continues to be much more than an Aunty. In addition, Belinda’s daughter, Monique, who recently turned 18, is the first person in the family of Aboriginal descent to have been offered a place at university.  This is in no small part due to the support, encouragement and mentoring of Belinda.

With the little time that Belinda has left in her day, she is a dedicated coach to her daughter’s netball team, she works in her husband’s family business and manages all of the children’s school and social commitments.  When asked what she loves most about being a mum, Belinda is quick to respond, “Seeing my kids achieve in sports or academics and being happy”. 

Belinda will join seven other State winners from around the country, along with their nominators for three days of festivities in Sydney prior to the National Announcement of the Barnardos Mother of The Year 2014.

Belinda was not the only inspirational mother there today. The other two finalists: Lauren Irvine and Mary Ryan-Baker, had equally incredible stories…I wish I had taken the tissues, because I struggled to hold it together on a number of occasions.

Lauren Irvine with her son, Harry.

Lauren Irvine’s world drastically changed when she was pregnant with her first son, Harry.  During her 18-week ultrasound it was discovered that Harry had a mass on his spine – he was subsequently diagnosed with Sacrococcygeal Teratoma, the result of which was an extremely rare tumour.

Harry was born prematurely on January 6, 2008 at The Canberra Hospital. Over the next few years he underwent many major and minor surgeries to aid in repairing his damaged little body.  During this time, he endured the rigors of chemotherapy and countless visits to Westmead Hospital for a battery of tests and CT scans.

Lauren has been caring tirelessly for her son and his ongoing medical needs for the past six years. In addition to also tending to her youngest son, Lauren also finds the time to volunteer and support other families and children in need. The 31 year-old is one of the founders of an annual bike ride, held in March each year, to raise funds for The Stella Bella Little Stars Foundation, which supports families of critically ill children and babies.  She offers the families guidance and counselling as well as collecting items to create comfort packs for families who are spending long durations of time in hospital with their children.

Lauren knows from personal experience just how precious life can be and says; “Harry is our little star and has taught us so many things about ourselves and what life is really about.  All we can ever do as mothers is to try our best and be honest”.

May Ryan-Baker – one of the ACT finalists.

Mary Ryan-Baker is a 50-year-old mother of six who has always given her love to those who need it. As the tenth child in a family grief stricken by the loss of two children, Mary has always had a heart for the community. This passion for her community saw her join the police force at an early age, however she quickly rose in the ranks due to her pure dedication.

Married at 21 to a fellow officer, she continued to worked tirelessly to pay off her mortgage, whilst suffering a miscarriage and still born. Soon after she was blessed with her first child and it wasn’t long before she realised her true calling to the community as a mother and carer.

Whilst raising her six freckly and adventurous children, Mary lost her best friends, her parents. Despite grieving for her loss, she has accomplished so much as a mother and a carer. With her oldest son having recently become a registered pharmacist, another undertaking a law degree, Mary has always been a best friend to her children.

Her compassion for others is reflected though all her actions, with one glowing example being her befriending of a gentle homeless man whom she provides shelter and food for every Friday. Her advice to other mothers and potential mums is “love them unconditionally, be there with them and listen to them. Make the most of every opportunity, they only have one childhood, they grow up so quickly.