Australian Mother of the Year Award

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Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards is an award which aims to recognise mothers and the important role that they play in our society; highlighting key themes such as nurturing and caring. Barnardos Australia developed the Mother of the Year Awards (BAMYA) in 1994, as an opportunity to showcase the women responsible for excellent parenting within the community.

Nominations for the awards take place over a four-month period during which a campaign is undertaken in major print and electronic media. Nominators prepare a statement about “why they believe their mother is Australia’s number 1 mum”.

A judging panel assesses the top 100 nominations, selecting State/Territory finalists and an overall national winner. Each State/Territory Finalist is flown to Sydney for the announcement of the National Mother of the Year.

A number 1 mum is announced for every respective State/Territory, at a morning tea function, held to showcase that woman’s achievements. These events attracts wide coverage from local media, culminating in a national presentation held in Sydney in May just prior to the Sunday designated as Mother's Day in Australia.

[edit] Past winners

2008 - Heather Round of Goolwa, SA - with her husband she set up an accommodation support network and foundation for families of children affected by congenital heart defects.
2007 - Natasha Crofts of Prospect, NSW - adoptive mother of two daughters and foster parent of more than 50 children. Subsequently Crofts was further honoured being presented with the Key to the City by the City of Blacktown [1].
2006 - Carmel Gordon
2005 - Melissa Davies
2004 - Maryanne Malbunka
2003 - Elva Stevenson
2002 - Lorraine Dewsbury
2001 - Gayle McCarthy
2000 - Vera Hall
1999 - Leonie Parmenter
1998 - Kim Nguyen
1997 - Andra Knight
1996 - Patricia Howard