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 winner 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.
In 2021 Barnardo's announced that, because of the pressure on resources created by COVID-19, the award had been brought to an end.
Past winners
Awarded Name Notes2020Margie Bailey2019Maria Worner2018Noelene Lever AM2017Carol Edmunds2016Keelen Mailman2015Leanne Robson 2014Gloria Nascimento 2013 Hasiba Cesko 2012 Roslyn Dodson 2011 Rebecca Healy 2010 Kaye Worth 2009Bernadette Black 2008 Heather Round 2007 Natasha Crofts 2006 Carmel Gordon 2005 Melissa Davies 2004 Maryanne Malbunka 2003 Elva Stevenson 2002 Lorraine Dewsbury 2001 Gayle McCarthy 2000 Vera Hall1999Leonie Parmenter
See also
Australian Father Of The Year award Australian Nurse of the Year
References
External links Barnardos Mother of the Year - website