It was back to work today for New South Wales Mother of the year, Caroline Fowles, who has dedicating her life to not only mothering her own, but many disadvantaged children all over the world.
The Newcastle mother cares for her three biological children as well as two indigenous foster children and was yesterday named New South Wales Mother of the Year.
“It was really beautiful being celebrated for it. It was really strange because it’s what we do, but it was lovely and that’s what Barnardos is all about, honouring and helping families and children at risk, so it was really beautiful.”
Helping children is Mrs Fowles’ passion. She works with a local church to organise play groups and kids clubs, community events, and support for families.
And it’s work that reaches beyond Newcastle – she also helps run a program that takes local teenagers to remote Aboriginal communities where they help with games, craft, songs and other activities.
This desire to support children in need is something shared by the family.
They spent 18 months in Russia working in orphanages and they regularly travel to remote indigenous communities to support children.
And Mrs Fowles is quick to stress that she couldn’t do what she does without the help of her family.
“Family has played a huge role…I do this stuff but I only do it because I have an incredible support system around me. It’s amazing, it’s lovely to be honoured but really there’s loads of people who are doing it alongside me everyday and they deserve it, they are doing it as well.”
While many would find looking after 5 children a challenge, Mrs Fowles takes it all in her stride.
“Some days are fantastic and some days are tough but it’s nothing that a smile or a nap won’t turn around. When your kid looks at you and smiles…it’s all ok. So we just do what we do and some days are really smooth and successful and some are stressful and other days are difficult and you’re happy when it’s bed time and you do it over again the next day. That’s what all mums do, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got one or five really that’s mothering.”
Child welfare agency, Barnardos, runs the national awards to champion good parenting and raise awareness about child abuse and neglect.
Australia’s Mother of the Year will be awarded in May but Mrs Fowles says while it would be an honour to take out the national award she is thankful for the recognition she has already received.
“It’s a beautiful honour, I just think I’m like many, many mums who do this everyday, creating a positive future in the next generation because of the hard work mothers do everyday. It’s what Barnardos does everyday, it’s beautiful to be honoured but there’s loads of us doing it.”
To get behind these awards and support Barnardos Australia in the care of vulnerable children, visit www.barnardos.org.au
