Tracy Lucas has not only raised her own seven children but taken on the role of full-time mum for foster children.
To her it’s been nothing out of the ordinary but when eldest daughter Bianca saw a TV advertisement for the Barnardos Mother of the Year Awards she knew it was time for her mum to receive the recognition she deserves.
“She has done so much for us for nothing in return,” Bianca said.
The 25-year-old wrote a heartfelt nomination letter outlining why her mum was so deserving.
“I wanted to do something more and thought ‘Right I’ll put it into words’ … Whether she wins or not she’s a winner to us kids.”
Bianca said with hindsight she can see what her mum did for her brother and sisters.
“[As a teenager] Living at home you hate it and couldn’t image staying there another minute but over the years you realise how much you depend on them,” she said.
“I live alone with my partner now but you still always come back to mum whether it’s for relationship advice or a lend with rent or family dramas. Dad’s good but mums always seem to have the answer.”
“You don’t realise how hard a mother works and how much love they give.”
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Tracy, now a foster grandmother, is a university student and volunteers with Riding for the Disabled once a week.
“I was just so overwhelmed, I had no idea [about the nomination],” she said.
“[Raising children] It’s just something you do.”
Barnardos Mother of the Year is the largest and most recognised campaign celebrating mothers and all that they do for family and children.
Barnardos Australia is the country’s leading child protection charity in Australia, committed to stopping child abuse. The awards, now in their twenty-first year, see thousands of nominations of great mothers made by appreciative children, partners and friends every year, which then culminate in the announcement of the State and Territory finalists in April and then the Barnardos Mother of the Year National Announcement just prior to Mother’s Day.
Barnardos Australia marketing director, Manisha Amin said mothering in today’s world can be a confusing space.
“With so many experts, books, websites, forums, social media groups, and internet driven fads, it seems everyone has an opinion,” Ms Amin said.
“Mothering can be tough, but ultimately it is about one thing – keeping children safe and doing the best for them regardless of the circumstances.
“So this year we invite all Australians to show everyday Aussie Mums how much we really appreciate all their hard work by nominating any mum you know who has made a difference to her own children or others in the community.”
Do you know an awesome mum? Nominate now by visiting the website at MotherOfTheYear.com.au