MEDIA RELEASE
Embargoed
7pm - Thursday 10 May, 2018
IntroducingAustralia’sMost Inspirational Mum
Barnardos Mother of the Year 2018, Proudly Supported by ALDI
Just in time for Mother’s Day this Sunday, Barnardos Australia and ALDI arepleased to announce Noelene Leverfrom Forster, New South Wales has been namedthe national BarnardosMother of the Year2018, proudly supported by ALDI.
Noelene Lever is a strong, 78-year-old Aboriginal woman, who has dedicated her life to caring for children from all walks of life. As a young widow, Noelene raised five children while working two jobs. She was heavily involved with the Aboriginal Community in Redfern and worked with the Aboriginal Legal Service, Aboriginal Children’s Services and Gulamar.
She has also fostered more than 50 children, some until adulthood, in a home where “her door never closes”.
“My mother is my role model and I am the woman I am today because of her,” says her nominator and foster daughter, Sarina Kapeli, 39.
Noelene began caring for Sarina “on loan” when she was just two weeks old, ensuring Sarina knew about her birth mother and family through stories and a journey to North Queensland to meet them.
“She always made sure that I knew where I came from,” says Sarina. “This was very important because she didn't want me to lose my connection with my family. By doing this, she gave me knowledge of my identity – of who I am and where I belong.”
Noelene says becoming the Barnardos Mother of the Year is a real honour, “To be named the Barnardos Mother of the Year for NSW was just beautiful. I never thought I would go on to be named the national Barnardos Mother of the Year 2018. After spending the week with the other mums from all over Australia, I believe we are all deserving of the national award. We all do what we can to ensure the children are safe, loved and happy.”
David Levy from Barnardos Australia says,“This year, thousands of nominations were submitted across the country, celebrating the incredible role mothers play in guiding, nurturing and protecting children. Noelene’s dedication, commitment and genuine love for all children, especially those in need is incredibly moving, and showcases the same philosophy we pride ourselves on here at Barnardos.
Tom Daunt, CEO of ALDI Australia presented Noelene with the award at the national ceremony today, and says “It has been a privilege to meet all the inspirational mums nominated for the Barnardos Mother of the Year 2018 awards. Sincere congratulations to this year’s winner, Noelene Lever, and from all of us at ALDI, thank you to Barnardos for celebrating the incredible work of mums and the positive difference they make in the lives of their children.”
In April, Barnardos toured around the country announcing and celebrating the most inspiring mothers in each state, who all travelled to Sydney this week for the national ceremony. A special mention to the other state winners of the Barnardos Mother of the Year Awards.
The final word must go to Sarina Kapeli, who says about her mum Noelene“I love her so much and I am thankful for how she has raised me.”
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For more information, photo or interview opportunity please contactthe BGK agency:
Beau Kassas | | 0488 027 555
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About Barnardos Mother of the Year
Barnardos Mother of the Year is the largest and most recognised national awards celebrating mothers. The awards publicly acknowledge the critical role mothering plays in keeping children safe, nurturing them to help realise their potential and shaping the future of Australia. Now in its 23rd year, Barnardos Mother of the Year is the charity’s flagship campaign and aims to drive a social movement around the importance of mothering. For more information or to nominate go to
About Barnardos Australia
Barnardos Australia is a leading non-government, non-denominational child protection charity in Australia. Originally founded in the UK in 1870 by Dr Thomas Barnardo, we have been operating in Australia since 1921. Barnardos Australia believes all children and young people deserve caring families in which they can grow safely and fulfil their potential.We work together with children, young people and families to break the cycle of disadvantage, creating safe, nurturing and stable homes, connected to family and community. Our intensive family support programs combat family and domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, poverty and homelessness, to strengthen families and keep children safe at home. When this is not possible, we also provide safe homes for children through foster care and kinship care to give children a safe place to grow and develop. For the last 30 years we have pioneered open adoption for non-Aboriginal children in NSW, giving children whom the court has decided can never safely return home, the permanency and security they need, for life.
For more information or to donate go to: