Grandmother Kaye Worth of Gosnells is the 2010 Barnardos’ WA Mother of the Year. At 68, with her own three children married with their families, Kaye could be expected to take time out for herself. But Kaye, who started fostering 15 years ago and has fostered more than 50 children, some with disabilities, currently has a newborn baby in her care. Kaye was shocked, humbled and honoured by the Mother of the Year award, presented by Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney. “There are so many amazing mums out there doing incredible work and I feel very privileged to have been chosen to represent Western Australia,” Kaye said.
She was nominated by her granddaughter Amy. “Kaye has an extraordinary love and has given numerous babies a wonderful start in life that they might otherwise not have had,” Amy said. “When anyone ever needs anything she makes it happen – whether it’s baby equipment for a refugee family or helping a new mum feed her baby.
“She is an inspiration to many.” At various times, Kaye’s home has also been a haven for family friends, neighbourhood children and homeless people from the hostel where her husband worked. Kaye said she couldn’t do it alone. “My husband Trevor is absolutely fantastic and supports everything I do,” she said. Kaye said she usually coped well when handing the babies back. “We went into this with our eyes open, and when they are a bit older it’s time for them to go to a younger person,” she said. “The babies are the important ones and giving them a nurturing start in life is what it’s all about.” Kaye is looking forward to her trip to Sydney for the national gala dinner on May 6 where one of the seven State and Territory finalists will be named the Barnardos Australia Mother of the Year 2010. Community Services Minister Robyn McSweeney said mothers were Australia’s unsung heroes. “Such is Kaye’s caring nature that no matter how long she has a baby in her care – whether it’s just a few days or months – she puts together a photo album of the baby’s development to give to the biological parents,” she said. The 2010 award attracted an exceptional array of WA mothers, including finalists Valda Carrington, 58, who has dedicated her life to an Aboriginal women’s refuge in Broome, and Morley resident Terese Morse, 34, who has co-ordinated training courses for parents of autistic children. “All three finalists are caring, wonderful women truly deserving of this recognition,” said Mrs McSweeney. Sponsored by the State Government, Barnardos’ WA Mother of the Year Awards is the only national event that recognises the achievements of mothers and their enormous contribution to the Australian community. As the WA Mother of the Year, Kaye was presented with a framed certificate, flights and accommodation to attend the Sydney function, and a range of other prizes.
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