South Aussie supermums talk ‘having it all’, the juggling act and how they’re celebrating Mother’s Day
Balancing businesses with babies, being a working mum can feel less like a juggle and more like a full-blown circus act. Read how these South Aussies are handling the balancing act.
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They’re business owners, global ambassadors, politicians and board members.
But ask any of these women what they most like to be known as and the answer is the same: mum.
For these women balancing high-profile careers with the demands of motherhood, it can feel less like a juggle – and more like a full-blown circus act.
From overcoming hurdles to “working while they sleep”, this Mother’s Day SA’s most high-flying mums are sharing their tips on how they make it work.
Spoiler: they ask for help.
Nikki Govan
Ever wondered how you could balance a baby in one arm and a successful business in the other?
Ask Nikki Govan.
She’s the woman behind one of SA’s best-known venues, Star of Greece in Port Willunga.
But what’s less well-known about Govan is that she balanced taking over the business while facing one of the biggest challenges a mother could face.
“The first couple of years with the Star were very challenging for (my husband) Doug and I,” Govan says.
“We took over in the June of 2011 … Maggie was born 17 weeks premature in December that year.”
Pregnant with twins, Govan had developed twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome; a rare condition where blood passes unequally between the babies.
Surgery was her only option, so she was sent to Brisbane. But it wasn’t a success.
“One of the risks with surgery is water breaking, which Maggie’s did,” Govan recalls.
“So a few days later when her twin Jess’s heart stopped, Maggie had to be delivered.”
Born at just 23 weeks gestation, Maggie needed care that meant she and Govan had to stay in Brisbane, with Doug flying between his family and his work – the Star of Greece and the Victory Hotel – in SA.
“It was incredibly challenging for us. (But) I have an incredible support network,” Govan says.
“Maggie had a number of medical issues and concerns that I am very lucky to say do not affect her now. Having said that, all that passion and will to live, I get back in spades.”
Four months after she was born, Maggie and her mum were able to return to Adelaide to reunite with Doug – along with his daughters Chelsea and Viv.
And life became busier than ever.
“Over the years I have been quite a planner and always looking a couple of years ahead and thought about, ‘where do I want to be in two years, who and what do I need to know to get me there?’.
“Over time, this has resulted in me studying law and being focused on building strong networks.”
Govan’s other achievements include running her own marketing company and developing several start-up ventures.
She’s also a current and former board member and chair of numerous high-profile groups, including the National Australia Day Council Board and the Adelaide Economic Development Agency.
But her advice to other mums is, “don’t over do it”.
“I think I have over the years,” she said.
“Also, stop the mother’s guilt. So we might be late to a sports day, or school pick up, we might forget to pack the lunch box, or the netball practice, but that is normal and plenty others have done this.
“Your child will forgive you.”
Emma Stevens
Together with her Police Commissioner husband Grant, the Stevens are parents to one daughter and four sons.
Sadly, their youngest son Charlie was struck by a car while celebrating at the Schoolies festival in 2023. He died in hospital the next day.
Since then, Emma has repeatedly put her own grief aside to front the public and urge families to talk about organ donation.
That advocacy and commitment to her son’s legacy earned her the title of South Australia’s Woman of the Year 2025.
Sharon Templeton
There’s a saying, “where there is no struggle, there is no strength.”
And Sharon Templeton has experienced both in spades.
Ms Templeton was just 19 years old when she found herself expecting a child. By 20, she was a single mum doing it all on her own.
“I was a young woman, a child in many ways, raising another child,” she admits.
“It was incredibly hard and I had no support.”
But, it was those tough times that Ms Templeton now credits for shaping her into one of South Australia’s most successful businesswomen.
Today, Ms Templeton is the force behind the iconic Temple Day Spa, which has locations in Unley and Semaphore.
The 53-year-old has been in business more than 12 years and employs 50 remarkable women, including her now 33-year-old daughter Kristy.
But flash back 30-odd years – it was a time of struggle and learning the hard-fought lessons she would later need to succeed.
“Having faced challenges as a young mum, I’ve learned how to manage myself through tough times,” she says.
“When challenges arise, I know how to handle them, remove the emotion, and focus on what needs to be done.
“I don’t let emotions get in the way – I just look at the situation, figure out what needs to happen, and move forward.”
Throughout those difficult years, Ms Templeton never let the struggles define her. Instead, she kept her sights firmly set on building a bright new future.
“Through all the challenges, I fought every day,” she says.
“Those years were tough, but they built me into a resilient person. And I poured that strength into making sure (my daughter) would have a different life.”
Ms Templeton committed years to living and breathing business – and the worry of not being able to bring her big plans to life. But through grit and determination, her dreams have become reality.
Not only are the mother-daughter duo successful in business, they’ve had success in their personal lives, too – both now happily married to adoring partners.
And the family is growing; Ms Templeton is now a Nana to little Henry.
“Seeing (my daughter) married to a man she’s been with for over 10 years … seeing her feel that security and stability she wanted for her family – I know every struggle was worth it.”
Annabel Malinauskas
She has a successful career as a corporate lawyer, is married to the Premier and is also a busy mum of four.
So we think Annabel Malinauskas, who practises law under her maiden name Annabel West, must know a thing or two about the balancing act that comes with being a working mum.
Together with her husband Peter, the Malinauskases – who have always been open about how much they value having a large family – share children Sophie, Jack, Eliza and George.
While they largely keep their children out of the spotlight, Eliza was part of that now-renowned announcement that Labor would fund a new Adelaide Aquatic Centre.
Rebecca Morse
Media personality and mum Rebecca Morse is a household name in SA. And now, thanks to her latest project, her 21-year-old daughter is too.
The duo recently launched their podcast, In the Genes, which is a frank and honest discussion about mother-daughter relationships.
And while Morse has about 25 years experience in the media, she says it’s daughter Gracie Wakelin who has taken the lead on the project.
You can listen to it on Spotify.
Bre Tarca
In between nappy changes and nap times for a then one-year-old daughter, first-time mum Bre Tarca found time for another “baby”.
The 33-year-old launched her interior and joinery design business Eve Road Studio in January this year.
So when it comes to how she did it, it’s a multi-tasking blur.
“My kind of ‘structure’ isn’t by the book,” she says.
“I still put all the hours in – don’t worry about that (but) I’d say it’s more fluid.”
After a difficult 2024, Tarca, whose career spans across residential and commercial projects, decided to branch out on her own.
“Life can throw curveballs but there’s a quote, ‘from adversity can come prosperity’ and I like to remind myself of that,” she said.
“I think you can always find a silver lining.”
And she did.
Tarca says the decision to make the leap and start her own business definitely suits her, her husband Ryan and Nellie, now two, more.
“Since working for myself I certainly feel more present.
“I don’t need to rush Nellie out the door to my mum’s or to childcare.”
She estimates she puts in about 50 hours a week, which she splits between her Kent Town office and at night when Nellie is asleep.
And for Tarca, the juggling act of balancing both her babies works.
“I love every day of what I’m doing.
“I get to create beautiful spaces, I get to talk to people, I get to run my own race.
“Launching Eve Road has lit a fire in me and I just want to make my Nellie girl proud.”
Teresa Palmer
She’s now based in LA, but having recently announced her fifth pregnancy with her husband, actor and director Mark Webber, Teresa Palmer deserves a spot on the list.
The 39-year-old has four children – sons Bodhi, 10, and Forest, 8, and daughters Poet, 6, and Prairie, 3 – as is also a stepmum to 16-year-old Isaac from Mark’s first marriage.
And she’s not done yet. She’s previously shared her desire to have eight children in total – like her Nana.
Sarah Abbott
Sarah Abbott, one of Adelaide’s top PR professionals, is the bubbly face behind some the city’s leading events and marketing campaigns.
With 25 years experience in the industry – 15 of those with her own business, Sassafras Public Relations – she doesn’t just know how to work a room, she lights one up.
But behind the glitz and the glam, she’s also a busy mum of three: juggling red carpets and exclusive openings with school drop offs and soccer or hockey games.
And she looks fabulous doing it all.
Ashton Hurn
She’s a formidable and talented political operator, widely lauded as the “rising star” of the state Liberals.
But even her impressive CV could not prepare Ashton Hurn for her most recent role: mum to baby Rupert, who turns one this month.
“Before Rupert, I read all the baby books and felt as ready as you can be,” Hurn concedes.
“But nothing really prepares you.”
The first-term MP and opposition health spokeswoman welcomed baby Rupert in May last year. While she took some leave from her shadow ministerial responsibilities, Hurn kept working at the local level with support from her family and team.
“Some days things go smoothly, but other days … not so much,” she admits.
“It’s often a juggle getting out the door on time for meetings, door knocking or parliament – but it’s the same for all working mums, regardless of what role you have.”
For Hurn, that juggle involves Rupert “popping into the office” occasionally, or being a plus-one to some events.
“I love Rupert, and I love what I do,” she says
“So we find a way to make it all work – with a lot of support from my husband Adam and family. I’m very lucky.”
And for Hurn, the juggle is paying off.
The added responsibility of motherhood has only made her more determined in her political career.
“Being involved in the community was a big part of my family life growing up in the Barossa and it fostered in me a real passion for our area and a desire to try and make it better – that’s what drew me to politics.
“Having an upbringing on the farm taught me to be hands on and that you only reap rewards … based on the effort you put in.
“I hope those values will be instilled in Rupert as well.”
Belinda Mills
“I work when I sleep – anyone with a small business would understand that.”
That’s how “chronic dreamer” and mum-of-two Belinda Mills manages to get things done.
Mills is the creative genius behind beloved hair studio Pipsqueak in Saigon, which has two locations: Stepney in the east and Hove in the west.
She works with big-name brands including GHD, EVO, Olaplex and Showpony extensions.
“I’m a manic busy body that lives in the clouds,” she says.
“It’s a crazy life, but I have big dreams and the only way I can get there is through hard work.”
As well as navigating 100-hour weeks across her roles as a master hair stylist, a brand global ambassador, a social media expert and a business owner of more than 20 years, Mills is busy with the state soccer and district basketball games of her daughter, 13, and son, 10.
“I’m extremely dedicated and aren’t afraid to put in time,” she says.
“I’m always a mum first, my kids are everything to me.”
Flavia Tata Nardini
Industry leader, space-company chief, entrepreneur, innovator, pioneer, mum. Flavia Tata Nardini has it all … and she’s only getting started.
Tata Nardini is the head of one of Australia’s most acclaimed space companies, Fleet Space Technologies.
The company has grown from 20 people in its first year to 100 spread across Australia, Canada, Chile and the US.
And she’s done it all while raising her three children.
In fact, the Adelaide space boss said: “Having my babies didn’t slow me down, it only made me more determined to succeed.”
Jess Ellam
She’s a buyer’s advocate and busy mum of two, who didn’t just decide to launch a business during the pandemic – she thrived because of it.
So it’s no surprise Jess Ellam is used to having a few balls in the air.
“I have a 15-year-old son and an 11-year-old daughter, and life at home is definitely busy,” she concedes.
“It definitely keeps me on my toes, but as they grow older, it’s becoming more rewarding – and even fun.”
The property expert decided to launch her own buyer’s advocacy agency, Ellam Property, in 2020.
And business has boomed. In the past five years, she’s helped nearly 300 buyers and investors purchase new homes.
While her busy job can keep her working well into the night, the 38-year-old says she wouldn’t change a thing.
“I genuinely enjoy what I do. And my hours are flexible, which is a lifesaver when it comes to juggling school drop-offs, after school sports and being able to show up for events like sports days.
“Like any parent, I have the occasional meltdown – when everything feels a bit too much and nothing’s going to plan.
“But I’ve learned to take a breath, reset and just keep moving forward.”
Laura Sharrad
She’s a former MasterChef star, who built a name for herself as an Adelaide restaurateur.
But last year, Laura Sharrad gained a new name – Mum.
With husband Max, the culinary queen behind top local eateries Fugazzi Bar & Dining Room and Nido, welcomed daughter Florence Rosa in April 2024.
Speaking at the time, Sharrad said they named her after her nonna Rosa, while Florence was a nod to her Tuscan heritage and “Italy being one of our most special places in the world”.
Gina Britton
As the owner of beloved children’s store Daisy + Hen, hardworking mum Gina Britton has made a career from blending motherhood and business.
After taking time out from her corporate career to raise her family, Britton decided her “demanding job” and devotion to her new baby didn’t align.
And so, children’s retail shop Daisy + Hen was born. Since then, she’s grown her business to four locations around the state.
Koby Bates
She’s an Insta-perfect mum with quite the following on the social media platform.
And for Port Lincoln girlboss Koby Bates, mothering her two kids while drawing, designing and manufacturing seasonal swim, resort and active wear collections all comes naturally.
She’s the creative force behind Koleha, a swimwear label known for its colourful and effortlessly cool designs.
Needless to say, she’s the ultimate #mumgoals.
Stephanie Ockenden
This glamorous mum also manages an ever-growing marketing and public relations career and she shares all of it with her social media following.
On her curated Instagram profile, you’ll find fashion, art and all the exciting things happening around Adelaide … with a dash of humour for good measure.
She’s got three kids and makes it look like a breeze.
Renee Barendregt, Lil McAvaney & Stephanie Campbell
These three SA supermums are the women behind the successful podcast The Mums Edit.
The trio banded together after each finding mum life “isolating” and wanted to create a supportive community.
With seven kids between them, their first-hand experiences of the trials and tribulations of motherhood strike a chord with many.
Steph Schmidt
Today, clinical psychologist and farmer Stephanie Schmidt is a busy, happy, and loving mum – but she once battled frightening post-natal depression. And she’s been working tirelessly to help other women, especially isolated rural women, feel not so alone ever since.
In addition to raising her three sons – aged 10, seven and four – and working on the young family’s sheep and cropping farm, the 37-year-old runs workshops and produces social media content providing mental health information to farmers.
Kate Laurie
Together with her husband Hamish, Kate Laurie owns and runs Deviation Road winery in Longwood, known for its large range of sparkling table wines.
She’s also a mum of three girls: Eliza, Emily and Annabelle.
So it’s no surprise that outside of work, Laurie spends most of her time supporting her children’s interests, including coaching a netball team.
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