Mother’s Day 2023: Roma’s inspiring and hard working mums recognised
In honour of Mother’s Day, we spoke with some inspiring mums about their experience raising kids in the bush. Here’s a list of superhero mothers doing great things in our community as nominated by our readers.
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Mums work a tireless and often thankless job raising the leaders of tomorrow.
In honour of Mother’s Day, The Western Star spoke with two mums to hear their inspiring stories of raising kids in the Maranoa and compiled a list of superhero mums as nominated by our readers.
Meet mum and business owner Erin Thrupp who’s raising four young children all under five years old while running a contracting business.
Ms Thrupp said the number one thing her children William, Thomas, Clare and Amber have taught her was to be patient.
“What I love most about being a mum is seeing them grow and change all the time,” she said.
“It’s important to take each day as it comes as every day can be a challenge.
“I work from home for our family-owned business Outback Contracting Group - we own all the orange bins around town.”
Another mum kicking goals is Olivia Warner who believes connecting with other mums is absolutely vital for raising kids rurally.
“Connecting with other mums, especially when you are first thrown into motherhood, is so important especially in rural areas,” she said.
“I would have been a bit lost initially without the beautiful friends I made at mothers’ group who came from all over the world. These connections still continue to this day and I am so thankful to these ladies.
“Get involved in your community. Join that committee if or when you can manage it. You’ll meet so many other wonderful mums.”
Ms Warner added that another crucial tip for mums living out bush was to learn practical skills and “be as handy as you can be”.
“Be able to fix a tyre and get yourself out of a pickle,” she said.
“Do your first aid certificate - having delved into my snake bite kit with one of my kids, it’s pretty important.”
Ms Thrupp said she’s loving seeing her kids, Georgie, 10, Pip, 8, and Jimmy, 4, becoming more independent and achieving things as they grow older.
“I’m loving seeing their independence. Accepting responsibilities as part of a family and learning that not everything comes easy and of course the daily hugs, yarns and laughs.
“I’m generally someone who goes like the clappers but there’s always turbulence with kids and I’ve learnt to accept the mistakes I’ve made along the way and teach the kids that mum is not perfect just like you.
“I don’t need to be a super mum, I just need to do my best and manage as best I can.
“I’ve also learnt that housework is overrated. Spend as much time outside with your kids as you can.
“Since becoming a mum I’ve had my struggles but having a beer, a good chat and a great bunch of eucalyptus on the table helps a lot.”
Keep reading to see some more of the region’s amazing mums inspiring a new generation.
Debbora Collins
“My mum is special for many reasons. She has a unique ability to make everything better - whether it’s a scraped knee or a broken heart, she always knew just what to say or do to make me feel loved and comforted,” Henrich Corryn said.
“She listened to me when I needed to vent, laughed with me and supported me no matter what.
“As I grew and had my own kids I started to understand the sacrifices that mums make for their children. She selflessly gave her time, energy, and love, without expecting anything in return. Mum, you are truly incredible.
“Every mum is unique and special in their own way, and goes through their own life challenges but one thing is for sure, you are the ultimate source of unconditional love.”
Wendy Taylor
“She stands true to her values and beliefs about what is right and fair, even if she stands alone," daughter Kylie Taylor said.
“My mum is a true reflection every day of the determination and strength she has always taught myself and my sisters.
“She is the most generous and selfless woman and continues to be, even outside of our family as she advocates for people of the Maranoa as a councillor.”
Sarah Holt
“She is super mum in my eyes, I honestly don’t know how she does it. She’s an inspiration to me,” Bel Ricketts said.
“A hard working mum, who also gives her valuable time up to help/work on numerous committees and does a great job at that. Sarah has my vote!”
Jessie Townsend agreed and said “Sarah Holt is defintely the super mum of Roma I'd say - pony club, camp drafts, on all the committees and wrangle three kids. And stay sane!”
Jessica Cosh, who also nominated Ms Holt, said she “is totally dedicated to her work and all committees she is a part of.”
“Nothing is ever too much. I am grateful to have her as a sounding board and friend.”
Ninna N Scott Collier
“One of the best super mums I know! Juggling kids sports most afternoons and weekends as well as running her own business educating children and providing a loving and safe space for them,” Kayla Dawes said.
“She always seems to be cooking something spesh and has a clean house every time I go there even though she doesn’t think it’s clean. She’s also always willing to lend a hand to any of her friends that need it.”
Lisa Lemon
“She has always been completely selfless when it comes to anyone she values. She has been through thick and thin and I have witnessed her overcome everything,” Paigan Cooke said.
“She takes pride in everything she does and is always willing to lend a hand. She is an amazing role model to a lot of young people.
“She would definitely be the last one to put her hand up and say she is the best mum, but I know I wouldn’t be here without her.”
Keonie Bradshaw
“For a first time mum, who loves her child and shows love and warmth to any child, she is one amazing young mother and there should be more young mothers like her,” Edna Bradshaw said.
Mindy Wharton
“Single mum of five (and) raised all her children on her own - two girls and three boys,”
Raylene Maree Brown said.
“She is selfless and has always put her children first. She moved away from all her family and friends putting her children’s education and sporting abilities first and moved to Roma. she works hard and her five kids and the schooling and sporting interests come first.”
Trish Mitchell
“Mum has an amazing heart of gold,” daughter Lavina Mitchell said.
“Mum is very caring, kind, supportive, good for advice and an amazing listener️, I don’t know where I be without Mum.”
Di Mitchell
“This loving and caring person stands out a league of her own,” Edna Bradshaw said.
“Not a thing worries her and she has plenty of children who love and adore her including mine. I’m so lucky to have her in my life as my mother now I have lost mine. We love you heaps Di.”
Michelle Gorry
“Everything is special about this woman! She has the biggest heart and would move mountains to help people,” Amber Baker said.
“She took me under her wing from a young age, and still puts up with me - for that alone, she deserves a medal.
“She’s always friendly and kind and does not cause harm to anyone. She dotes on her children and grandchildren and would protect them with her life. She is my ‘second mum’, and I love her.”
Karen Whiley-Byrnes
“She raised six children and others while legally blind and working two jobs, even had a stroke, started having frequent seizures and still managed to take care of all of us,” Lauren-Leila Byrnes said.
“She still does to this day and we love her so much.”
Kirby Johnstone
“Super solo mum of two beautiful sons and sole owner of Plush Diamond. I’ve honestly never seen anyone thrive and continue to as much as Kirby,” ️Jenny Webb said.
Edna Bradshaw
“She is a hard working mum (and) she has the biggest heart,” Kathy Phelps said.
“Edna dotes on her children and grandchildren and will protect them with all her life. Edna goes above and beyond to help those in need.”
Val Rye
“My mother Val Rye (has) been in Roma for many years. She has had a hard life as a lot of people know. She has brought us up well ️and (I’m) proud of her,” Paul Hearne said.
Alaina Scott
“She is an absolute brilliant mum. She comes down to my house for two weeks (and) helps around the farm and looks after my daughter while I work. Couldn’t ask for a better mum,” Emily Scott said.
Birrali Flintoff
“She goes out of her way to help everyone and is a super mum,” Paige Sorensen said.
“Birrali Flintoff, she goes above and beyond to help those and a wonderful mother,” Jamie Partridge seconded.
Daphne Steers
“Mother of six girls, was a cleaner at the middle school for many years (and) has always been involved in the community, “ Noelle Mchugh said.
“Lived here in Roma for 50+ years, has the biggest heart and would give you her last $1 if you needed it more than her.
“I’m so proud and grateful I get to call her my grandmother.” ️
We know there are so many more amazing mums across our community that we couldn’t fit into this list.
The Western Star wishes a happy Mothers Day to all Roma mums working hard behind the scenes.
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