Meet the Barnardos Mother of the Year 2016
Determination, a bit of ‘hard yakka’ and an open heart is all it takes, says the humble Queensland mother
Keelen Mailman is an extraordinary woman. Amongst many things she is the first female Aboriginal cattle station manager (on a station 700km west of Brisbane), author of her own biography, state finalist for Australian of the Year in 2007, an inspirational public speaker, and a fierce and passionate foster mother to five nieces and nephews along with her own children. And today, her relentless bravery has been recognised by being named Barnardos Mother of the Year.
Out of thousands of nominations across the nation, and out of seven other state and territory finalists, Keelen was announced as Barnardos Mother of the Year 2016 at an event held at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney.
Keelen, 49, is a true survivor, rising above a background of poverty, sexual abuse, racism and other adversities, to reach out and offer unconditional love and protection to children in need, starting when she herself was just a child.
When Keelen was 12 her mother suffered a severe stroke, and Keelen, along with her older siblings helped raise her brothers and sisters and help care for her incapacitated mum. More recently, Keelen, who is the author of The Power of Bones, heeded a cry for help from five nieces and nephews living in intolerable conditions, and represented herself in court to successfully obtain full guardianship of the siblings.
“My family of one became a family of six. They came from nothing at all. They were my children not just my nieces and nephews,” Keelen says.
Keelen has been nominated by her foster daughter, Fay Anderson, who credits her aunt for saving her from a life of abuse, neglect and despair.
“Around 14 years ago I didn’t want to live anymore,” says Fay. “How could I hurt so much and still be here on this earth? Let down time and time again by my own parents.
“Aunty Kay became the mother I dreamed of. The mother I always wanted. When someone asks me, ‘Who pushes you to want something so big for yourself?’ all I can say is that I want everything the world has to offer because of this beautiful woman. “She taught me to never accept less than I deserve; I wish I could give her the world. I hope she knows how much I love her.”
Keelen was awarded Barnardos Mother of the Year Queensland in April, and said at the time: “I don’t know if it will really change me all that much. It's an absolute honour, but I’ll just go along doing what I’ve always done and be there to give advice and help. I just look at what I do as taking people in and giving them love, it doesn’t cost anything to give them that.”
Today - when accepting her award Keelen said: “It's an absolute honour. I’d like to thank my beautiful niece Fay for nominating me and Barnardos for all that they do for our most vulnerable.
“I believe all mums are winners. We start from the womb with all these little lovelies and it's so important to keep them safe. Congrats to all you beautiful mums, I hope we continue a long friendship.”
Manisha Amin, Marketing Director for Barnardos Australia said, “This year marks the 21st anniversary of the awards and on behalf of Barnardos Australia I congratulate Keelen on being awarded Barnardos Mother of the Year 2016. Keelen has shown incredible strength, generosity and selfless dedication to one of the hardest jobs there is. She has chosen to learn from the challenges and adversity life has thrown at her, and allowed herself to become a stronger person and mother because of it. She shares her learnings, her love, opens her doors to those who need it, and embodies the meaning of drive and determination.”
In today’s emotional and heartfelt event Keelen was congratulated on her win by fellow State and Territory finalists - Dannielle Kelly ACT, Marg Lohan NSW, Kelly McNamara NT, Laura Waldhuter SA, Amanda Richter TAS, Pauline McKenzie VIC and Andrea Rosel WA - who together embody the true meaning of motherly love and dedication to their children.
Lisa Wilkinson was the MC for the event, whilst Adrian Jones, CEO from APG and Co, who own Sportscraft, the principal sponsor of Barnardos Mother of the Year 2016, presented the awards. Other Barnardos Australia Ambassadors in attendance included Jacinta Tynan, Naomi Simson, Professor Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps, Debra Lawrance, Dennis Coard, Natarsha Belling, Dr GinniMansberg, Renae Smith, Kerryn Baird and Samantha Harris.
“These awards showcase the importance of good mothering and aim to encourage positive parenting across Australia. Unfortunately, current statistics show that a child dies every 15 days in Australia as a result of abuse or neglect. This demonstrates the critical need for Barnardos Australia to continue our vital work with children, families and the community to stop child abuse and neglect,” said Amin.
"Barnardos Mother of The Year aims to recognise women who defy limits of love and care to change the course of the next generation, giving children the gifts of love, security and hope - and this year we've once again been blown away by the nominations. Keelenin particular is a great example of a selfless mother doing amazing things every day. In fact she's spent most of her life helping others, sharing compassion and opening her doors to those who need it.”
As Barnardos Mother of the Year 2016 Keelen receives a major prize pack valued at over $7,000 including a $3,000 Sportscraft voucher, a Breville Kitchen pack valued at $3,000, a $500 Leona Edmiston voucher, a$400 Red Balloon voucher, a Woman’s Day Magazine 12 month subscription and a $500 Dial an Angel voucher from Woman’s Day.
ENDS
------
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. Celebrating its 21st 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 the leading child protection charity in Australia, committed to stopping child abuse. A non-government, non-denominational charity, we have been at the forefront of child protection for over 130 years. We believe all children deserve a safe and stable home. We work with families and communities facing issues such as violence, poverty, mental illness and homelessness to keep children safe at home. Barnardos Australia’s extensive range of services include, family and domestic violence support, mental health support, emergency accommodation, parent education, counselling, foster care and adoption. Our evidence-based research and dedicated caseworkers and carers ensure Barnardos is well equipped to fully support, care for and nurture children in need. For more information or to donate go to:
About Keelen Mailman
Keelen Mailman, 49, is a true survivor, rising above a background of poverty, sexual abuse and racism to reach out and offer unconditional love and protection to children in need, starting when she herself was just a child. A mere 12 years old when her own beloved mother suffered a severe stroke, Keelen immediately stepped in to raise her brothers and sisters and to care for her incapacitated mum. More recently, Keelen, who is the first Aboriginal woman to manage a cattle station and the author of The Power of Bones, heeded a cry for help from five nieces and nephews living in intolerable conditions, and represented herself in court to successfully obtain full guardianship of the siblings.
“My family of one became a family of six. They came from nothing at all. They were my children not just my nieces and nephews,” Keelen says. Keelen is nominated by her foster daughter, Fay Anderson, who credits her aunt for saving her from a life of abuse, neglect and despair.
“Around 14 years ago I didn’t want to live anymore,” says Fay. “How could I hurt so much and still be here on this earth? Let down time and time again by my own parents.
“Aunty Kay became the mother I dreamed of. The mother I always wanted. When someone asks me, ‘Who pushes you to want something so big for yourself?’ all I can say is that I want everything the world has to offer because of this beautiful woman. “She taught me to never accept less than I deserve; I wish I could give her the world. I hope she knows how much I love her.”