Macgregor single mother Maree O'Neale - a brave survivor of domestic violence - was this morning named the Barnardos Australia's ACT Mother of the Year.
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She walked away from a violent marriage about eight years ago to ensure a better life for herself and her three children, Lauren, 15; Shelby, 14; and Declan, nine.
"It hasn't been easy. We've always had one step forward and two steps back but I was determined to overcome the challenges and give my kids the best opportunities I could," she said.
Ms O'Neale was nominated for the award by Lauren who said her mother was always there for them, whether it was attending every basketball or soccer game or supporting Shelby, who has Asperger syndrome.
"She does this with not very much money and no time for herself. She helps everyone just because she simply cares," Lauren said,
Ms O'Neale, 37, works full-time as assistant director in the technology services division with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship as well as studying a double degree part-time with the hope of ultimately working with victims of domestic violence.
"It's still a little surreal. I think I've been feeling so overwhelmed the last few days. It's an honour," she said of her win.
"I feel very privileged to have a wonderful daughter who as a teenager could look back and appreciate what her mum does for her. I think that was an amazing thing to do."
ACT Opposition Leader Zed Seselja announced Ms O'Neale as the Mother of the Year, saying all three finalists were worthy winners and praising the work of Barnardos Australia to improve the lives of children and "letting kids be kids".
"Looking after children is the most important thing we do," he said.
The other finalists were Rita Eronen, 62, of Kaleen who worked for a child health nurse for more than 30 years, including at the QE2 and as a professional development and research nurse with the ACT Government. She has also cared for her now grown children Mari, 36, and Marko, 35, and for her husband Martii? who suffered a stroke in 2010. She was nominated by her daughter Mari.
"She believes in lifelong learning. She's supported us in our development. I was diagnosed with a chronic illness in my early teens and she's always supported me," Mari said. "There's been some trying times in the last few years, she's had incredible personal challenges, but still looked after me, even as an adult."
Also a finalist was Isabella Haines, 43, of Yarralumla who has raised two children Tammara, 22, and Joshua, 20. She has also cared for her husband Ricky who suffered a stroke when he was just 27. She has also recently opened a business, Isabel's Dog Grooming in Phillip. Tammara nominated her mother.
"My mum lost everything when I told my parents I was gay," Tammara said. "She lost most of her family...She has always told me to believe in myself and no matter what she will always love me. The most important thing that she told me was that, 'It's not your fault'. My mum is my best friend and my rock and the strongest person I know."
