FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, 9 April 2014
Wendy Daft Announced Winner of
Barnardos Mother Of The Year 2014 Tasmania
The Barnardos Mother of the Year 2014 Tasmania winner was announced today at an
awards ceremony held at The Old Woolstore in Hobart.
Acting Lord Mayor Alderman Ron Christie, presented Wendy Daft of Tinderbox with the
prestigious award which recognises and celebrates mothers for the enormous contribution
they make in shaping Australia’s future.
Stacey Peel and Robyn Curtain were also commended as Tasmania finalists in the annual
awards.
Anna McMahon from WIN TV was the MC for the event and senior speaker for Barnardos
Australia was Kerry Moore.
Manisha Amin, Head of Marketing and Fundraising for Barnardos Australia said, “On behalf
of Barnardos Australia I congratulate Wendy Daft on becoming Barnardos Mother of the
Year 2014 Tasmania. Wendy epitomises what these awards are all about, and we are pleased
to recognise her amazing gift for caring and nurturing our next generation.”
Wendy will be joining the rest of the State finalists and their nominators in Sydney for three
days of festivities culminating in a gala luncheon to announce the Barnardos Mother of the
Year 2014. The event will be held on Friday, May 9 at Doltone House, Darling Island,
Pyrmont, just prior to Mother’s Day. Lisa Wilkinson will take on the role of MC and Mia
Freedman will join her as the keynote speaker.
As the Barnardos Mother of the Year 2014 Tasmania winner, Wendy will receive a trip to
Sydney for herself and her nominator, including flights, transfers, accommodation and
entertainment. An invitation to the National Announcement Luncheon for herself and her
nominator, a Captain Cook Sydney Harbour sightseeing cruise for herself and her nominator
whilst in Sydney for the National Announcement Luncheon, a Magdelena Photography
portraiture package, Breville All In One food processing station, EasyFlowers bouquet,
Simone Péréle $100 winner gift voucher and A Hi-Viz Harlequin school bag pack including
an Ergo Tuff-Pack, a Safety Library Bag and a Hi-Viz Excursion bag.
As a finalist she is in the running to win a $1000 ALDI gift voucher, a three night Captain
Cook Cruises Murray Princess River Cruise for two people, Breville kitchen appliances –
Quick Touch Microwave, Fountain Pro juice extractor and Scraper Mixer Pro, EasyFlowers
bouquet at the National Announcement event, Simone Péréle $500 voucher and a $500
Harlequin School Bag voucher.
Now in its 19th year, Barnardos Mother of the Year is the largest and most recognised national
awards celebrating motherhood. As Australia’s leading child protection charity, Barnardos
Australia works with families through support programs to keep children safe at home and by
finding safe homes for abused children through its foster care and adoption programs.
Donations play a critical role in the operation of these vital programs. Visit
www.barnardos.com.au and donate today.
Media Contact:
Leonie Conley – Beebox Mgmt – Tel: 0416 927 584 / leonie@beeboxmgmt.com
About the winner :
TINDERBOX, TAS: 64 year old Wendy Daft has been a foster carer for about 15 years. When Wendy takes her
foster children in, they usually turn up with nothing but clothes, but they never leave her home that way. She
endlessly spoils these children who have had such a hard start to their young lives. The eldest of her foster
children is now 8 years old and he started living with her at 3 months. His sister and brother followed, all a year
apart and Wendy is now in the process of adopting them all. Most recently, Wendy has fostered a baby boy
who came to live with her at 3 days old and they have just celebrated his 1 st birthday.
In 2008 tragedy struck the family when Sammy, a baby girl with many disabilities, who had been in Wendy’s
care, passed away in her cot. Her heart had given up in her sleep. Throughout this shock, Wendy managed to
stay strong and keep the family together, not only dealing with her own grief, but also managing to continue
caring for her own children, her husband and her other foster children.
Wendy’s biological daughter, 22 year old Shaye Daft has nominated her mum, who she describes as “her idol”,
not only for the care she has given to all of the foster children in her care, but for being an incredible mother to
her through her love and to be the shining light at the end of the tunnel for her when she was suffering from
depression. When asked what she loves most about being a mum, Wendy has said, “That the kids come back to
me with their problems and usually we can sort it out. I like their company, playing with them, being part of
their life”.
About Barnardos Australia
Barnardos Australia is one of the leading child protection charities. A non-government, non-denominational
charity, we have been at the forefront of child protection for over 130 years. We believe all children deserve to be
loved and nurtured. We work with families and communities facing issues such as violence, poverty, mental
illness and homelessness to keep children safe at home. Barnardos 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.
Our vision is that all children and young people will have caring families, in which they can grow up safely
and reach their full potential supported by quality services and engaged communities.
For more information visit: www.barnardos.com.au and www.motheroftheyear.com.au.