ELisha extended her story to show her endless gratitude for a remarkable woman who has won the hearts of many, and not just through her tasty treats. 

A HEART SO FULL, MUM’S NEVER MISSED A BEAT

When I got the call from my brother.... I cried,

Mum’s been air lifted to hospital, our dad by her side,

A head on with a truck so lucky to be here

Dad first on the scene, an ex ambo, filled with fear

I can’t remember the drive to Canberra that day,

Until I heard the helicopter doctor say,

“I can’t believe your mum’s going to pull through”

Then I remember thinking, “you would believe it if you knew”.

If you knew shes devoted her life to others

Five children, myself, three sisters and a brother,

And if that wasn’t enough, my Mum embraced many more,

In our house, in her heart, she opened many a door,

To 34 foster children, who needed a home,

She wanted them to know, they were never alone,

To feel the motherly warmth that all little ones deserve,

A house brimming with children she selflessly did serve

Mum’s heart also devoted to the love of her life

Forever together, with my dad as his wife,

A marriage of equals, respect and admiration,

Remains heartfelt, together they created many a generation

If you only knew doctor, while raising so many,

To 16 Mum became the most brilliant-est nanny,

More than that now, a grand-nanny to three,

And mother to little fur baby, Oapie

Outside of Motherhood she churned out degrees

And as a social worker, responded to pleas,

Fought for justice, equality and all that’s right,

Never a judgement of others in sight

A creative spirit, and the talent to match

Mums love in our quilts, her joy in each patch,

Lamingtons, scones, Anzac biscuits and roasts,

Bring us all together though she never boasts

I could go on and on doctor, but there’s no surprise,

That my mum has pulled through and through my very eyes

I see her body heal quickly, it’s like a magic show

I can assure you there’s no one more derserving then mum, you know 

And in light of her accident, she continues her plight 

Funding an orthopaedic surgeons business class flight,

With all jokes aside, it isn’t by chance

Mum defeated all odds and continued the dance

Her life as the dance floor, we all bust a move,

Celebrating my mum, we all get in the groove,

Wouldn’t miss the party doctor, she’d never miss a beat,

For it is on that dance floor, That we will always meet. 

- Elisha Wealands

MY MOTHER, Olive Goldstraw is the most extraordinary woman there is. Olive will turn 96 in July and considering the hard life she had, that is a miracle. Olive was born in Junee and has lived most of her life in Junee.

Mum brought up 12 children by herself and back in those days there was no such thing as a pension. Mum always provided for us, even when she went without, if we had visitors she would always make the food go around. She is a loving and caring person, who would do anything for anyone. When I was young I didn’t realise how much she did for us, but I do now. People would always say how extraordinary she is and that is the truth.

- Kathleen Hoskin

Balancing a young family and her professional life so beautifully – I would love to give you insight about my wife Saba Nabi. 

We as a family came to Australia by the end of 2011 to finish our PhD. I being a full time researcher didn’t had spare time to look after my only daughter who was 2 years old that time. Saba started her PhD in early 2012-managed so beautifully my daughter, took her everywhere so that her childhood is not lost in the juggles of life, managed her social and professional life so well. 

I read somewhere that females have multitasking abilities and this was evident at our place where she managed everything so well in an alien land without an extended family.

She did struggle at times but overcame all her challenges and barriers and made a remarkable mark for herself, locally as well as on national level.

She never comprised on the upbringing of our child. She managed everything without neglecting or avoiding the responsibilities of a wife as well as a mother.

I think she need to be commended for her input as a Mom.

- Syed Haris Omar