The Victorian Mother of the Year Award celebrates extraordinary mother figures and community caregivers who help create a just world – where everyone belongs!
The award highlights the importance of role-models who inspire and empower those around them. Mums and mother figures are all around us, not only in our families but in our local community groups, schools and workplaces.
The winner will be honoured by the Lord Mayor of Melbourne at a special ceremony and receive $10,000 in funding to support initiatives that uplift young people and families in need.
Nominations for Victorian Mother of the Year 2025 are now closed. The winner of this year's award will be announced on Thursday 8 May 2025, just in time for Mother’s Day!
For media enquiries, please contact media@ymca.org.au.
Meet Winner of the Y Victorian Mother of the Year Award 2024 - Michelle Galea
Michelle Galea is truly incredible, breaking barriers and inspiring others. She is a solo mother by choice, raising her 10-year-old son with remarkable resilience, strength and empathy.
Michelle is the founder of the Australian Solo Mothers by Choice (ASMBC) group, who break traditional norms and redefine modern parenting.
Last year after winning the inaugural Victorian Mother of the Year Award, Michelle hosted six families from ASMBC at the YMCA Lake Dewar Discovery Camp. The camp was funded by YMCA’s Open Door Program and was packed with adventure, reflection and heartfelt moments. Read more about it here.
