Michelle Galea is truly an incredible woman. She's breaking barriers and inspiring others as the inaugural YMCA Victorian Mother of the Year 2024.
Michelle is a solo mother by choice, raising her 10-year-old son with remarkable resilience, strength, and empathy. By doing so, she's breaking traditional norms and redefining modern parenting.
Her upbringing instilled in her the principles of respect, diligence, and community support, inspiring her to do more for others, even in the face of adversity,
“My family's always been there for everyone else, and I always aim to give more than I receive" she reflects.
Embarking on solo motherhood, Michelle confronted the societal pressures and personal challenges faced by women in their thirties who haven't found a partner. The change in Victoria's laws allowing single women to undergo IVF treatments was a turning point for her. "I spoke to my mum about it, and she said, 'Finish your house and then go for it'," Michelle recounts the crucial family support that backed her decision.
To combat the potential isolation for women like herself, Michelle founded a support group for solo mothers by choice–Australian Solo Mothers By Choice – ASMBC. This initiative, initially meant to build a village for her future child, quickly grew into a large network of over 30 groups, providing support, education and advocacy for 3700 women Australia wide both online and in person.
Some challenges that many women face vary.
From the outset, embarking on the journey of solo motherhood can be incredibly isolating, stressful, and financially demanding. The majority of the woman in ASMBC found the path to solo motherhood a lengthy and emotionally challenging process. Going through the IVF process sometimes feels like playing the pokies - just one more spin, the next spin I will fall pregnant.
With long waiting lists for sperm donations, Michelle has seen an increase in many single women using unregulated sperm to have children. This choice can be risky, exposing them to health issues, legal problems, restrictions on family size, and pressure to have natural insemination (sexual intercourse), which can endanger their safety and emotional health. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed.
Traditional mothers' groups don't always work well for solo mothers because they usually focus on the needs of traditional families. Many solo mothers feel left out in these groups, as the other mothers often look to connect with families similar to their own. This can make solo mothers feel even more isolated. That's where ASMBC steps in, providing a unique avenue for solo mothers to build their own real-life villages.
Stigma still exists for solo families, children get bullied and teased for not having a dad, Michelle hopes that receiving this award will shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by families like hers.
ASMBC encourages open discussions on any topic, from practical parenting advice, sharing of funny stories, sharing special moments you would normally share with a partner, to navigating deep personal challenges, in a nurturing safe space where members engage in discussions covering a diverse range of topics.
Through her advocacy and relentless effort, Michelle not only challenges societal stigmas but also champions the cause of solo mothers.
"I look to provide a resource mums can count on for education, support, and research, providing empathy and respect to all in the donor-conceived community," she states.
The potential overhaul of the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) is a looming concern. With services being moved to a government unit lacking the specialised experience in the emotional complexities of donor conception. Michelle is apprehensive, "We're so fortunate to live in Victoria and have VARTA's support," she explains, "but now, with these changes, we're very worried". This shift could dilute the invaluable support that authorities like VARTA provide in navigating donor connections and counselling.
Michelle's commitment to ASMBC goes beyond virtual interactions; she actively encourages in-person meetups, encouraging members across Australia to make real-life connections. These meet-ups play a crucial role in building genuine relationships among ASMBC members.
These meet-ups serve much more than just social gatherings; they are lifelines for members navigating their unique parenting journeys. Connecting in person helps alleviate feelings of isolation and provides a sense of belonging. Moreover, these gatherings enable members to establish their own support networks, akin to building their own villages. So that ASMBC members are “Solo But Never Alone”
Michelle's resilience and dedication shine even brighter amidst her personal battles. Juggling cancer treatment, solo motherhood, managing her family business, yet she still continued to prioritise the ASMBC Village, demonstrating unwavering commitment and strength. Throughout her chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Michelle organised and hosted ASMBC events, including the annual Victorian Christmas party for over 100 families and the annual Victorian weekend getaway for over 40 families. Her determination to support fellow mothers and their children remained steadfast, even as she kept her cancer journey private.
Michelle is a pioneering figure in advocating for solo mothers. Creating an inclusive community that redefines family dynamics for modern times, Michelle is helping us move toward a more supportive community that recognises all forms of parenthood as equally important and essential.
ASMBC operates solely through volunteers, primarily led by Michelle, and they do not receive any funding. If you're interested in partnering or supporting their group, please reach out to them via email at asmbcinc@gmail.com.