Whole clan comes together
A beloved Cairns community figure will be celebrating Mother’s Day with her clan of four daughters, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Ingham-born Queenslander Elaine Tyrrell, 78, recalled the wonderful and fun memories with her family over the years. “Being a mum has just been the best thing,” she said.
“Yes, it’s a tough job, but it’s very fulfilling.”
At 18, Ms Tyrrell made the decision to join the air force and in the years after became a beloved figure in her community at Smithfield and Cairns, where she raised her large family.
She was a member of the local school’s P&C committee and the Girl Guides, as well as a keen participant in her closeknit farming circles.
“I think the best thing about being a mum has been watching my children grow and reach their potential,” she said.
“It has been just as wonderful to see my grandchildren flourish, and now watch as the next generation grows up.”
A resident of not-for-profit aged-care home Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem), she has been fully engaged in her community there since 2014.
Mercy Place Cairns General Manager Zubair Coovadia recognised the wonderful opportunity Mother’s Day provided for people to recognise the special bond between mums and their children, which could also extend to grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“There are many determined and inspiring women like Elaine at Mercy Place Cairns (Bethlehem) who have led full and interesting lives,” he said. “Sunday, May 14, is an opportunity for us to recognise them and celebrate.”