‘We always manage to find a way forward’

A typical day in the Cooper household is “madness”, according to accidental family matriarch Zoewella. The young carer didn’t give it a second thought when she volunteered to raise her five half-siblings, following the death of their mother six years ago, and her own mother a year later.

“I felt kind of young at 23 to have this happen to me, but as soon as I focused on the kids and what was best for them, the decision was easy,” Zoewella says proudly.

Now 29 and with three young children of her own, the hardworking Kalgoorlie mum has been recognised for her selflessness by being named WA Barnados Mother of the Year.

“When I found out my sister Charlene had nominated me, I almost cried,” says Zoewella, who juggles full-time work as a manager in the community services industry with raising eight kids. “She’s the best multi-tasker I know,” adds Charlene, 34, who is in awe of the way her younger sister juggles two school drop-offs each day, therapy for her autistic four-year old, sporting commitments for all kids and putting a meal on the table each night. “I don’t reckon there are many 23-year-old first-time mums who could take it on,” Charlene says.

As a result of her commitment to her family, Zoewella’s siblings have grown into thriving, self-motivated teens. The eldest graduated from high school last year and is now studying at university.

“Sometimes I wish I was a bit older, so I could answer all their questions like an older mother would,” says Zoewella.

“But I love my big family and we always manage to find a way forward.”