Woman’s Day congratulates all the finalists!

Australian Capital Territory

At just 38, DIANNE BROOKES suffered two strokes that left her paralysed on her left side. Undaunted, Dianne learned to cope and raised her three girls on her own. Now 49, she has spent the intervening years giving back, volunteering at Camp Quality for children impacted by cancer, at St Vincent’s food vans helping to feed the homeless, and at Orange Sky doing laundry for homeless people.

Tasmania

At 84, grandmother-of-10 JOAN BELLINGER should be enjoying retirement. Yet when her son-in-law was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia four years ago, she put her own needs aside to step in and support her daughter’s devastated family around the clock.

Victoria

SNJEZANA (SUE) BRCIC and her family arrived in Australia in 1999 after fleeing Bosnia, then living as refugees in Germany for eight years. Despite lean times Sue, 50, is a longtime volunteer and has now found the courage to further her education, while helping her daughter through depression and a law degree.

Western Australia

When FAYE GILL’S fourth child was born completely deaf and blind, doctors told Faye she would never communicate. But determined Faye has taught Lauren to fingerspell, sign and read braille. Today, the 57-year-old grandmother-of-three continues to be the primary carer for Lauren, and is the founding member of the Western Australia Deaf/blind Association.

Queensland

As well as raising two sons, CINDY RIGBY has rescued more than 90 foster children. Some stayed in her care a few days, others for years. Despite setbacks, the 61-year-old has remained their “pillar of strength”, always.

Northern Territory

When children from Alice Springs need a safe place, they turn to JENNIE RYAN. The 57-yearold mother-of-four opens her heart and home to children of all ages in her local area.

South Australia

After growing up in poverty, then 22-year-old single mother-of-two SARAH BAILLIE decided to turn her life around for her kids. Now married and a mum to four, Sarah, 38, has one at university and works at a special school.