Barnardos Mother of the Year SA finalist, proudly supported by ALDI Australia.
SA finalist Barbie Cutting - nominated by daughter Rosemary.
Barbie Cutting is known in her community as ‘Ma’; an unofficial mother to all. For many decades, ‘Ma’s house’ has been a place where her own children and others know they will find that special person who will make them feel valued, supported and safe.
Barbie, 86, has been nominated by her daughter, Rosemary Cutting, 53, who wants to thank her mother for devoting her whole life to ensuring a better future for her own children and extending her open arms to others, even in the wake of unthinkable tragedy and hardship.
“At 32 years old she was left a widow with us 11 kids, after dad committed suicide when I was 11 months old,” said Rosemary.
“Mum endured much heartache, poverty and many struggles along the way and also took in every stray kid that had nowhere to live.
“She has devoted her whole life to her kids, and I would love to thank her for shaping the person I am and for raising 11 decent, loving citizens and for all the selfless sacrifices she made to ensure her children’s futures.”
Rosemary recalls the days when Barbie would round up stray kids that were “hanging out at the shops and up to no good” and organise cricket matches to play against ‘Ma's Mob’, aka her children.
“Many of these stray kids still visit Mum to this day,” said Rosemary.
“She really is one remarkable woman and my siblings and I would love nothing more than to have mum recognised for her contribution to life and the community.”