Written by: Anna Byrne
Read time: 5 minutes

This Mother’s Day, we want to celebrate the extraordinary Women Who support, listen, laugh, protect, and so much more. From mothers and grandmothers to special aunts, fur mums, and work mums, we want to honour every mother-at-heart and highlight the diverse roles and qualities that make every mother figure so uniquely special.

Here, we speak with four remarkable women in our Sussan community about their experiences, inspirations, and reflections on motherhood.

Their stories offer a glimpse into the women who inspire them, the hidden challenges they navigate and the cherished moments that leave an indelible mark on their lives.

PAULA, MARKETING MANAGER BREAST CANCER NETWORK AUSTRALIA & MUM OF 2

Finish this sentence, “Mothers are women who…” 
Mothers are women who give the best hugs in those times of need and also know how to function on two hours of sleep.  
Mothers are women you can call at any time with any worry but will also call you out when you need to pull your socks up.

Who are you celebrating this Mother’s Day?
I am celebrating the women who put on a brave face for their kids when life goes sideways.

Who are the women in your life who inspire you, especially in your unique journey through motherhood?
I’m inspired by brave, hardworking, passionate women who aren’t scared to break the mould. I’m also motivated by vulnerable and courageous women who will do anything for their families.

What elements in your motherhood experience do you feel get overlooked or go unnoticed? 
I think the biggest thing that gets overlooked for any mother is the mental load, especially being a working mother and even more so with a child starting school. Being a parent of a preppy is a full-time admin job in itself—two new apps, a Whatsapp group, and a million more emails to add to the load.

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown since becoming a mother?
Since becoming a mother, I’ve discovered I’m much stronger than I ever realised or gave myself credit for. I was diagnosed with breast cancer when my daughter Valentina was just five months old, so my journey into motherhood was different than I expected.

I am very grateful for the lessons I have learned through the adversity life has thrown my way. The greatest gift is being able to have two incredible little humans. Having my son Romeo after all my intense cancer treatment is more like a miracle. I know I’m the lucky one, and many others out there are not as lucky as I am. So, for this, I am grateful.

PHOEBE, MODEL & MUM OF 2

Finish this sentence, “Mothers are women who…” 
… live a double life: the woman she was before motherhood and the woman she’s become since motherhood. She must ensure that one doesn’t overshadow the other and recognise the beauty and strength in who she is for the benefit of her children and herself. 

Who are you celebrating this Mother’s Day? 
This year, I will be celebrating one woman in particular: my beautiful sister-in-law, Marianne. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll know she gave up everything to help look after me post-surgery and then moved with us to Sydney for a year to help look after our family. We had a newborn baby, moved house twice and were in the middle of a home renovation. It was a massive year, and I can honestly say we would not have survived it without her. As a result, she is more than just a sister-in-law; she is undoubtedly one of my best friends.

Who are the women who inspire you in your journey through motherhood? 
I’m so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible women who constantly teach, inspire and uplift me. My own mum has the utmost patience and unwavering love for me. George’s niece, Yasmine, has the kindest heart and is one of the most powerful, self-driven women I know. George’s mum, Mona who, has my back no matter what. My friend Jo who began the chaotic journey of starting her own clothing line without sacrificing her children along the way. These are just a few women who inspire me daily to be a better mum and woman.

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown personally since becoming a mother? 
This is a tricky question, as I suffer majorly from imposter syndrome. As a mum, you can feel like you are under a spotlight, which adds pressure to an already stressful situation. It’s hard to see exactly how I’ve grown since becoming a mother, as it can be challenging to see the bigger picture when you are in the middle of everything. However, I try to learn from my mistakes, always put myself in my children’s shoes, and avoid going down a guilt-trip rabbit hole for my decisions. I’ve also made a conscious effort to start each day with a clean slate to be the best I can be for my kids.



JENNA, AUSTRALIAN COTTON FARMER & MUM OF THREE

Who are you celebrating this Mother’s Day?
I am celebrating the women who have shaped me with their wisdom, kindness and unwavering support.

Who are the women in your life who inspire you, especially in your unique journey through motherhood? 
The women in my family, friendship circles and wider network who demonstrate resilience and compassion. They have all helped guide me through my professional career and the challenges and joys of raising a family. 

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown personally since becoming a mother?
Being a young mother has accelerated my maturity and deepened my sense of responsibility in ways I never imagined. Motherhood has taught me the value of patience, selflessness and adaptability. It has also pushed me to confront my fears and embrace vulnerability. Each day presents growth opportunities, whether learning to juggle multiple tasks efficiently or finding creative solutions to unexpected obstacles. The experience has shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate individual, capable of facing challenges with grace and determination.

What elements in your motherhood experience do you feel get overlooked or go unnoticed? 
The unseen battles against self-doubt, worry, and anxiety about the well-being of our children often go unnoticed. The countless sleepless nights spent fretting over every decision made and every obstacle encountered can quickly fade into the background of daily life. 

How will you celebrate a mother figure in your life this Mother’s Day? 
Something handmade or cooked with love. 

DIANNE, SUSSAN AIRPORT WEST STORE MANAGER & MUM OF THREE

Who are you celebrating this Mother’s Day?
I am celebrating the women who are carers of the physically and mentally challenged, where there are no negative preconceptions but great love and acceptance of people who are different. I am also celebrating the women who are foster mums and step into the unknown and the challenging role of caring for traumatised children to make a positive difference in their lives. And finally, the women who take a stance on violence against women and girls and misogyny, a worldwide issue which threatens the very fabric of societies.

Finish this sentence, “Mothers are women who…” 
Mothers are women who advise without judgement, give without any expectations, listen with sincerity and love unconditionally.

In what ways do you feel you’ve grown as a mother and as a mother figure and mentor in the workplace?
As I’ve grown from being a mum of three and a casual team member to a manager within Sussan, my Mum instincts are always present.

As a manager within Sussan, I care for my co-workers in a nurturing manner by looking out for every one of them by checking in, showing a caring nature and being present for them as if they are my family.

What is the most impactful piece of wisdom you have received from a mother figure that continues to resonate with you?
My 96-year-old grandma Melva once told me, “To live a long life, you need to work hard.” So, I do my best daily by working hard at work and at home.

As a workplace “mum” figure, how do you create a positive, supportive environment?
If team members have concerns or want advice for work or life, we can easily approach one another like we would our mothers. I appreciate that we have a loving and caring working environment and that we all respect each other.

What gesture or gift would you recommend to celebrate a workplace mother figure this Mother’s Day?
A pair of our beautiful pyjamas, a cosy gown, and matching slippers to relax in after a day at work is a gorgeous gift that will make them feel cared for, appreciated, and cherished.