Kerryn Phelps and Jackie Stricker-Phelps have been announced as Ambassadors for Barnardos Mother of the Year Award.

Leading child welfare charity Barnardos Australia is thrilled to announce Professor Kerryn Phelps AM and wife Jackie Stricker-Phelps as 2013 Mother of the Year Ambassadors.

Now in its 18th Year, Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards is the charity’s flagship event, which honours and recognises the enormous contribution that everyday Mums make in shaping Australia’s future through nurturing children.

Manisha Amin, Barnardos Australia Marketing & Fundraising Director, said Barnardos Australia was proud to welcome two high profile mothers like Kerryn and Jackie to the Awards.

“Each year, Barnardos Australia recognises and rewards inspirational mothers in our community through Barnardos Australia’s Mother of the Year Awards.

“This Mothers Day Barnardos Australia wants to celebrate these families and the mothers who make homes that children can belong to,” Amin said.

Professor Phelps said the role of mothers, whether biological or not, in children’s lives, is fundamental to their development and remains a lifelong influence.

“Mothers are so special because they are the first point of reference for a child, and remain one of our most powerful influences.

“However, not all children are fortunate enough to have love and care from their biological mother. Strong and positive mothering helps children to become confident and independent adults,” Phelps said.

As Australia’s leading child welfare charity, Barnardos knows that if a child’s developmental needs for attachment and emotional growth are not met in the first three years of their lives, these children may be damaged for life.

Kerryn and Jackie join other high profile Barnardos Mother of Year Ambassadors including Noni Hazlehurst, Damien Leith, Natarsha Belling, Lisa Wilkinson and Dr Ginni Mansberg, plus many other great judges.