Altona resident Michelle Galea has been named the inaugural Victorian Mother of the year for her nationwide volunteering efforts.
Ms Galea founded Australian Solo Mothers By Choice in 2013, which has now accumulated more 3700 members across Australia.
“We support all women who are thinking about doing solo motherhood because a lot of women feel they can’t really do it,” she said.
“I find that our group really empowers women to make those choices so that they can do it.”
Michelle said she created the group to noy only empower women, but also show her son there are others out there like him.
“I wanted my son to know that he wasn’t the only child out there conceived with no father,” she said.
“I wanted him to be surrounded by other kids who were going through similar issues.
“I wanted to make sure that my son knew he had other people like him, because as much as he can talk to me , there are other people like him.”
After more than a decade of hard work, Michelle said it is great to have received recognition in the form of this award.
“It is really humbling, and really nice to receive this,” she said.
“I am so thankful that I am in a fortunate position where I can help so many people.
“I have always believed we need to give more than we take so this award is for the whole group. It is for everyone.”
With no plans on slowing down any time soon, Michelle said she hopes she can continue to connect more mothers.
“I want to empower women to know that they’ve got a choice and to normalise different daily structures.”
Jennifer Pittorino
