Alex Topakas

Life was fraught for *Lucy, a single mum who had escaped from domestic violence but was having trouble coping with her young daughter and the demands of everyday life.​ She was far away from her native land, flat broke and had no job, no permanent home, no family nearby and no friends.​ Her daughter seemed…

Domestic violence, drugs, alcohol, mental trauma, homelessness, stealing to support a habit, police, court appearances … *Katie’s life had spiralled way out of control. It seemed like she was on an endless misery-go-round, and she didn’t know how to get off. The low point came when she lost custody of her eldest children – and it…

When Rosie Bililis started volunteering at CatholicCare’s Neighbour Aid, little did she know that at 74 years old she’d be reaching the milestone of almost three decades of service. The mother-of-two started volunteering with Neighbour Aid in Blacktown in 1992 supporting elderly people with shopping, travel to medical appointments, outings and exercise. Her volunteer position…

Two mothers are better than one, especially if the extra is a ‘supermum’. That’s the experience of mother-of-three Kylee Peachey, who found a ‘second mum’ for her children through family day care. The busy professional now raves about the benefits of having children cared for and taught in small groups – the maximum is four…