Miranda Riddington Named Mother of the Year 2026

We are pleased to share with you our 2026 FamilyVoice Australia Mother of the Year.

This year, we honour Miranda Riddington, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of her community. Miranda, from New South Wales, has been named our sixth Mother of the Year in recognition of a life marked by faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to family.

As our FamilyVoice spokesman Andrew McColl noted, Miranda is a most worthy recipient. Alongside her husband, she has raised ten children while serving faithfully in pastoral ministry and supporting those in need around her.

Interestingly, Miranda would describe herself as “just an ordinary mum.” Yet the picture painted by those who know her, especially her children, is anything but ordinary. They describe a mother who embodies love, humility, patience, and strength. A quiet hero whose impact has shaped not only her own family, but countless others.

For more than three decades, Miranda has served alongside her husband in ministry, walking with people through grief, hardship, and crisis. She has offered practical help, wise counsel, and a compassionate presence to those who needed it most. Her service has extended into prison ministry, support for orphans, and care for women and families facing difficult circumstances.

At the same time, Miranda devoted herself wholeheartedly to raising and homeschooling her ten children. Her home has been a place of faith, encouragement, and resilience. Even through challenging seasons, she modelled trust in God and a commitment to building a strong and loving family.

Now married for 47 years, Miranda is also a grandmother to 16 grandchildren. Her legacy is seen not only in her own family, but in the many lives she has touched through her service and example. She has consistently pointed others toward the importance of strong marriages, stable homes, and faith-filled living.

Too often, women like Miranda go unrecognised. They do not seek attention, yet their influence is profound. They are the quiet foundation upon which strong families, and ultimately a healthy and free society, are built.

That is why FamilyVoice Australia presents this award each year: to honour mothers who reflect the values of faith, family, and service, and to remind our nation where true strength begins.

FamilyVoice Australia is once again hosting the 'Mother of the Year Awards' for a sixth year.

These awards were introduced by FamilyVoice in 2021
· To honour mothers of families through the ‘Mother of the Year Awards’
· To highlight the importance mothers’ play in the development of the child
· To recognise that mothers make a positive impact at home, work, community, church and in the family.

Categories:
Mother of the Year – Open age

Mother of the Year eligibility requirements:

1. A nominee for FamilyVoice Mother of the Year Awards must be the mother of one or more children.

2. She should embody those traits highly regarded in mothers such as loyalty, fidelity, community spirited and display the ability to strengthen family relationships.

3. She should exemplify in her life and conduct the power of a mother’s inner strength to deal with the successes and challenges in life.

4. She should also exhibit an interest in her community by participation in programs and services that enrich mothers, children and/or families.

Nominations must be submitted by 5pm (NSW time), Friday May 1, 2026

A $10 registration fee must be made at the time of submitting your nomination in order for the nomination to be accepted.

The 2026 Mother of the Year of the Year will receive a cash prize and a stunning bouquet of flowers each.

Our 2026 Mother of The Year winner will be announced on Vision Radio on Thursday 7 May. 

Applications for the 2026 Mother of the Year Awards have now closed.