News

Published: 07 May 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.

Published: 27 March 2026

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Published: 06 March 2026

The Termination of Pregnancy (Terminations and Live Births) Amendment Bill 2024 ‘Live Births Bill’ was intorduced by Ben Hood MLC. The Bill aimed to ensure that babies from 28 weeks’ gestation would be delivered alive rather than aborted.

Second reading vote in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Voted for the Bill (Good vote)

Nicola Centofanti

Sarah Game

Heidi Girolamo

Laura Henderson

Ben Hood (teller)

Jing Lee

Tung Ngo

Frank Pangallo

Clare Scriven

Dennis Hood (paired vote in favour)

Voted against the Bill (Bad vote)

Connie Bonaros

Emily Bourke

Mira El Dannawi

Tammy Franks (teller)

Justin Hanson

Ian Hunter

Kyam Maher

Reggie Martin

Robert Simms

Russell Wortley

Michelle Lensink (paired vote against)

Published: 06 March 2026

The Termination of Pregnancy (Restrictions on Terminations after 22 weeks and 6 Days) Amendment Bill 2025 was introduced by Sarah Game MLC. It sought to ban late‑term abortions—those beyond 23 weeks’ gestation. 

Second reading vote in the Legislative Council on Wednesday, 12 November 2025

Voted for the Bill (Good vote)

Nicola Centofanti

Sarah Game (teller)

Heidi Girolamo

Ben Hood

Dennis Hood

Tung Ngo

Frank Pangallo

Clare Scriven

Laura Henderson (paired vote in favour)

Voted against the Bill (Bad vote)

Connie Bonaros

Emily Bourke

Mira El Dannawi

Tammy Franks (teller)

Justin Hanson

Ian Hunter

Jing Lee

Michelle Lensink

Kyam Maher

Robert Simms

Russell Wortley

Reggie Martin (paired vote against)