My mother, Rita Margaret, qualified as a junior school teacher after I started school. She worked up until retirement and her passion was teaching children to read. She spent many hours of her own time after school helping children who were struggling. She loved her family dearly and could never do enough for us. She could turn her hand to pretty much anything and was a great cook, knitter and dressmaker. She had a wicked sense of humour and a naughty laugh. She was always there if you needed her, and always had the right words when things went wrong. I miss her still and am proud that we have this lasting memorial to two wonderful women.

My mother, Patricia Margaret, was born with a rare facial haemangioma condition that affected the right side of her face. Despite this very visible deformity, she was an active and involved parent who encouraged her children to explore and participate in the world around them. Her personality was gentle, caring, and extremely inquisitive, and she attracted gentle like-minded souls to her like moths to a flame. Patricia was a gifted artist, a keen gardener, and an adventurous cook, who introduce me to the joyful potential that exists in a piece of clay, the wonder of what waits patiently to be discovered hidden in the expanse of a blank canvas, and the delight of growing and cooking my own food. My mother taught me strength in adversity and compassion for the hidden stories of others. I remember her soft, loving touch, her beautiful hands. It gives me great joy to be able to share these memories of her with you and to honour the memory of these two precious Mums through our Daisy Scholarship.