KATHERINE Wills was named the ACT’s “Mother of the Year” today, in recognition of the support she has provided to her brother Mark and his partner Nerissa, who became new parents in 2011.

When she heard the big news from Mark and Nerissa, who both have intellectual disabilities, Katherine and her husband offered to provide the 24-hour support they needed to care for their new baby.

She became Nerissa’s carer and also helped look after baby Hope once she arrived, a role which quickly became full-time and led to her giving up on plans to return to the workforce.

Katherine is also a mother of two teenage children and a foster mother to a third, who has recently left home.

She and her husband even sold their home to buy a bigger house for the new extended family to live in together, which has placed the family under significant financial strain.

But according to her friend Jackelyn, who nominated her, Katherine is “a kind, caring person who always has a smile on her face”.

“She always has time to give to others and empathy for people in need,” says Jackelyn. “A better person and friend would be hard to find.”

When Katherine was asked about her favourite part of being a mum, she said “The pleasure of watching your children learn, grow and enjoy life.”

The Banardos Mother of the Year award for the ACT was presented this morning at University House by the Member for Brindabella, Zed Seselja, who also presented the award to last year’s winner, Maree O’Neill.

She now stands a chance of being recognised as Australia’s Mother of the Year at a lunchtime presentation in Sydney on May 10.