The breakfast’s two speakers, Brenda Spilva and Roslyn Lockhart had very interesting stories to tell about dealing with cultural differences, their journeys through motherhood and assisting others.Brenda Spilva spoke first and described her adolescence with a European heritage and dealing with how to fit in before juggling several jobs in her adulthood whilst learning of her sons Autism and ADHD diagnoses and empowering children and adolescents.“I appreciated the tag line on the AIM Facebook page: An opportunity to acknowledge, be inspired by and mingle with dynamic women from diverse backgrounds,” Ms Spilva said.
“Thank you - I feel seen and heard and it's been a privilege.
“For any fellow special needs parents in the room or carers of those with a disability or a neurodivergent, I see you, I understand you and believe sharing the vulnerable parts of how hard it can be to advocate.“If anyone is sitting on a dream to create a different life for themselves in a small or a big way my advice is; Just take that first step.”
Roslyn Lockhart spoke of her life as a proud Aboriginal woman, her passion for art and her families experience of becoming kinship carers.
“I have, nor will never have, the worry or fear for my safety nor the concern of my children being taken solely because of their race. I will never know the concerns that my great Nan and grandmother had around keeping their children,” Ms Lockhart said.
“Being Aboriginal and being part of a large Aboriginal family was just an everyday part of our lives. Growing up with a family, and a mum and dad who truly valued education was just another blessing.
“When my children left, art became a passion and on weekends I paint, as we were empty nesters for six years and I needed something in my life to fill this gap.“This dramatically changed when one afternoon I got a phone call out of the blue asking to care for two family members. In August 2019 my husband and I became Kinship carers.”
MC for the day Tracie Holgate, who announced the exciting news of her first pregnancy to the cheers of delighted women, praised both speeches.
“Both of these ladies are great advocates for minority groups of people and were loudly applauded for their speeches,” Ms Holgate said.
The next AIM breakfast is scheduled to be held in May at YMGCR’s Willow Room with further details to come.
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