For Brenda, being a mum has always been about one simple thing: raising “decent human beings.” 

It’s a phrase she says modestly, almost in passing, but behind it is a lifetime of care, resilience, and a deep connection to community that has shaped not only her four children, but generations of her family through St John Ambulance Victoria. 

Brenda’s journey with St John began when her children were still young. At one point, three of them were cadets at the same time, a busy household by any measure, but for Brenda, it never felt like an extra commitment. 

“It’s just part of it, isn’t it?” she says. 

What started as a way to support her children soon became something much bigger, a shared family experience grounded in service, responsibility and belonging. 

“It definitely gives them a good sense of community… that’s what we always say, it’s how we give back.” 

That sense of giving back became a thread that ran through family life. Brenda and her husband Tony often volunteer side by side, something she jokes is her way of spending time with him, while their daughter Jaimee, now a volunteer herself and a mum, has carried that same passion forward.

Through St John, Jaimee found her path into nursing. Now, her own daughter Lilly is preparing to join the youth program, marking what could become four generations of the same family connected through service. 

“Tony’s mum, myself, Jaimee and Lilly… that’ll be four generations,” Brenda says. “Pretty good.” 

For Jaimee, volunteering alongside her mum is something deeply meaningful. 

“I'm incredibly lucky to be able to volunteer alongside my mum. It is just another way that we get to spend time together as a family. Mum has always been one to look out for others and do what she can to give back to her local community. She inspires me every day with her drive, resilience and her passion for helping others. I'm proud to call her my mum and I can't put into words how much I appreciate all that she does for me and our family.” 

While not all of Brenda’s children stayed on as volunteers, she sees the impact St John had on all of them. 

“They’ve all gone different ways,” she says. “But it gave them that base - community, helping others… even if they didn’t stay, they still carry that with them.” 

For Brenda, motherhood wasn’t without its challenges. Like many mums, she balanced work, raising young children and long periods of doing it on her own while her husband was away for work. 

“That was probably the hardest time… working full time and looking after them when they were really little.” 

But through it all, she focused on instilling independence and care in her children, something she now sees reflected in who they have become. 

“They were always very good at looking after each other… I think that just comes from what you teach them.” 

Among her many memories with St John, one stands out: a day where the whole family, Brenda, Tony, and three of their children, were all on duty together at an event. 

“We didn’t get many of those,” she says. “But that one… that was special. A whole family day, all doing our bit.” 

Now a grandmother, Brenda describes herself simply as “the support person”, always there to help, to care, and to step in when needed. 

And it’s that same quiet strength she extends to other mums, especially those doing it tough. 

“If you’re struggling, find someone you can reach out to,” she says. “Whether it’s St John, a community group, anything… don’t try to do it on your own.” 

For Brenda, community has never just been a word, it’s been a lifeline, a support network, and a place where lifelong friendships are built. 

“Once you find that one person, you can usually find your tribe.” 

This Mother’s Day, Brenda’s story is a reminder that motherhood isn’t just about raising children; it’s about shaping values, building connections, and creating a legacy of care that can last for generations. 

And sometimes, it all starts with simply showing up, for your family, and for your community.