Mum makes the tough decisions
WHILE most people will be thanking their mums for doing the washing and cleaning tomorrow, Rockhampton's Mahnee Barry will be thanking her own for a lot more.
About three years ago, Mahnee and her family migrated to Rockhampton from South Africa to make a better life.
Mahnee's mother, Paula, said while it wasn't an easy decision, it was a necessary move for the wellbeing of her children.
"There was no future there for them," she said.
"There weren't many opportunities for work or study."
Paula said the decision was made after her husband was offered a job in Rockhampton.
"Within five months of deciding to move we were here," she said.
"It wasn't easy for the children either, but we knew it would be safer for them and they would have a better life."
With people across Australia celebrating Mother's Day tomorrow, Mahnee said she was looking forward to spoiling her mum.
"We always do breakfast in bed," she said.
"I think it's a chance to show you appreciate your mum and it's a way to say thank you."
Mahnee is now studying for a Bachelor of Psychology degree and works in the advertising department at The Morning Bulletin.
"If I was still in South Africa I would only be able to do one of those things," Mahnee said.
In the words of a true mother, Paula said as long as Mahnee was "happy in whatever she does" then she would be too.
