Steadfast mum in line for statewide honour

BY now, Maxine Troon will have found out whether she has been named the 2025 YMCA Victorian Mother of the Year.

Ms Troon, a co-founder and board member of Ballarat Men’s Mental Health (BMMH), was among six finalists drawn from more than 500 nominations for the second instalment of the award.

The YMCA has bestowed an annual Father of the Year Award since 1956 but introduced the female equivalent last year.

The 2025 winner was scheduled to be announced by Melbourne Lord Mayor Nick Reece during a ceremony at the Town Hall last night.

Nominees must contribute to their community, be an everyday person, be a positive role model, and have values that align with those of the YMCA.

The winner will receive $10,000 in funding to support initiatives that uplift young people and families in need.

After the loss of her husband Michael to suicide in 2012, Ms Troon bravely carried on raising her three children and became one of the founders of BMMH.

She has dedicated herself to improving mental health services across the region, and was heavily involved in daughter Delaney’s 21 TwentyOnes awareness and fundraising effort through February and into March.

Delaney’s effort involved her completing 21 half-marathons in the same number of days, and attracted enormous local support.

“Delaney was joined on the run throughout 12 months of training and the 21 days by Maxine,” a BMMH spokesperson said.

“The event reached thousands of participants, community and corporate donors and raised an incredible $210,000 for BMMH, directly funding 14 counsellors and a dedicated social worker delivering mental health support.

“Maxine’s unwavering commitment to her children Maya, Nelson and Delaney, her broader family and the Ballarat community exemplifies the values of the YMCA’s Mother of the Year Award.”

Ms Troon was overseas and was not able to be contacted for comment before deadline.

If you or someone you know needs mental health support, visit ballaratmmh.com.au. There’s also beyondblue.org.au or 24/7 hotline on 1300 22 4636. There’s lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14. Help for young people is available at kidshelpline.com.au or 1800 55 1800.