Member Spotlight

When you're not being called 'Mum', what name/nickname do you prefer to be called?

Everyone called me Lollie in high school, needless to say I outgrew it pretty quickly!

What is the best thing about being a mum?

I love seeing things through my toddler’s eyes- her wonder and awe at creation. It’s also making me reflect on my own values and living them out in an authentic way for my daughter to see. I love seeing my husband be a dad. And all the kisses, cuddles, songs and recently mini dance recitals!

What is the most challenging thing about being a mum?

My daughter was born in January 2020, so pandemic parenting, PND and a condition called Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex were some early challenges. My husband has an acquired brain injury and that means our family face some unique challenges associated with his disability. We’re also one and done (meaning my daughter will be my only child) and I find staying strong in the face of societal pressure to have another child challenging at times.

What are you passionate about?

I’m very passionate about my Christian faith and am actually studying to be an Anglican Priest at the moment. I’m very interested in how to radically live out my faith. Disability inclusion is another passion of mine, especially given our family’s experience. Feminism and the environment are two other areas of great interest.

What is something that you have done that you are proud of?

I’m really proud of my marriage of 5 years. We’ve certainly had many challenges! From 2 years long distance, the Department of Immigration making it hard for us to get married, my husband leaving his family in England, my husband’s disability and a chronic condition that lead to him almost dying 3 years ago, plus all the challenges I faced early on in motherhood. Super, duper proud of us as a couple, as parents and the fact that we’re still in love!

What is your favourite thing to do to unwind?

I love being part of the faith community at St. Mark’s Anglican Church Emerald, going to the Cameo cinema, yoga at Kia Kaha Holistic Centre in Cockatoo, walking around the Hills and a new family hobby is bird watching- which MOTHs gave me lots of good tips about! I also love reading fiction and hope to read more as part of the newly formed Emerald MOTHs book club.

Lauren Lockwood-Porter