She spoke with passion and conviction, pride and determination.

She stood before them as a mentor, a community leader, a friend and ambassador. She also stood before them as a proud and loving mother. When 2021 Clarence Valley Citizen of the Year Hayley Talbot was invited to be the guest speaker at the Clarence Valley Anglican School (CVAS) Parent’s and Friends Mother’s Day Breakfast on May 6, she readily accepted the opportunity to share her stories and tales of adventure and motivation.

As the students, along with their parents and guardians, and CVAS staff, listened intently to Ms Talbot’s words, they drew inspiration from her infectious enthusiasm as she spoke of her many achievements, including kayaking solo along the entire length of the Clarence River, and her determination to share her positivity and make a difference within her local community. “It was a beautiful morning, and I thoroughly enjoyed my first visit to CVAS and meeting some of the students and their parents,” Ms Talbot said. “There is a lot of synergy between the things I share about courage and leadership, and motherhood.

“Mothers are leaders. “A big part of my message for mothers is ‘growing is giving’ and when our wells are full and abundant, we overflow and nourish our families and those in our orbit. “If we make time to keep growing ourselves, we can give without stagnation to our families and community.” Ms. Talbot said being a mother is “the most important job there is”, adding it was a privilege to address the community of mothers at CVAS last week for their Mother’s Day celebration.