A stay-at-home Logan mum turned social justice advocate, who became a police officer after she lost her husband to cancer, has been named the 2017 Barnardos' Queensland Mother of the Year.
Sharon MacRae, who works with juvenile offenders in the state's Crime Prevention Unit, is also a passionate campaigner against domestic violence.
The 54-year-old mother-of-four credits the police and her family as the reasons for where she is today, by helping her community in times of need.
"With juvenile offenders, you can get down to their level and talk to them, and be on the right side of crime," she said on Wednesday.
Mrs MacRae's daughter Amanda, who nominated her at the last minute, labelled her mother "inspiring".
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"She is the epitome of care and self-sacrifice in the Australian community," Amanda said.
Speaking at Queensland Parliament, Barnardos executive manager Kerry Moore said mothers are the "toughest, least-recognised and most crucial" people in society.
The awards, in their 22nd year, culminate with the national title for Mother of the Year in Sydney on May 11.
