Celebrating Mothers: A Mother’s Day Tribute from Liberty Balloon Flights

Honouring the Women Who Lift Us Up 

Mother’s Day is a time to pause, reflect and celebrate the women who shape our lives in quiet, powerful ways. 

Whether we call them Mum, Mom, Mother, Maman, Amma, Madre, Mama, Mumma or Nan, these remarkable women share something universal… care, resilience, patience, and a love that helps us grow. 

At Liberty Balloon Flights, we spend our days lifting people into the sky, but we know that long before we ever took flight… it was mothers who lifted us first. 

As author Rudyard Kipling once wrote: 

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” 

Mothers by Many Names Around the World

Across cultures and continents, mothers are celebrated in different languages and traditions…but the meaning remains the same. 

Some of the many beautiful names used for mothers include: 

• Mum / Mom: Australia, UK, USA 
• Maman: France 
• Madre: Spain and Italy 
• Amma: India and parts of Asia 
• Mama: Used worldwide 
• Nan or Nanna: Often used affectionately for grandmothers 

No matter the language, the role of a mother remains one of the most important in every family and community. 

Women Who Helped Shape Ballooning History

Hot air ballooning has always inspired curiosity and courage…and many women have played an important role in its history. 

One of the earliest known female balloonists was Sophie Blanchard, who became the first professional female balloon pilot in the early 1800s. 

Sophie performed balloon ascents across Europe and later became Chief Aeronaut of France, flying in front of large audiences and helping make ballooning popular during her time. 

In more recent years, women have continued to lead and inspire in ballooning. Australian pilot Nicola Scaife, one of the world’s top competitive balloonists, achieved international recognition when she won the FAI Women’s World Hot Air Balloon Championship, and later competed again when the championship was proudly hosted in Northam, Western Australia. 

Today, many women across the UK, Europe, and Australia are skilled pilots, crew members, engineers, and instructors – helping keep the spirit of ballooning alive and thriving. Their passion reminds us that adventure and determination are not limited by gender… and that ballooning continues to be shaped by strong and capable women, including many inspiring mums who pass their love of adventure on to the next generation. 

Celebrating the Mothers of Liberty Balloon Flights

Closer to home, we’re incredibly proud of the mothers within our own Liberty Balloon Flights team. 

These women juggle early starts, busy schedules, and the demands of family life…all while helping deliver unforgettable experiences for our passengers. 

Many of them have shared their love of ballooning with their children, passing down: 

• A sense of adventure  
• A respect for nature  
• A love of early mornings  
• A passion for aviation and peaceful skies 

Ballooning becomes more than a job… it becomes part of family life. 

And sometimes, it all begins with one mum supporting her child’s curiosity. 

Michelle’s Story – One Mum’s Dedication

One of our much-loved Avon Valley crew members Michelle, is a wonderful example of how a mother’s support can spark something special. 

Michelle is a local farmer and mum to three boys, and her journey into ballooning began simply … with her son Cooper’s curiosity. 

Wanting to encourage his interest, Michelle reached out to Nick, our Director and Chief Pilot, to ask if she could bring Cooper along to watch a balloon inflation. 

She embraced the early mornings to support her son’s passion, even when sleep was in short supply. 

Over time, those many early mornings turned into something more. 

Michelle’s dedication and growing love of ballooning eventually led her to join the crew herself -and before long, ballooning became a shared passion across the whole family. 

Today her husband Chris, sons Cooper, Cordell and Carter and sister Lucy have all become part of the Liberty Balloon Flights team in different ways. 

It’s a wonderful example of how one mum’s dedication can create opportunities not only for her own children, but for a wider community. 

When she’s not farming, working in the family business or crewing, Michelle volunteers as a firefighter and enjoys crafting, camping, and gathering around a good bonfire…preferably with marshmallows and chocolate. 

Her official Liberty bio says it best: 

Michelle enjoys chatting, chocolate, and sleep – and with ballooning, she can usually manage two out of three! 

And we think that perfectly captures the spirit of so many mums …balancing responsibilities, supporting their families, and still finding moments of joy along the way. 

To Michelle, and to all the mums within our Liberty family – thank you for everything you do.

About Us

A Mother’s Love… A Timeless Quote

Motherhood is often described in many beautiful ways, but one quote that captures its essence comes from Maya Angelou: 

“To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power – or the climbing, falling colours of a rainbow.” 

It reminds us that motherhood is powerful, colourful, and endlessly inspiring.  

Meaningful Mother’s Day Ideas…Big and Small

Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant to be meaningful. 

Sometimes, the simplest gestures leave the greatest impression. 

Here are a few thoughtful ways to celebrate the mothers in your life. 

Low-Cost Ideas That Mean the Most

Not every gift needs to come with a price tag. 

Some meaningful ideas include: 

• Writing a handwritten letter of appreciation 
• Preparing breakfast in bed 
• Taking a scenic walk together 
• Creating a photo album of favourite memories 
• Spending uninterrupted time together 
• Cooking her favourite meal 

Often, it’s the thought and effort that matter most. 

Experiences That Create Lasting Memories

If you’re looking for something truly memorable, experiences often outshine material gifts. 

Some ideas include: 

• A country day trip 
• Visiting the Avon Valley 
• Enjoying a long lunch at a local winery 
• Exploring markets or art trails 
• Watching the sunrise or sunset together 

And for something truly unforgettable… 

Give the Gift of Flight This Mother’s Day

A hot air balloon flight is more than just a gift – it’s an experience filled with wonder, beauty, and special memories. 

Floating peacefully above the landscape at sunrise is something many people dream of experiencing. 

This Mother’s Day, consider surprising Mum with a gift she’ll never forget. 

Book a Flight Experience 

Purchase a Gift Voucher 

Special Mother’s Day Offer

To help celebrate the incredible mums in our lives, we’re offering a special Mother’s Day promotion. 

Use code: MUM30 at checkout to enjoy $30 per person off a gift voucher or booking. 

Celebrate Mum in the Avon Valley

Mother’s Day is also the perfect excuse to explore the beautiful Avon Valley together. 

Whether it’s: 

• A relaxing picnic by the river 
• Meandering through a historic town 
• A country meal 
• Or a sunrise balloon flight 

The region offers countless ways to spend meaningful time together. 

Explore Hot Air Balloon Flights in the Avon Valley 

For inspiration on planning a meaningful Mother’s Day outing, you might enjoy exploring some of these local guides: 

What to Do in the Avon Valley: Discover scenic drives, charming towns and memorable local experiences

What to Do in Northam: Explore white swans, cultural attractions and riverside walks

What to Do in Toodyay: Step back into history with museums, heritage buildings and local markets

What to Do in York: Wander historic streets, visit museums and enjoy stunning valley views

To All Mothers… Thank You!

To the mothers who encourage us… 

To the grandmothers who guide us… 

To the stepmothers, carers, and mentors who support us… 

And to the mothers within our Liberty Balloon Flights family… thank you. 

Your patience, strength, kindness, and love make the world a better place. 

And on this Mother’s Day, we celebrate you – not just for what you do, but for who you are. 

Continue Exploring

Hot Air Balloon Avon Valley 

Hot Air Balloon Melbourne City 

Hot Air Balloon Geelong 

What to Expect on the Day of Your Flight (blog coming soon)

Why Sunrise Is the Best Time for Ballooning (blog coming soon)