Raising the Next Generation: 50, MURFF, and the Gift of Presence

Hi, I’m Trish 👋
I have the absolute pleasure of being Murph’s mum—and the person behind the scenes here at MURFF. It’s a role I love and one that allows me to blend all the parts of who I am.

By day, I’m an educator (yep, I really do love teaching), and by every other available moment, I’m project-managing all things MURFF. I’m also someone who believes deeply in giving back—so I volunteer, on several committees, help at and coach sport, help run The COLLECTIVE Loxton, and do my best to be super mum whenever and wherever I’m needed.

Last week, I turned 50.
And while getting older is often something people dread, I found myself feeling deeply grateful—and a little emotional too.

My godparents, who are also my Aunty and Uncle, gifted me something beautiful: The Book of Tricia. A whole book, all about me. Not MURFF, not motherhood, not my roles or responsibilities—just me.

It reminded me how rarely we stop to celebrate ourselves. With MURFF, I’m so used to pouring everything into others—celebrating role models, raising up young people, and championing growth—that I’m completely content working in the background. But this gift brought me to a pause. A good one. The kind that reminds you: 50 isn’t something to fear. It’s something to honor.

It’s not a finish line. It’s a flex.

And yes, I might be what they call an “older” parent, but let me tell you—being gifted our boy Murph later in life? That’s a blessing I’ll never stop counting. This past week, we shared time that filled me up. Beach days, basketball camp, laughs, and chats that reminded me just how lucky we are to have such a bright, energetic, and loving little human in our world.

More than anything, I was reminded of this: Being present is the greatest gift we can give our kids.
Not perfection. Not answers to everything. Just presence. Showing up, listening, being there—even when we’re tired or busy or turning 50.

Murph reminds me every day what it means to love hard, live with intention, and find strength in being yourself.

And shoutout to the school kids who guessed I was early-to-mid 40s. You’re the real MVPs—if teachers did have favourites, but let’s just say, you’re in the running 😉

Here’s to raising the next generation with heart, resilience, and joy. And here’s to all of us who are still growing, still learning, and still dancing behind the scenes.

With love,
Trish
Co-Founder of MURFF
Mum, teacher, volunteer, project manager, and proud wearer of many hats (most of which are stylish thanks to Murph).