But Mrs Mercer-Moseley believes she is the lucky one, surrounded by a group of mothers she describes as ``determined, energetic and passionate''.

The Kellyville mother of twins was a teacher and therapist at St Gabriel's School for nine years before its early intervention centre closed last year.

When the group decided to open their own centre, Mrs Mercer-Moseley moved with them, without knowing whether the group would be to able to pay her.

``There were so passionate about keeping this service going, so determined and so united, that I decided to follow my heart and take the risk to join them,'' she said.

Mrs Mercer-Moseley offers weekly auditory verbal therapy sessions for children and their parents, who are shown how to be their children's primary language teachers.

She also runs a fortnightly playgroup and offers home visits.

The sessions aim to teach children how to listen and speak, without sign language or lip reading so they are able to attend mainstream schools.

Mrs Mercer Moseley said the centre played a vital role in the community because it offered parents a choice about how to help their children.

``This area is a high growth area for young children and there will be more children born into the community with hearing impairment who need this service.''