Trigger warning: this article contains references to domestic and family violence that may be upsetting for some readers.
Rebecca Gibney is calling for support after revealing that her mum Shirley has been hospitalised once again in New Zealand.
The Packed To The Rafters star took to Instagram on Thursday night and asked fans to send “love and healing” to her ageing mother, who celebrated her birthday just last month.
“Shirls in hospital again gang and given she (and I) are great believers in the power of divine intervention – I’d love as many collective positive energies sending love and healing my beautiful mum’s way,” Rebecca wrote.
Rebecca Gibney on a trip to Brisbane with her mum Shirley.
(Image: Instagram)
“She’s a fighter is our Shirl and apparently she’s already made new friends in hospital along with the glorious doctors, nurses and carers at Prince Charles that make her feel so special.”
A cheerful photo of Rebecca and her mother smiling during a trip to Australia accompanied the emotional call for support.
The actress continued: “Love you mum – and I know you’ll feel the collective love coming your way. Sleep the deepest of sleeps tonight, call you tomorrow.”
“Posting a pic of us strolling the Brisbane riverfront together a few years ago which I plan to do again in the next few months – can’t wait!”
WATCH: Rebecca Gibney opens up on tackling anxiety. Story continues after video.
Actress Jane Hall was among the stars who commented on the post, sending kind words to the mother-daughter duo while Shirley is in hospital.
“All my positives and loves to Shirl xxxxx” she wrote, while New Zealand model Rachel Hunter said: “Sending lots of [love] to you and your beautiful mum!”
Just a few weeks ago Rebecca was sharing a much happier update about her mother, posting a series of childhood and family photos as part of a birthday tribute.
The 57-year-old spoke of being grateful for her mum’s “beautiful heart” and said she couldn’t wait to see her in person, after spending time away filming Under The Vines.
Rebecca with her mother in a family throwback photo.
(Image: Instagram)“The world became a much brighter place the day you were born,” the actress gushed of her mum.
“You are the definition of the bee’s knees, the ant’s pants, the top of the pops, the cat’s pyjamas, and the cherry on top.”
Shirley shared an equally affectionate reply at the time, highlighting the incredible bond the two women share despite difficult circumstances in Rebecca’s childhood.
The star has previously opened up about witnessing domestic violence as a child, saying that her alcoholic father often turned violent towards Shirley.
Shirley with Rebecca at the start of her acting career.
(Image: Instagram)“My father was an alcoholic. It scarred all of us,” Rebecca told ABC reporter Andrew Denton in 2009.
“My mother shielded us a lot from it. I could remember her putting us to bed and I, quite often, would hear Dad come home but she’d always shut all the doors, so you’d hear the yelling and the shouting and the slapping, but you’d never actually see it.”
Despite witnessing the violence as a child, Rebecca has continued to have an incredible bond with her mother and speaks out against family violence.
If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
