Barbara Byrne 18 September 1935-15 August 2009

Barbara Byrne OAM, was a well known Canberra resident, life long stalwart of the Australian Labor Party, long-time union activist and promoter of women’s rights.

A forceful and forthright character, those who knew her were never in any doubt as to what her views were on a wide variety of issues.

Born in Melbourne in 1935, Barbara joined the then Department of the Navy in 1952 and in 1976 was the first woman in a male dominated Department to become a 'Clerk Class 6' (APS 5).

Barbara transferred to Canberra with Defence in 1979 and became a workplace delegate with ACOA, the forerunner of the CPSU, becoming a workplace delegate and serving on many committees including those which supported the roles of women.

From 1987 to 1990 she was seconded by Defence to be the full-time ACOA Promotions Appeals Committee nominee and continuing to pay her salary while she was undertaking a Public Service-wide role. Barbara had a strong belief that a transparent and independent merit based selection process was essential in ensuring the system’s credibility.

Barbara described this work as the most satisfying of career and in recognition of her dedicated union work Barbara was made a life member of the then PSU in 1990.

Barbara’s retirement gave her more time to be involved in other activities and she became very active in her much loved ALP serving on many committees and playing an active role in election campaigns lending her great enthusiasm and experience in a range of roles.

In 1991 she was elected to the Board of the Canberra Labor Club Group becoming President in 1998, a position she held until retiring from the Board in 2004.

During her time as President, Barbara was also the Chair of the Community Assistance Committee overseeing up to $1.5 million in annual grants to not for profit organisations.

In recognition of her contribution to the ALP Barbara was awarded life membership and former Chief Minister Rosemary Follett presented her with the award shortly before her death.

Barbara was also an active board member of many other community organisations including Volunteering ACT, Artsound FM, ACT AFL, Weston Creek Lions Football Club. Her work as Vice-President of Volunteering ACT was recognized with life membership.

In addition to life memberships, Barbara’s contribution to the Canberra community was also recognised in 2003 when she was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal and again in 2006 when she received the Medal of the Order of Australia.

Barbara passed away peacefully in Claire Holland House on August 15 and is survived by her long-time partner Harold Logue.