Page 3525 - Week 10 - Tuesday, 25 August 2009
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fine Canberran and a good person has gone, but her fine qualities and her good work live on. I commend the condolence motion to the Assembly.
MR SESELJA (Molonglo—Leader of the Opposition) (10.07): I rise to join the Chief Minister in supporting this motion of condolence for Ms Barbara Byrne OAM, who passed away on 15 August 2009.
Ms Byrne’s life was a life committed to Canberra and to serving her community. From her profession in the public service, to her long-term work with volunteer organisations, to her involvement in clubs and their governing organisations, and the recognition she has received with national medals and awards, Barbara Byrne has an exceptional list of achievements.
A look at that list of activities and achievements shows how deeply involved she was in a great many aspects of Canberra life, and how positive her impact was in many fields. These are among her list of achievements: 38 years service in the commonwealth public service, 11 years working in voluntary positions, president of the Canberra Labor Club Group, vice-president of Volunteering ACT, vice-president of ClubsACT, life membership of Volunteering ACT, life membership of National Eisteddfod, and a long-time supporter of the Australian national operatic aria competition. In 2002 Ms Byrne was awarded the outstanding service to the club industry award.
She was awarded a Centenary Medal in recognition of her voluntary work in 2003, appointed an honorary ambassador for Canberra in April 2004, appointed a director of Actew Corporation on 22 January 2004, and in 2006 she was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the community of the Australian Capital Territory through business, sporting and cultural organisations.
On her passing, comments from friends and family in notices included: “Her generous participation was characterised by foresight, astuteness and a great sense of humour.” These comments from people who knew her personally speak of outstanding commitment to Canberra and community life, and of exceptional personal characteristics. I respectfully offer my condolences to her family, friends and loved ones in recognition of the passing of a committed and compassionate Canberran.
MS HUNTER (Ginninderra—Parliamentary Convenor, ACT Greens) (10.09): On behalf of the ACT Greens, I rise to support the Chief Minister’s condolence motion and offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to the friends and loved ones of Barbara Byrne. We are saddened at the loss of such a dedicated worker for our Canberra community.
Ms Byrne was a director of Actew, a lifetime member of Volunteering ACT and spent more than 12 years working in voluntary positions in the management of clubs and non-government community organisations, which was in addition to her 38 years in the commonwealth public service. She served on many boards across the ACT and was an honorary ambassador for Canberra in recognition of her work with local businesses. Ms Byrne received an Australian Centenary Medal, the Chief Minister’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as the Order of Australia for her service to the community of the ACT through business, sporting and cultural organisations.
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