Vera Florence Barnes OAM

Awarded for service to the Community

Born: 21 July 1907

Died: 28 July 1988

Entered on roll: 2009

Vera Florence Barnes was born on Currie, King Island, on 21 July 1907. She married Jeffrey Barnes and together they raised five children. Before her marriage, Vera had worked at the King Island Hospital in Currie. They moved to Longford in 1940.

Vera’s commitment to the Longford community saw her give her time generously to many community organisations. In 1966, her 20 year voluntary service to the Toosey Memorial Hospital was rewarded with a Certificate of Merit, presented on behalf of the Minister for Health. Vera was also the Country Women’s Association nominee to the Hospital Board.

Vera joined the Country Women’s Association on King Island and was Secretary of the Longford branch for over 35 years. In 1974, Vera’s commitment to the Country Women’s Association of 37 years earned her an award for outstanding service.

A long standing member of the R.S.L. Memorial Club, Vera was made a Life Member in 1987. Her voluntary work included organising six R.S.L. balls and arranging the catering at Longford Motor Racing, the Longford Agricultural Show and R.S.L. fairs, all of which proved to be excellent money raising events for many years. Vera also assisted with the Anzac ‘Dawn Breakfasts’ as well as luncheon and afternoon teas at the annual Anzac Sports.

Vera was a keen bowls enthusiast and a great supporter of the Longford football and cricket clubs. She was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia on 26 January 1980 in recognition of her service to the community. Vera died at Longford on 28 July 1988.