Barbara Payne OBE AM

Awarded for service to community; advocacy and inclusion; education; government and public services

30 April 1926 – 3 March 2009

Entered on roll: 2023

"Community leader and science educator"

Barbara Tweed Payne (nee Luck) was a community leader with a passion for scientific education.

Born in Devonport in 1926, Barbara followed in her mother’s footsteps by studying science and teaching at the University of Tasmania. Upon graduation in 1949, Barbara travelled to Europe to teach and met her future husband. The couple returned to Tasmania in 1955.

As a teacher at the girls’ school, Broadland House, Barbara inspired students to continue education, particularly in science. With her sisters, in memory of their mother, she established the EMB Mann University of Tasmania Scholarship, which has been awarded since 2004.

During the 1960s, Barbara began her 40-year involvement in community service, starting with the Retarded Children’s Welfare Association (now St Giles). Barbara was a member and President of the Australian Federation of University Women (later Australian Graduate Women) and successfully lobbied for more college accommodation for women students from outside Hobart.

Barbara also held office, or was a member of, 20 community organisations, including World Education Fellowship, Tasmanian Potters Society Inc (North), Ritchies Mill Art Centre, ABC Orchestra Advisory Committee, Tasmanian Library Board and the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Australia Tasmanian Committee.

Barbara’s extensive community work saw her elected to the Launceston City Council in 1974, nearly topping the poll. She was elected Deputy Mayor in 1978 and was Mayor from 1979-1981. While Mayor she was especially proud of her the community projects, including the revitalisation of the monkey enclosure in City Park, beautification of the city, and a new sewerage system for Launceston. She was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1982 for service to the community.

Barbara joined the Australian Bicentennial Authority in 1980, first as an appointee, and later as Chairman of the Tasmanian Council. She was instrumental in bringing the Tall Ships to Hobart in 1988. In 1989, Barbara was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her service through the Bicentennial celebrations.

In October 1996, Barbara was admitted as an Honorary Freeman of the City of Launceston.