Heather Barwick JP

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

Born: 6 January 1940

Entered on roll: 2023

"Outstanding commitment"

Heather Barwick was first elected to the George Town Council in March 1989 and is the longest continuously serving Councillor, was Deputy Mayor for two years and was the first female Mayor of George Town (1995-1997).

In 1992, Heather was one of the awardees of the inaugural Tasmania Day Medal (for services to Tasmanian Local Government).

In 2014, Heather received the Local Government Association of Tasmania’s Outstanding Commitment and Service to Local Government Award.

In 2022, at the age of 83, Heather stood for re-election believing not being re-elected would be the only acceptable time to retire.

Being available for the community has defined Heather’s approach to being a Councillor and the community responded by re-electing her a seventh term.

Heather has secured more than $817,000 for community projects and always seeks community involvement when applying for funding. Heather met with young people to form a fundraising committee for a skatepark and held fundraising sausage sizzles every Saturday for several years.

Heather has chaired the George Town Safety Committee for 10 years. The committee’s please slow down, consider our kids stickers campaign was considered for a national road safety award. Other municipal areas have since adopted the program.

Heather’s other achievements have included securing the opening leg of Targa for George Town, securing funding for the new Life Trail Seniors Exercise Equipment in Regent Square, and the first stage of the kanamaluka trail walking path. Heather also advocated for the preservation of the Mt Direction Semaphore Station as an area of historical significance.

Heather has served her community as a Justice of the Peace for over 27 years.

Before becoming a Councillor, Heather worked for a solicitor and was a Manager at Kmart.

Heather has five sons, and her influence has extended to caring for others in the community.