Kindness in community really does make the world go ’round and it’s people like Barb Daley who keep that message in check.
The Bulimba local has been named as a 2024 Order of Australia Medal recipient for service to the community of Bulimba, set to receive her award at an official ceremony at Government House on September 16.
“When I got the phone call I thought they were referring to a life membership I’ve been working at getting for someone at the RSL – but it was the Governor General’s office,” Mrs Daley said.
“It’s really humbling to receive an award like this.”
For Barb, it’s not the awards that keep her going.
“When I retired I made a list of things I’d like to try to do and since I started volunteering I haven’t looked back. I just really love helping people. I’ve met some lovely people in many different situations,” she said.
Barb has regularly volunteered at the Mater Hospital for the last 14 years, supports fundraising and ceremonies at the Bulimba RSL and has previously given time to St Vincent De Paul (Bulimba), St Peter and Paul’s Parish and the Balmoral Local Ambulance Committee.
She also crochet’s blankets for Care Kits 4 Kids and helps other locals and community groups when required.
All of that whilst juggling one her favourite roles, a doting grandmother to her 5 grandsons.
“I’m looking forward to sharing my award (OAM) experience with my family, there’s a celebratory dinner and reception a few days after the actual award ceremony and my children and grandchildren will join me for that,” Mrs Daley said.
When asked how she manages it all, Barb simply says “oh it’s all in the diary.”
She is a well known and much loved member of the community, having won the Australia Day Award for the Griffith Electorate alongside her husband, Brian in 2008 and being named as a co-recipient for Volunteers of the Year Mater People Award in 2022.
