Vale Winsome Barker
Published on 19 September 2023
Mayor Neil Reilly has paid tribute to the late Winsome Barker, a dedicated community member advocating for our local heritage and environment.
It is with genuine sadness I learned of the passing of our friend Winsome Barker.
‘Winsome’. If you ever have time, it’s worth looking the word up in your thesaurus. The first three of about a hundred words are admirable, adorable and alluring…the rest are equally accurate descriptions of this hardworking advocate for our community. She was, as the adage goes, firm but fair. She presented problems alongside solutions. Her ‘Winsome’ smile immediately put everyone at ease during tense meetings. She would never take part in the short-term point-scoring world of council and government…her vision was long sighted, and her ideas really became manifest when she successfully negotiated their lovely outcomes. She said to me once she was not a whinger, you achieve nothing with that. Her view was to see a problem, develop a solution, achieve that, and then move on.
She was a long-time member of the Kiama Garden Club and her involvement in the establishment of Peace Park in Kiama was instrumental. Her vision and determination were pivotal in creating this serene oasis that now stands as a symbol of unity in our community. She served as the driving force behind its creation, nurturing it with passion.
Winsome's impact stretched far beyond the bounds of the garden. She was a tireless advocate for the environment and played a crucial role in The Pelican Project, advocating against the use of soft plastics. Her commitment to preserving the natural world was unwavering, and she tirelessly campaigned for a cleaner, greener future.
Winsome was also a staunch campaigner for the preservation of Kiama's rich heritage. She recognised the importance of the character of the past and worked to ensure that the historical significance of our town was not lost to time.
Her concern for the environment, the community, and the preservation of our heritage were inspiring. Even more so because her dreams became a practical reality. As we mourn the loss of Winsome, we also honour the extraordinary achievements she leaves. The Roses in Peace Park, The Pelican Project, and Kiama's heritage preservation efforts stand as enduring testaments to her dedication and love for the nature and community of Kiama.
Our thoughts and sympathies are with her family and loved ones, which was everyone who knew her.
Photo: Winsome Barker with Cameron and Scott from our outdoor team at Peace Park