✦ Barbara Smith, a cornerstone of the Port Macquarie community and a proud committee member of the Micro Business Forum, has recently been awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her tireless contributions to volunteering and her unwavering support for small businesses.
Barbara Smith's impact as a mentor, trainer, and advocate has transformed countless lives and strengthened not just the region’s business ecosystem, but also beyond to many countries she has volunteered in.
A Lifetime of Community Service
Barbara’s volunteering journey spans decades, during which she has devoted her energy to numerous initiatives. Her efforts have ranged from mentoring micro-business owners to empowering community groups and volunteering at the Olympic Games.
She started in 1970 by coaching under-8s and under-14s netball teams for Wentworthville Leagues Club and Wentworth RSL. Barbara even umpired matches as a teenager. Having grown up in a family where volunteering was in their DNA, it is no wonder that Barbara lives and breathes volunteer work wherever she goes!
"I've been involved in sport all my life. When I was younger, it was netball. My family always volunteered, and it just grew from there."
In 1979, Barbara became a Justice of the Peace to help Leichhardt residents mainly from Italian backgrounds with government forms and documentation. It's not just people that Barbara is helping. She even successfully petitioned Leichhardt Council for tree planting in Foster Street!
At the workplace, Barbara founded an initiative "Cabin Crew for a Non-Smoking Work Environment" to encourage smoke-free spaces. During her career as Qantas cabin crew, she visited orphanages in Thailand and Zimbabwe, offering support to children in challenging situations. She became a founding member of Qantas Peer Support assisting crew members impacted by disasters.
"I think you get back what you give out. Many people don't understand that, but you do. You're around positive people, and you learn skills in areas you might never have thought about."
Barbara has fostered children through the Wesley Aunties and Uncles program, as well as volunteered at Port Macquarie's Ironman events where she assisted athletes, coordinated volunteers, and even got to photograph the exciting action!
Making a Difference on the Olympic Stage
Barbara and her husband Laurie are both pioneer volunteers leading up to the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. This was the start of years of connection to the Olympic movement. Both have since volunteered in the Olympic Village at five Games where they assisted countries including Australia, Brazil, Kenya and Ethiopia.
They assisted the Swedish Paralympic team during Sydney 2000, and also supported the Brazilian swim team at the World Championships in Perth.
Barbara and Laurie watched the Tokyo Games from home during the pandemic, but they attended the Paris Olympics as spectators and have no plans yet to 'retire' from their love for supporting the Olympic Games either as volunteers or spectators.
A Pillar of the Micro Business Forum
Closer to our community in Port Macquarie, Barbara is a well-known figure in the small business community because of her role as President for 7 years in the Micro Business Forum. Now she's a mentor for small businesses and supports them in overcoming challenges and building sustainable enterprises. Barbara’s role within the Micro Business Forum cannot be overstated. As a committee member, she has helped create a welcoming and empowering environment where small business owners can network, share insights, and grow together. Her personal touch, combined with her vast experience, has encouraged many to embrace opportunities they might have otherwise overlooked.
Barbara’s vision for the forum is rooted in the belief that collaboration and shared knowledge are essential for business success. She has been a driving force behind numerous workshops and events, always ensuring that participants leave with actionable insights and renewed confidence.
She is also involved with the Hastings Business Women's Network as a Tall Poppy Life Member where she is a strong voice for women entrepreneurs. For Barbara, seeing so many small businesses owned by women is highly rewarding.
Recognition on Australia Day 2025
Barbara’s incredible dedication was celebrated during this year’s Australia Day Honours, where she was awarded the OAM. This national recognition highlights not only her years of selfless service but also the significant impact she has had on countless lives. Her innovative approach to problem-solving and her heartfelt compassion have been the foundation of her success as a volunteer and leader.
A Legacy of Leadership and Compassion
Barbara Smith’s OAM is a well-deserved testament to her legacy of leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication to service. Her story is a reminder of the extraordinary impact that one individual can have on a community through consistent effort, empathy, and an unrelenting drive to uplift others.
At Brilliant-Online, we are honoured to share Barbara’s story and celebrate her achievements. We applaud her for inspiring so many and for setting a Brilliant example of what it means to lead with heart. ❋
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