Congratulations to our very own Barbie Bates who has been recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list with an Order of Australia Medal for her service to children.
Barbie has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children across Australia, most recently as the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Paint the Town REaD.
When speaking to Barbie following the announcement she said:‘I am overwhelmed to receive this honour. Close to 30 years ago I attended a graduation service at Batchelor TAFE college in the NT. As graduates went forward to receive their awards, they were preceded and/or accompanied by Elders and/or dancers from their Aboriginal communities. There was a very strong sense that the graduates were representing their communities, as their communities had been crucial to them achieving their success and that they were receiving their awards on behalf of their communities. A shared Award.
This is my sense about this honour. I am receiving it on behalf of, and because of, all in PTTR – from the Board to all the volunteers across our 90+ communities. It belongs to us all.’