There are many people in the Katherine region who do not hesitate to go the extra mile to make a difference to the lives of their friends, families and the community they live in. Those people are often quiet achievers who do not get the recognition they deserve. To celebrate quiet achievers in the region the Katherine Times - with the support of Nitmiluk Tours - proudly presents this week’s Community Hero.
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Barbara Tynan’s way is quiet and unassuming, yet highly motivated and courageous.
The long-term resident of Katherine was awarded as an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2002, for her work to improve the health of Aboriginal people in remote areas.
After joining the Northern Territory health service, Ms Tynan travelled to communities throughout the Northern Territory often on her own.
Parks ranger Clare Pearce said Ms Tynan has so many stories and an amazing knowledge of the history of places, people and things in remote communities of central Australia and the Top End.
“She was working in communities, as a nurse, back in the days when there were no bitumen roads, let alone a lady on her own most of the time,” Ms Pearce said.
Ms Tynan studied Anthropology in Sydney and returned to the Territory to lecture in Aboriginal Health at Batchelor College before retiring in Katherine in 1998.
Passionate about gardening, she became an active member of Greening Australia, working as a volunteer for the organisation for nine years.
“She is one of those inspirational people, always there in the thick of it, in the heat of the day encouraging everyone along,” Ms Pearce said.
She said Ms Tynan was open to discussion, new ideas and sharing knowledge.
“She was there every week. She was one of the reasons I kept doing the job.”
Ms Pearce said while Ms Tynan was very knowledgeable, she was also “very willing to learn and take on new things”.
“She has a very independent streak, and is always really positive to deal with,”she said.