Hobart’s Gillian Barnard awarded MS Australia Medal

A beloved Hobart woman known for her unwavering efforts supporting a national charity for more than two decades has been recognised for her contribution and commitment to the cause.

Gill Barnard of Hobart who has been recognised for her fundraising efforts for MS Australia. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A beloved Hobart woman known for her hard work supporting a national charity has been recognised for her contribution and commitment to the cause.

76-year-old Gillian Barnard is well known among the Hobart community for sitting out at Salamanca Market almost every day of the week, all day, for the past 23 years raising money for MS Australia.

To acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the community who helped MS Australia to become what it is today, 50 President’s medals were awarded to those who have had an unwavering and passionate dedication to helping to find a cure.

“I feel a bit humbled” Ms Barnard said after being awarded, “I know a lot of money is raised all over the country, so I was a bit surprised.”

Gill Barnard of Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The 76-year-old was diagnosed with MS about 40 years ago and has made it her mission since to support the cause.

“Thank you very much to all the people in Hobart who have supported me over the years and if they see me around they know what I’m doing.

“This article will reassure them that what I’m doing is fair dinkum.”

Chair of MS Australia and Associate Professor at UTAS Des Graham said Ms Barnard has raised over $40,000 for MS Australia, which is one of the highest donations they’ve ever had from a single individual.

He said Ms Barnard is a champion of the cause and was the first name he put forward to receive the award.

“She was actually a very easy candidate to award a presidential medal to,” Mr Graham said.

“I’ve told every person I’ve ever met that there’s this lady down in Tasmania come shine or rain or hurricane, she’s out collecting money.”

Originally published as Hobart’s Gillian Barnard awarded MS Australia Medal