Barb farewelled after 42 years of service to community

A longstanding Country Women’s Association member, driven by her ability to help others, was farewelled after she peacefully passed away.

FAREWELL: Barb Tutin receiving her 40 year badge in 2017 from Vice President Dr May Hampton.

A LONGSTANDING Country Women’s Association member, driven by her ability to help others, was farewelled after she peacefully passed away.

CWA member of 42 years Barbara ‘Barb’ Jane Tutin was well known in the Palmwoods community for her famous boiled fruit cakes, African violets, raffles, and craft work.

The dedicated member held numerous committee positions over her membership including several four and six-year terms as Palmwoods president, vice president and treasurer.

Being a mother of four Barb passed on her passion for the CWA to her children.

Barb’s daughter and Palmwoods CWA treasurer Jenny Powell followed in her mother’s footsteps, committing to many committee roles.

Ms Powell said her mum was always thinking of others.

“Mum was creative, she could knit, crochet, sew and quilt, in fact most people who knew Mum almost certainly owned a crochet handkerchief within months of meeting her,” she said.

Born in 1938 Barb started her CWA membership in Dalby.

She later joined the Palmwoods branch where she enjoyed the social and community aspects of the organisation for 38 years.

CWA Branch president Yvonne Dalziel said Barb’s knowledge and skills helped to kept the Palmwoods branch running for many years.

“Barb kept up a terrific pace at the CWA, she mentored members in the running of the CWA, taught traditional skills such as crotchet and knitting, and helped raise funds through events through raffles,” she said.

“For the Annual Hotpot Day Barb would cook enough Christmas pudding for 65 people with extra for people to buy to take home.”

In 2017 Barb was presented with her 42-year service badge by Palmwoods vice president Dr May Hampton, who said members like Barb were appreciated.

“Barb’s knowledge of the inner workings of the CWA was instrumental in keeping the branch going, without such knowledge and drive the branch would not have survived,” she said.