Salamanca MS fundraiser Gill Barnard remembered as legend and fighter for justice

For 25 years come rain, hail or shine Gill Barnard was a familiar face in Hobart’s Salamanca Place. Read the tributes to the legendary MS fundraiser.

MS fundraiser Gill Barnard, a constant in Hobart’s Salamanca Place, is being remembered as an “inspiration” and advocate who always put others first.

Almost every day for 25 years, in all weather, she sat in her mobility scooter rattling her MS can to passers-by.

The 78-year-old, who had MS, died recently in a Hobart nursing home.

MS fundraiser Gill Barnard. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

MS Australia CEO Rohan Greenland said he was “devastated to learn of Gill’s passing”.

“She was an extraordinary and warm person, who charmed us all and despite her adversity she was an incredible fundraiser,” he said.

“She raised tens of thousands of dollars for MS and the world will be poorer without her.”

Parklane Espresso owner Joe Ware said Ms Barnard impacted the lives of many customers over the years.

“Gill was a true inspiration,” he said.

“No matter what she was going through she thought of others first.

“She was more interested in making a difference for the lives of others than to dwell on her struggles with MS not to mention the guardianship board.

“She tirelessly gave her time and energy to raise money for MS (and) she was the countries’ highest money raising volunteer on many occasions.

“I consider myself extremely blessed to have had many a wonderful conversations with Gill over many years and many coffees.

“Gill impacted the lives of many of my customers over the years. They would weekly shout Gill coffees to support her in the thousands of hours of her life that she dedicated to raising money and awareness to MS.

“Gill will be deeply missed by so many and her passing will leave a huge hole in Salamanca.”

Gill Barnard has been praised for her efforts in fundraising for MS.

Hristo Behrakis of Salamanca Fresh said many customers would wonder where she had gone.

“She was a well-known face seen outside our store Salamanca Fresh,” he said.

“Rain, hail or shine she was out and about doing her part for the community raising much needed funds for MS that was so close to her heart.”

Advocacy Tasmania CEO Leanne Groombridge said while her fundraising work was “legendary” she was a “fighter for guardianship reform” and campaigned to remove guardianship abuse at the hands of the state.

“As a person with disability she lived a bold and full life on her own terms until she lost her freedom through the state’s guardianship system,” she said.

“Like so many older people we work with, she had a fall, ended up in hospital and when she tried to leave they applied to have her placed on a guardianship order.

“I remember how shocked and angry she felt that public servants could control where and how she lived and for the first time in her life she said she felt truly worthless and defeated.”

Advocacy Tasmania gave Ms Barnard a platform to tell Tasmanians about her experience through a video on their Facebook page which was widely viewed and prompted community outrage.

In the video she said: “I am in prison. The judgement has been made and the sentence passed, but what was I guilty of?

“It’s made me feel angry, frustrated, devastated and lost.”

“Like so many trapped by guardianship, the devastating impacts on Gill were profound,” Ms Groombridge said.

“Vale Gill – you did Tasmanians proud.”

Ms Barnard was recognised for her contribution and commitment to MS and awarded one of 50 President’s medals for her unwavering and passionate dedication to helping to find a cure.

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

She was one of the highest individual fundraisers in Australia.

Born in the UK Ms Barnard moved from Darwin to Hobart for her health.

“It is a bit tricky in Hobart’s cold winters but otherwise I do fairly well,” she once said.

Originally published as Salamanca MS fundraiser Gill Barnard remembered as legend and fighter for justice