For more than three decades, Lynda Jane Barry has contributed to lifesaving and community safety across Queensland and beyond. This Australia Day, the Mango Hill resident’s long-standing commitment was formally recognised when she was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division, honouring her service to lifesaving, lifeguard training and the community.
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Mrs Barry was named on the Australia Day 2026 Honours List among 472 Australians to receive an OAM. This year’s honours recognised a total of 949 recipients nationwide, marking an increase in the number of Australians acknowledged for service across a wide range of fields.
According to the official citation, Mrs Barry received the honour “for service to lifesaving and lifeguard training, and to the community”, reflecting a volunteering career that began in 1989 and continues today.
Following the announcement, Mrs Barry acknowledged the recognition in a message shared on LinkedIn.
“I am deeply honoured to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to lifesaving and the community,” she wrote. “I am grateful to the many volunteers, colleagues and mentors who have shared this journey — this recognition reflects the collective effort of an incredible community. Thank you for the ongoing support.”
A significant portion of Mrs Barry’s service has been through the Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club, where she has been a member for more than 35 years. During that time, she has held numerous roles across patrol operations, administration, training and leadership. She has served as Club Captain since 2005 and was recognised as a Life Member in 2009.
Her involvement with junior members has been a consistent part of her contribution. Since 2002, Mrs Barry has worked as a coach and administrator with the Junior Lifeguard Program, supporting the delivery of structured training and development pathways for younger participants. She has also been a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation trainer since 2012 and previously delivered the Grey Medallion Program as part of community water safety education.
Beyond her club, Mrs Barry has contributed extensively through the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland. From 2002 to 2023, she served as Chief Organiser and Referee for beach carnivals, a role involving the coordination and officiating of major lifesaving events. Her involvement has also included serving as a Volunteer Trainer and Assessor, managing Queensland teams at national championships, and contributing as a member of the State Sports Committee between 2009 and 2013.
Mrs Barry’s experience has extended internationally. She was involved as an assistant trainer for a lifesaving delegation in Xiamen, China, and has participated in World Life Saving Championships as both a competitor and team manager, including events held in Egypt and Australia.
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Her service has also included governance and support roles within the lifesaving sector. Mrs Barry is a founding member of Life Saving Support Services Inc, established in 2015, and has served as Treasurer since 2017. The organisation provides operational and logistical support to lifesaving activities and events.
In addition to her lifesaving work, Mrs Barry has contributed to youth development and education through her role as a Program Support Officer with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Queensland since 2017. She also worked at North Lakes State College from 2005 to 2017, including in administrative and support roles.
The OAM adds to a substantial list of previous recognitions acknowledging Mrs Barry’s sustained service. These include the National Medal awarded in 2025, recognition as a Companion and Fellow of the Royal Life Saving Society Australia, and multiple service medals and bars awarded over several decades.
For communities such as North Lakes and Mango Hill, where volunteer involvement plays a central role in local organisations, Mrs Barry’s Australia Day honour reflects the cumulative impact of long-term service. Her recognition highlights the contribution of volunteers whose commitment supports lifesaving training, education and community safety year after year.
Published 27-January-2026
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