Barb started life as a science teacher after student activism.
She then worked as Associate to Commissioner Graham Walker on the Australian Industrial Relations Commission (as it was known then). Following this, Barb was selected to establish the Girls’ Apprenticeship Programme – the first Victoria-wide programme to increase the number of young women going into the traditionally male trades.
During her working life, Barb remained an activist, involved in many battles including the Council of Action for Equal Pay, the fight to establish the Queen Vic Women’s Centre, the fight to save the Women’s Hospital and the establishment of EMILY’s List.
Barb was the proud Women’s Officer for the Australian Education Union Victoria for nearly 20 years. She was inducted into the Victorian Women’s Honour Roll in 2007. Barb has served on the Boards of VWT, QVWC and Her Place Women’s Museum.