Barbara Rich’s Eulogy by Christine Convery 12/11/10 Barbara was born on the 1st Dec 1963 and came to be our wonderful new sister 9 months later. I clearly remember that wonderful day when we picked her up from the childrens’ home here in Sydney. She was the most perfect sister – the one I had often dreamed about having – especially as I only had brothers as siblings, until that lovely day. Her smile and laughter were infectious and she very quickly endeared herself to us with her bubbly, happy and bright, outgoing personality. As I was 11 years older than Barb., I soon became like a second mother to her. We shared the same bedroom for 11 years, up to my travelling and teaching days. During those early baby years, as soon as she woke of a morning, I’d pick her up from her cot and we’d snuggle up together in my “big sister’s” bed, as she liked to say. Here I’d sing her nursery rhymes or read her one of her favourite Golden Books. We were as close as any sisters could possibly be, as she grew into her childhood and teenage years. Barb. was a highly intelligent child, and we’d discuss subjects that were normally only suited to older and wiser people. Our chats were always meaningful and our discussions fruitful. She was an avid learner and engaging conversationalist, even as a youngster. On another note, Barb quickly took to sports, such as netball and skiing (both the water and snow types). As an adult, her favourite sport became snow boarding; and we both share an adventurous spirit for things like motor bike riding and travelling the world. Barb. and I also share very similar spiritual paths and beliefs. Although we were all brought up as Catholic Christians, we also share the Buddhist way of compassion and love. And as a practicing Catholic, I see no contradictions within these two ways of Being, spiritually. I also feel the need to mention the fun family holidays we shared together. Barb. had no difficulty, as she saw it, in keeping up with her older siblings, as we enjoyed these holiday times. Our parents, George and June Hughes, would cut Barb. a bit more slack here and we’d have great fun enjoying the summer, and on occasions, winter activities together. Pastimes like swimming, boating, fishing, skiing etc., and when the weather was inclement, we’d pass the time by playing cards or board games. These were the normal family vacations that most enjoyed in the 60s and 70s. Dad & Mum would vary things some years, e.g. going out west to experience horse riding, camping, and feeding lambs. So, the foundations for our love of travelling, experiencing new places, meeting new people, going on regular holidays, participating in sports, and developing an adventurous spirit, I feel were laid down during our childhood years. All of these experiences gave us a broad appreciation of life and a love of learning, as well as a readiness to share what gifts and talents we had with others. Family life was also held in high esteem. So, it came as no surprise to us that Barb. decided on a nursing career. As her career took shape, she decided to undertake further study, and gained two Masters degrees. One in ‘Couple and Family Therapy’ and the second in ‘Clinical Drug Dependence Studies’. One of Barbara’s professional colleagues and close friends, Mr. Tim Morris, had this to say about her, “Barbara is an A player and a high achiever, a professional at all times. I have known Barbara for 30 years on a personal and professional level. We have worked together on numerous projects professionally as well as the Chill Program Australia (a Non Profit, for disadvantaged youth). I have no hesitation in recommending her”. However, I feel that the work Barb. has done as CEO and General Manager at Jarrah House, Little Bay, here in Sydney, has been her finest achievement. You may not have heard of her work there, but I assure you, it has been remarkable. Jarrah House is a detox centre that provides accommodation and care for the children of women who are coming off drugs like heroin, alcohol, speed and cannabis. In Barb.’s own words, “We get children straight from neonatal intensive care that are on morphine. There are pregnant women in here as well – they’re quite often much more motivated once they get pregnant and basically we start the journey with them.” But the women who come to Jarrah House generally represent a cross-section of the community, Barb. has said, including a fair share of professionals. They range in age from 16 to 65, with an average age of 30. Some have survived “horrific” abuse, including those who have survived as the children of addicted parents and been prostituted since the age of 8. This is just a very small snapshot of Barb.’s work at Jarrah House, but I’m sure you will appreciate the impact of her great work there. Among, the many other things that Barb. has been involved with, is as a Board Member of NADA – the Network of Alcohol and Drug Agencies. Barb. was the chair of the NADA Treatment sub committee. I could probably speak all day about Barb’s great work and achievements, but I’d like to close with a short snapshot about the Barb. we knew and loved dearly. To Barb’s family and dearest friends, she has been a ‘larger than life’ person who has shared her time and love with us all. She had the talent of forming a unique relationship with each of us, who have been fortunate enough to share in her life. Her gifts of laughter, joy, adventure, mischievousness, and love will remain with us all. Barb. also had the capacity to help each of us enjoy life to the full and live in the present moment. Barb. had a black belt in martial arts and was also a pistol shooter, did you know? She loved to drive her Saab and her Ducati motor bike, but she will always be our dearest and most loved sister. Barbara’s legacy has been to impact all she has come in contact with during her short life. No-one who has met Barb. can deny the impact that she has had on their life. Her compassion and love will remain with us all. Rest in Peace dearest Barb.