Passionate and dedicated to the community, Barbara Wasylenko was inducted the 33rd Freeman of the City of Charles Sturt in May.
The honour was in recognition of her dedication and service to the community of Charles Sturt and to Local Government as a Councillor.
Migrating to Australia with her family in 1954 and calling Royal Park home, Barbara supported and welcomed migrant families to create a sense of community and belonging in their new home. These values of family, community, and the strength found in coming together were instilled in Barbara and are values that she carries with her today.
In 1993 Barbara stood for public office, running for the State Seat of Lee in the Parliament of South Australia. She was recognised by the then Electoral Commissioner for South Australia (ECSA) as part of the group of women who stood for Parliament in South Australia.
In 1997, Barbara was elected as the Council Member for the Semaphore Park Ward. She served in this role from 1997 to 2000 and then again between 2014 and 2018.
In addition to her council work, Barbara is passionate about creating safer communities and has dedicated herself tirelessly to this cause. In 1998 she commenced her voluntary role as a Neighbourhood Watch Area Coordinator. Still active in this role, Barbara has been recognised for promoting crime prevention and community wellbeing.
In 1997 Barbara commenced Volunteering at the Lions Club of Charles Sturt and continues to this day, as well as volunteering across multiple sports, such as croquet, lawn bowls, soccer, tennis, dragon boat racing, karate, rowing, and surf lifesaving, assisting with fundraising and charity events.
Barbara serves our community through her passion and her advocacy for all people. She puts the needs of others first and helps people in all the instances that she can. It is for this outstanding service and commitment that the City of Charles Sturt, says thank you.
Honorary Freeman of the City is an honour given to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the community, giving their time freely to benefit others. The honour is given to a person who has served the City of Charles Sturt, its community and beyond for many years.