Service to lifesaving: Lynda Barry

Lynda Barry OAM, from Mango Hill, has been a life saver for 37 years – and has no plans to stop.

During almost four decades he has held countless positions with Ithaca Caloundra City Life Saving Club and the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland.

Lynda has also won national awards while competing and managing teams at World Life Saving Championships Egypt (2010) and Adelaide (2012).

In January’s Australia Day Awards she received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) “For service to lifesaving and lifeguard training and the community”.

“It’s something prestigious. I’m very humble, honoured and surprised to receive it,” she Lynda said, describing it as “the icing on the cake after 37 years”.

“Lifesaving is all about community, it’s about teamwork, it’s about helping others.

“It is rewarding helping people. You get personal satisfaction helping that community and being part of a great team wanting to be there to help people.”

Lynda has been a patrolling lifesaver with Caloundra City Life Saving Club since 1989, Club Captain since 2005 and been secretary, deputy president and a trainer.

In recognition she was made a Life Member of the club in 2009.

Lynda has also been a member of the Royal Life Saving Society Queensland for more than 25 years and was Chief Organiser and Referee of beach carnivals for 21 years.

She was a founding member of the Life Saving Support Services in 2015 and has been treasurer since 2017.

Lyndra received a Bronze Medallion from the Royal Life Saving Society Australia in 1989, was made a Fellow in 2017 and Companion in 2022.

She has also been a Program Support Officer with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award since 2017 as well as an Administration Officer at North Lakes State College, 2007-2017 and Teacher Aide, 2005-2006.

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This story is part of our International Women’s Day 2026 coverage. Explore more local profiles and features here.