This was another of my Golden age session completed as part of the Dobell festival Lake Mac Arts
Barbara is very young at heart & I just loved her outfit she chose to wear. She definitely did things a little differently than most in her generation. Marrying later & having a career. She is one awesome lady.
Barbara Bergin was born in January 1941 in Worcestershire, England, during the difficult years of the Second World War. Her father served in the Army's reconnaissance division, and later an interior painter. She remembers him reciting a soldiers prayer poem to them as children.
Barbara grew up with three sisters, making four girls in the family. Much of her childhood was spent in London's East End, where she experienced the resilience and strong community spirit that shaped a generation.
Barbara attended Coborn Grammar School in London. At the age of sixteen and a half, she left school and entered the workforce, beginning a career as a secretary for music publishers and undertaking various office roles. She embarked on a life-changing journey to Australia as one of the famous "Ten Pound Poms." The move brought her to a country with a completely different lifestyle, climate, and culture. It was a courageous decision that opened the door to a new chapter in her life.
She met her future husband as he was her neighbour. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong partnership, and they married when Barbara was 28 years old. Together they raised three children and built a loving family.
Settling initially in Mosman, Sydney, Barbara developed a successful career in radio, music publishing, public relations, and personal assistant roles. Music remained a constant thread throughout her life, and she fondly remembered the excitement of the Australian music scene, including encounters with stars such as Johnny O'Keefe and the Bee Gees. She often recalled hearing music played in the office and being surrounded by creative and talented people.
Barbara later dedicated 23 years of service to Sydney Schools, where she became a valued and respected member of the community.
Over the years, Barbara and her family spent many years living in Penrith before relocating to Newcastle around 2003. She eventually made her home in Kahibah, where she enjoyed the comfort of her own house and the company of family and friends.
Family has always been at the heart of Barbara's life. She is the proud mother of three children and grandmother to four grandchildren, all of whom bring her immense joy and pride. In her leisure time, Barbara enjoys reading, watching television, particularly crime dramas, and keeping connected with those she loves.
