Sector Mourns Children’s Champion
24 May 2012 at 11:07 am
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Barbara Holborow. Photo courtesy australianoftheyear.org.au |
The Not for Profit sector is mourning the passing of former NSW children's magistrate and advocate Barbara Holborow; known to many as the the ‘children’s champion’.
Holborow was Patron of the Mirabel Foundation and a long-standing Ambassador for Wesley Mission’s Aunties and Uncles program. She was named NSW Senior Australian of the Year 2012.
“With the passing of Barbara Holborow the children of Australia have lost a passionate and
committed advocate for their right to a safe, secure and loving home. In pursuit of this goal, Barbara was absolutely fearless,” chief executive of Wesley Mission, Dr Keith Garner said.
“Uncompromising in her advocacy for children, her wise counsel was highly valued by
Wesley Mission’s Aunties and Uncles program.
“She wasn’t interested in playing politics or winning popularity contests.
“The welfare of children was her only concern: the nation’s greatest future resource,” he said.
Manager of Wesley Mission’s Aunties and Uncles program, Michelle Parrish, said Barbara’s
passion and enthusiasm was inspiring.
“Her wise counsel, forged at the coal face, was invaluable,” she said.
“She was unique and irreplaceable. Our nation and Wesley Mission’s Aunties and Uncles are poorer for the loss of Barbara. We are deeply saddened by her passing.”
The Mirabel Foundation described Holborow as a fierce advocate for the many Mirabel children and families and her wisdom, compassion and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed by all.
Holborow is survived by daughter Louise, adopted Aboriginal son Jacob, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
I am saddened by the passing of such an inspirational women. She inspired me to keep going when the chips were down. I loved whet she stood for like me she did not mind ruffling a few feathers. We will be missing s real treasure to the kids she made new lives for. A true hero and champion.