Councillors
Cr Lyn Barnes
About
Originally from a farming family in the Wallumbilla district, Lyn Barnes first came to the Quilpie Shire in the mid-1970s as a governess. At the start of the 1980s Lyn returned to Roma where she worked as a radio journalist and married Jack, having two sons, Will and Tom.
When Jack took a job with the then Mines Department in 1990, Lyn and the boys moved with him back to Quilpie. Here Lyn began her career as an artist, learning to paint at workshops with the Quilpie Cultural Society before setting up a studio in Robbo’s Opal shop as an outlet.
Always interested in regional growth, an opportunity arose for her with the then South West Regional Economic Development Association. As an economic development officer covering the four shires of Quilpie, Bulloo, Paroo and Murweh, Lyn spent several years working on projects such as OBE Beef, The South West Film Locations Register and the opening of Hell Hole Gorge. She then set up her own arts business and opened her first gallery in the Old Exchange behind the Quilpie Post Office.
Lyn has exhibited her work throughout Queensland and interstate for over twenty years; always promoting the unique landscapes and relaxed lifestyle of the Quilpie Shire. She truly believes that prospects do exist to grow the economic, cultural and social fabric of the whole Shire and as a councillor, is committed to the mission of finding every opportunity.