STATEMENT ON THE DEATH OF MRS BARBARA JEAN PARNELL

VALE, BARBARA PARNELL

(21 October 1926-2 March 2025)

Barbara Parnell, thought to be the longest serving member of the New South Wales Nationals, has passed away in Wagga Wagga in her 99th year.

“She truly was a stalwart of the party and a fine lady in every respect,” said Federal Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack.

“Barbara leaves an outstanding legacy as someone who gave so much to family and community.

“She was much loved, widely respected and held in the highest regard by all who knew her.”

Mrs Barbara Jean Parnell (née Gorman) and her late husband Jim had six children.

She was the dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Robert and Glenda, Phil and Leena, Patrick and Sonya, Stephen (deceased), Danny and Robyn, Tom and Yvonne, Judy Leung and Sue Parnell, and loving grandmother of 11 and great-grandmother of eight.

Mrs Parnell came from a large family, being one of eight children.

Mr McCormack fondly recalled how she had nominated him for pre-selection five times on behalf of the Wagga Wagga Nationals, of which she was an active member right up until recent months.

“She had a strong sense of community spirit and helping others,” Mr McCormack said.

“Barbara was a big believer for common sense outcomes and giving back through volunteering.”

Mrs Parnell was particularly proud of her long service medallion awarded by The Nationals for being a member for many decades, back when it was known as the Country Party.

Mr McCormack said one of his favourite stories involving Mrs Parnell came in more recent years when she was asked to produce her birth certificate in order to renew her driver’s licence.

“She presented to the registry with her original piece of paper from early last century and was told that would not suffice because it was too old!” Mr McCormack said.

“You can imagine her reaction! She was not having it witnessed or updated to a modern format and Barb’s persuasiveness won the day over bureaucracy.”

Mr McCormack said he first met Mrs Parnell when her husband Jim, who passed away aged 90 in 2016, was timekeeper at Mangoplah-Cookardinia United football games.

“They were such a great couple,” he said. “They loved their footy, especially at Mangoplah, and they contributed so much to their district community.”

Mrs Parnell was a leading figure in the Country Women’s Association of which she was a member for nearly 67 years and was also a popular Civil Celebrant as well as a proficient golfer, playing twice a week until her 90s.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he was saddened to hear of Mrs Parnell’s passing.

“I met her at a function in Wagga Wagga and was instantly captivated by her warmth, sincerity, love of our party and country life,” Mr Littleproud said.

“She loved her region and was determined to do what she could to improve life for people.”

Nationals’ president Kay Hull AO knew Mrs Parnell for many years and had always admired her tenacity and drive.

“She was someone who helped get things done and put in such a big effort to help others,” Mrs Hull said.

Nationals’ Wagga Wagga branch president Mackenna Powell said Mrs Parnell would be sadly missed.

“She was a regular at our meetings and gatherings and we all had so much respect for her wisdom and knowledge,” Ms Powell said.

Mrs Parnell’s Mass of Christian burial will be offered in Saint Michael’s Cathedral, Church Street, Wagga Wagga, on Friday 14 March, from 10.30am after which she will be laid to rest at the Holbrook Monumental Cemetery.

Shane Manning