It is with great sadness that we inform community members of the passing of Cr Heather Barwick, who sadly passed away on Sunday, 15th March 2026.
George Town Council honours the exceptional service and lasting contribution of Cr Heather Barwick to both the Council and the wider George Town municipality. Her unwavering dedication to the community has created a legacy that will continue to be felt for many years to come.
“Cr Heather Barwick’s decades of service to the George Town community leave a legacy that will be remembered for generations. Her leadership, dedication, advocacy and unwavering commitment to improving the lives of our residents have shaped our municipality in meaningful and lasting ways. We honour her remarkable contribution and extend our deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.” Mayor Cr Greg Kieser.
First elected in March 1989, Cr Barwick has provided many years of dedicated service to the George Town community and has been the longest continuously serving Councillor. In 1995, she made history as the first woman elected as Mayor of George Town, serving until 1997, and during her leadership, she initiated the Council’s first Financial Policy in 1996. During her time as Mayor, she also assisted in the establishment of the Devil Cat ferry service from George Town to Victoria.
Cr Barwick continued to serve the community in a variety of leadership roles, including Deputy Mayor from October 2009 to October 2011, and as Chair of the George Town Community Safety Group Committee from 2014 to 2022. Her commitment to public service has also extended beyond Council through her work as a Justice of the Peace since 1996, for which she received a 20-year service recognition from the Department of Justice in 2020.
Throughout her time on Council, Cr Barwick has been a strong advocate for local residents and coastal communities, including Bellingham, Weymouth, Lulworth and Hillwood. She has worked closely with community organisations and progress associations and has been actively involved in numerous projects that have benefited the municipality. These include securing $93,000 for the restoration of the Semaphore site at Mt Direction and successfully obtaining $405,000 in funding for the York Cove walkway and seniors’ exercise equipment. She has also contributed significantly to community initiatives through her involvement with the Tamar Valley Semaphore Association and the Wattle Group Advisory.
Her outstanding service was formally recognised in 2014, when she received the Outstanding Commitment and Services to Local Council Award from the Local Government Association of Tasmania.
In 2023, Cr Barwick was inducted into the Tasmania Honour Roll for Women, awarded for her service to the community, advocacy and inclusion; government and public services.
Our thoughts are with Heather's family and loved ones as we mourn the loss of a valued member of our community. Heather will be warmly remembered for her contribution to local government and the people of our municipality.
Rest in Peace.
