Barnet Florence Louisa
| Type of person | Musician |
|---|---|
| Also known as: | Flo |
| Date of birth | 1875 |
| Place of birth | Gawler, South Australia |
| Principal occupation | Musician , Philanthropist |
| Date of death | 1945 |
| Place of death | Gawler, South Australia |
Florence Louisa Barnet, known locally as Miss Flo Barnet, was a prominent community figure in Gawler, South Australia. As the daughter of William Barnet—the founder of Gawler’s long-running newspaper, The Bunyip—she spent her life as a dedicated advocate for the town's social and cultural development.
Family and Early Life
- Birth: She was born on September 28, 1875, in Gawler.
- Parents: She was the second daughter (5th child) of William Barnet and Hannah Burfield.
- Residence: She lived at "Pine Lodge," the family home in Gawler, which was known for its "bountiful hospitality."
Community Leadership and Philanthropy
Miss Barnet was often described as the "entrepreneur of all entertainment" in Gawler. Her efforts were central to several local institutions:
- District Bush Nursing Society (D.B.N.S.): She took over the leadership role from her elder sister, Emily, and worked tirelessly for the society. She later formed the Ladies Service Association to raise funds for the nursing service through bridge social afternoons.
- Country Women’s Association (CWA): She served as the President of the Gawler branch and was so highly regarded that the branch sought no change in leadership even during her final illness.
- Gawler Institute: In 1914 , She was instrumental in securing a Steinway piano for the Gawler Institute. While visiting London, she coordinated with the State’s Agent-General to negotiate with the Steinway company to ensure the town had a high-quality instrument .
Travels and the "Great War"[1]
Shortly before World War I, she travelled to the European continent. She was caught abroad when the war broke out, and significant influence and funds were reportedly required to secure her safe return to England from Europe before the height of the conflict. Upon her return to Australia, she became a popular raconteur, sharing stories of her travels at meetings throughout the district to raise money for various causes.
Final Years
- Illness: In her final year, she suffered from a condition that required mechanical feeding.
- Death: She passed away on July 17, 1945, at the Hutchinson Hospital in Gawler at the age of 70.
- Legacy: Her obituary in The Bunyip described her life as "illustrious to the district" and noted that thousands of pounds had been raised for public bodies through her efforts. She is buried in the Willaston Cemetery
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