09/09/2026
Gladstone lost one of its true characters this week with the passing of Judy Barnes. Many of us knew Judy as the woman who quietly looked after the town's feral cats, gave a home to countless rescue animals that had nowhere else to go, and had a soft spot for anything overlooked or in need of rescuing — animal or otherwise. Her place was always a little full and a little cluttered, because Judy had a real gift for seeing value where others saw none, whether that was a stray cat, a piece of furniture saved from the tip, or a person who needed a hand. She had a quiet generosity that she didn't often talk about but plenty of us benefited from over the years, along with a fair bit of mischief and a personality all her own. Judy was private in some ways and well known in others, not always the easiest person to get to know, but genuine right through — and always, unmistakably, herself. She'll be missed by those who took the time to find out who she really was, and remembered for the years she spent quietly looking out for the animals no one else would.
FutureLinks Gladstone will be holding a small memorial morning tea in her honour — details to follow once finalised. All welcome who'd like to raise a cup to Judy.
