To be seen is to be loved, as Scenic Lodge resident Barbara Brown will tell you while she proudly displays her art for the first time in the halls of her new home.

Those who visit Scenic Lodge may notice a new collection of art in the hallways.

The artworks are reproductions of Barbara’s life story on display for all to see.

“I love art, I always have. It’s very much a part of me,” Barbara says.

“It’s the first time my art has been acknowledged, and that’s really quite overwhelming and I’m very honoured.

“There are 10 of them in the corridors.

“This situation is the first time I have felt loved and that’s quite powerful.”

The art series continues into her bedroom where they hang among photos of her other achievements, including pictures of her family, a plaque from her career as a psychologist, and medals from her extensive sporting accolades.

“I am very proud of the fact that I qualified for the Olympic Games when I was 18, in two sports. “Because I was studying to be a teacher, I chose not to go to the Olympic Games. I am very proud that I made the right decision, to stay and study,” she says.

“I did just about every sport. I’ve been Sports Person of the Year three times, and I’ve represented
Newcastle at triathlons.

“I was the first Newcastle woman to do the Forster Ironman triathlon, and they did a documentary on me in relation to that.

“I won entry to the Hawaii Ironman world champs, but I decided not to go because I really didn’t need to go, being chosen was enough for me.”

Scenic Lodge resident Barbara Brown among her collection of art. Barbara’s mother’s tea pot set that inspired
some of her artwork.

These days, Barbara is empowered to take ownership and celebrate her achievements in a way that she never had before.

“I’m absolutely honoured that someone acknowledged and wanted my art.” she says.

“I’m acknowledging stuff now that I never took time to acknowledge before.

“I’m just blown away really.