Barbara’s three sons played football within the Ku-ring-gai and District Soccer Association (KDSA). The boys originally attended Mt St Bernard’s School (now known as Sacred Heart Pymble). The boys then moved on to St Leo’s College in Waitara where the family was known to be involved in the administration of the St Leo’s Soccer Club.
In 1980, Barbara became the Assistant Secretary of the KDSA. This is a position that she held until and including 1984. In the 1980 Annual Report the then Secretary Ron Woods states that his “job would have been extremely much more tedious without the help and assistance of my Girl Friday, the Assistant Secretary.” In her role as Assistant Secretary, Barbara provided help above and beyond her duties.
In 1985, Barbara assumed the role of Junior Vice President, a position she then held again in 1986. The year 1985 was a busy one for the Association as efforts to obtain a home ground at Kookaburra Road Hornsby Heights were in full swing. Unfortunately, the Association had to withdraw from the Kookaburra Road Development in 1986. One of Barbara’s roles as Junior Vice President in 1986 was reintroduction of Gala Day to be held at Turramurra Oval. Barbara was head of the organizing committee for the revamped Gala Day and the day was heralded as a great success.
In 1990, Barbara once again assumed the role of Assistant Secretary, a role she then held again in 1991. In 1996, Barbara became the Junior Vice President of the Association when Adrian Solomon resigned the position due to business commitments. Barbara once again performed weeks of preparation for Gala Day, however her weeks of work led to disappointment due to the vagaries of the weather. Barbara held the position again in 1997.
Phil Rees (President) of the Association stated in the 1997 Annual Report that “Barbara Tallis as Junior Vice President added some feminine charm and finesse to the role and she was a great help whilst Garry was convalescing”. Garry O’Neill, the then Secretary, had an enforced absence of 3 months due to ill health.
In 1998, the role of Senior and Junior Vice President were abolished and the position of Vice President created. Barbara fulfilled the role of Vice President in both 1998 and 1999. Iain Booth, President of the Association states in the 1998 Annual Report that “Barbara Tallis has been an extremely hard working and knowledgeable Vice President and her years of experience have been greatly appreciated by me”. In her role as Vice President, Barbara was responsible for chairing any Appeals Board that was formed to hear appeals that arose during the season. There were several during the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Barbara dealt with each of them in accordance with the Constitution, precedent and a liberal dose of commonsense.
Barbara was always present at Gala Days, Cup Days and Presentation Days over the years and often was one of the organizers of these events. Barbara was honored with Life Membership of the KDSA (now known as Northern Suburbs Football Association) in 1993. Thank you Barbara for all the wonderful work that you have given to the Association over many years.