One Chest, One Dream And Citizenship At 82

When Ann Barry stepped off the S.S. Iberia in April 1964, she carried little more than a single chest of possessions and a heart full of courage. At just 20 years old, she had left her birthplace, Brynithel, South Wales, behind, embarking on a month-long voyage to begin a new life in Australia.

That leap of faith, born of her parents' dream to move to Australia, became the foundation for an extraordinary life, one that has now been crowned by Ann finally achieving Australian citizenship at the age of 82.

Yet her story could easily have ended differently.

For decades, Ann lived, worked, raised her family, and contributed to her community without ever becoming a citizen. When she eventually tried to take that step, the bureaucratic maze seemed insurmountable. It was only through the help of her federal member, Andrew Willcox MP, that Ann's lifelong bond with Australia was formally recognised.

"Ann's journey is nothing short of remarkable," Mr Willcox said, Federal Member for Dawson and Shadow Assistant Minister for Manufacturing and Sovereign Capability.

"For more than sixty years, she has lived the Australian story; working hard, raising a family, contributing to her community.

"To be able to help her finally gain citizenship is one of the most rewarding parts of my role as a federal member."

From the moment Ann arrived, her determination and resourcefulness shone. Within a week, she had found work as a financial clerk in Adelaide. Later, she carved out a career in banking and travel, a job that allowed her to see the world while still building her future in Australia.

She met her husband, Tom Barry, who himself had a storied history as one of Mackay's last surviving World War II veterans. Together they raised two children, Evan and Joanne, both of whom went on to achieve remarkable things in sport, education, and service.

Tom, who passed away in 2024 at the age of 101, left a lasting legacy of his own. In his final years, he completed his memoir, A Prodigious Leap, which Ann helped bring to publication.

But it was only recently that a question arose: Why wasn't Ann an Australian citizen?

When she began the process, Ann found it overwhelming.

The greatest challenge was proving her identity: back in 1964, British citizens could travel freely to Australia without passports, leaving her with no formal record of arrival.

Ann said that at times, the process felt impossible.

That was until a chance conversation at the Mackay RSL Sub-Branch with its president, Ken Higgins OAM, changed everything.

During her late husband's memorial service in 2024, Ann learned that her federal member, Andrew Willcox, could provide direct assistance with citizenship matters.

She reached out to his office, and what followed was a determined, 18-month effort to unravel the complexities of Ann's case, liaising with the Department of Home Affairs and piecing together historical evidence. The breakthrough came when they were able to locate the original ship's manifest from the National Archives, confirming Ann's arrival on the S.S. Iberia.

"I'm competent at handling paperwork, but without Andrew and Ian within his team, I would have given up," Ann said.

"Their patience and persistence were incredible. I'm not sure I'd be a citizen today without their support."

In September 2025, Ann stood proudly at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre to take the oath of citizenship. For the first time in 61 years, she could officially and legally call herself an Australian.

Ann reflects on her journey with gratitude.

"My life here in Australia has been very full, and I hope to spend many more years yet, now as an Australian citizen."

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Ann Barry, now a proud Australian citizen at 82, with Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox, recognising a remarkable journey of resilience and belonging. Photo supplied

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