Julie-Ann Gaye Bartlett. February 1, 1972 - January 30, 2023.
The community is mourning the loss of Julie Bartlett, who passed away on January 30, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Julie-Ann Gaye Willman was born in Box Hill Hospital on February 18, 1972. She was the daughter of Cheryl and Chris, and older sister to Sharon.
Julie grew up in a family that was always on the move, starting her education in Cloncurry before attending Warrandyte Primary School, living next door to her grandparents.
Julie's family followed her grandparents to Corowa in 1986, where she attended Corowa High School before embarking on a traineeship at Jones' Plumbing Supplies and later becoming HR manager at Uncle Tobys.
Julie’s “greatest achievements” were her two children, Meagan born in 1997 and Jack in 1999.
In 2004, Julie fell in love with Derek Brown and together, they bought the takeaway store on Guy Street which they turned into a successful business with the help of Sharon.
After selling the shop, Julie started working for the Rural Fire Service (RFS). Derek and Julie eventually moved to Balldale into their forever home.
Despite her courageous battle with cancer, Julie never let her illness slow her down. She continued to work tirelessly for her community and to make a difference in the lives of those around her.
She became a determined advocate for the town of Balldale and was a driving force behind many initiatives aimed at improving the town including the creation of the 'Our Town Balldale' Facebook page and the revival of the Back to Balldale Ball. Last month, she was recognised at the Federation Council Australia Day Awards in Mulwala with a Local Achiever Award (Balldale), and also nominated for Citizen of the Year.
Her volunteer work extended to the Corowa Rutherglen United Hockey Club where she served as a former president and committee member. She also dedicated her time to the Corowa Apex Club, where she spent time assisting with paperwork, organising fundraisers and so much more behind the scenes.
One of her most notable achievements was when she served as the chairperson for the Corowa Rutherglen Relay for Life in 2019/20.
Four days out from the March 2020 event, the Australian Government announced a series of measures to protect citizens from the looming COVID-19 pandemic, effectively cancelling the big event.
Refusing to take no for an answer, Julie along with her committee, created the world's first virtual Relay for Life successfully raising $40,000 for Cancer Council NSW, and setting a trend for ‘Virtual Relays’ across the country and world.
This incredible feat was recognised by the Cancer Council NSW, who named Julie and the committee ‘Volunteer Team of the Year’ at the Cancer Council NSW CEO Awards in October 2020. Additionally, the event was named Federation Council's Community Event of the Year, further testament to Julie's tireless efforts and dedication to helping those in need.
Hundreds of mourners farewelled Julie on Friday, February 3 at the Corowa RSL Club. The touching service, conducted by Tobin Brothers Funerals, included tributes from her friends and family.
“Jules, to realise I will never see your smiling face again, never hear your voice, my heart just aches. You are my sister and best friend. I’ll miss our good old Bundy drinking days- we’ve had so much unforgettable nights filled with lots of laughter,” sister Sharon Sorensen said.
Julie’s partner Derek Brown also shared fond memories of the adventures they shared and acknowledged her fighting spirit.
“We all know the battle Jules had been going through off and on for the last twelve years. The last four have probably been her hardest. The strength and determination to beat this bloody disease have been nothing short of amazing. She fought not only just for herself but her family and friends. No one can say Jules just gave up,” he said.
Meagan and Jack praised their mother’s positive outlook on life.
“When she was always smiling it was contagious for everyone around her,” they said in their tribute.
“She never once complained about the pain she was in. Even when we could tell she wasn’t feeling the best, she always powered on with a smile finding time to help with charities or others in town. Mum, you were one of a kind.”
Following a committal service at the Corowa Lawn Cemetery, refreshments were served at the Corowa RSL Club where many fond memories of Julie were shared.
Mayor pays tribute
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke paid tribute to Julie Bartlett during the Mayoral Minute of last month’s monthly council meeting in Urana.
“On behalf on council, I would like to extend my thoughts to Julie’s family and friends. Julie was a valued and outstanding member of the Balldale community. She was an inspiration and showed amazing Australian values such as loyalty commitment, courage, support and dependability,” he said.