Shirley’s legacy lives on
Her closest friend, Marlene, and many others will always remember the contributions made by Launceston’s Shirley Kirkby.
Celebrating 50 Years, 50 Lives
In the lead-up to National Seniors Australia's 50th anniversary in 2026, Connect is sharing the stories of 50 people who have made contributions to the organisation over those years.
In August 2024, National Seniors Australia (NSA) lost one of its stalwarts in former Launceston Branch president, Shirley Kirkby.
Among those acknowledging her contribution to seniors and the wider community was Jo Palmer, Tasmania’s Minister for Education, Disability Services, Women, and the Prevention of Family Violence.
She described Shirley as a “special lady” and “the best hostess you could ever find for Christmas functions and social events”.
Mary Parsissons, the chair of NSA’s Tasmanian Policy Advisory Group, said, “It is fair to say that Shirley was the heart and soul of National Seniors Australia in Launceston.
“As well as organising and chairing the meetings, arranging outings and bus trips, Shirley would fly to Melbourne on an annual shopping spree to purchase small gifts for the members’ Christmas lunch.
“Shirley was very interested in policy and would participate actively in meetings and have firm, well-considered opinions.”
NSA’s director of policy and research, Dr Brendon Radford, added, “Shirley was a force of nature and a fierce advocate for older people. She made her views known, whether it was fronting the local member’s office or participating in Aged Care consultations in Canberra.
“Personally, I remember hurtling down the central highway in her car as she spoke with her signature gravelly voice about the issues of importance to seniors in Tasmania.
“A central component of NSA’s Tasmanian Policy Advisory Group, Shirley was gracious, helpful, and fierce. These rarely entwined qualities were what set Shirley apart. Her advocacy is sadly missed.”
Shirley’s passing was especially poignant for her long-time friend and former NSA Launceston branch secretary, Marlene Bushby.
Marlene says Shirley was born in Wynard in Tasmania but left the state to train as a nurse in Sydney. She later worked in Western Australia, where she met her husband, Jerry, who was an engineer in the army.
They moved around the mainland, where Shirley worked in aged care, before settling in Hervey Bay, north of Brisbane.
Shirley returned to Tasmania when Jerry died – and that’s when she met Marlene, and a strong friendship was forged.
It was Shirley who took over from Marelene’s late husband, Tony, as NSA Launceston Branch president.
Marlene says, “She was interested in National Seniors and very much so in the aged care part, because she had worked in a lot in aged care.”
Marlene remembers Shirley not only for her passionate advocacy and social skills, but for her organisation skills, and her love of sport, particularly golf and bowls.
Above all, they were best friends - “like sisters”, as Marlene puts it. And when Shirley fell ill, Marlene became her carer.
Now that Shirley has passed away, Marlene continues to serve her local community and to contribute to NSA.
The Launceston branch has transitioned to a social basis, with Marlene as a voluntary organiser, keeping alive the spirit of fun that Shirley enjoyed so much.
“That’s all part of what we’re about,” Marlene says, “people spending time together, shared interests, and living actively.”
