Barbara Payne was born in Devonport in 1926. Graduated in science from the University of Tasmania and became a teacher. She was the first consultant in science education to the Education Department and was later a teacher-educator at the Tasmanian College of Advanced Education in Launceston. She played a significant role in civic and community affairs as long serving member of the National Council of Women, President of the Australian Federation of University Women (North) from 1976 to 1977, a committee member of the Launceston Women's Shelter from 1976 to 1979, a member of the Tasmanian Library Board from 1979 to 1984 and a committee member of the Tasmanian Duke of Edinburgh awards from 1985 to 1990. She was a director from 1980 to 1989 of the Australian Bicentennial Authority. She was an alderman of the Launceston City Council from 1974 and was elected deputy mayor in 1978 and mayor in 1979. She received an OBE in 1982 and an AM in 1989. She married Stan Payne in 1952.;;;;