Tributes are flowing for beloved South Australian disability advocate Ellen Fraser-Barbour, who died after drowning at a popular swimming spot near Alice Springs on the weekend.
Dr Fraser-Barbour was swimming with friends at Ellery Creek Big Hole, west of Alice Springs, about 12.50pm on Sunday when she began to struggle in the water. Despite the efforts of bystanders and paramedics, the 35-year-old could not be revived.
Living in South Australia, Dr Fraser-Barbour had celebrated her 35th birthday last week. She was a disability and human rights advocate who championed greater safety and respect for people with disability. She was deafblind and lived with autism, and friends and colleagues shared messages of grief and admiration online, describing her as “generous” and an adventure lover.
Her sister Harriet remembered her as a “fierce and defiant force who made a lasting impact on all that she encountered”.
“We cannot describe the hole she will leave in our family and will missed greatly by her community,” she said.
“She was an amazing friend to many and wise beyond her years with so much left to give.
“Ellen helped to shape so much of who I am today and I will not be the same without her.”
Close friend Sam Poir described Dr Fraser-Barbour as a “deep, compassionate thinker and person” who loved swimming, hiking and spending time at the beach.
“There was no one that she wouldn’t have compassion for,” she said.
“She deeply valued every single person.”
Others echoed the sense of loss felt by the disability community and beyond.
“Our community has lost a fearless advocate for those who need a voice,” Hurtle Vale member Nat Cook wrote.
“She was also a trusted friend—always generous with honest, wise advice. I’ll miss her deeply.”
Writer and activist Carly Finlay, who had known Dr Fraser-Barbour for more than a decade, said many of her happiest moments were shared with her.
“She epitomised work-life balance – enjoying nature, hiking, time with friends, reading and art,” she wrote.
“I am continually in awe of her literary, academic and creative talents.”
