BARBARA VERNON

Barbara Vernon (1916–78) grew up in Inverell, northern NSW, and studied Arts at the University of Queensland. She served in the Psychological Division of the RAAF in World War II and later joined radio station 2NZ, Inverell, as an announcer. In 1959 she moved to Sydney and in 1966 joined the ABC Drama Department as a script editor. She was a prolific writer for stage, radio and television. Her plays include The Passionate Pianist (1958), one of a trilogy of plays; The Naked Possum; and many one-acters and plays for children. She originated the long-running TV serial, Bellbird (1967–76); co-wrote the acclaimed ABC miniseries adaptation of Seven Little Australians (1973); and contributed to Certain Women (1973–76).