Shona Barbour remembered as a most special woman of Douglas Shire
Vale Shona Barbour
Shona Barbour is being remembered as “a special woman” who poured her everything into the clubs and community of the Douglas Shire with not a thought of anything in return.
Her partner of 35 years, John Cameron, said Shona, 71, was the “kindest, most decent human” he had ever met.
As he expressed his love and sadness at her passing on Sunday night, August 9, the Douglas community wrapped its arms around John just as Shona had done for so many others.
From footy and golf to the Neighborhood Centre and a general care for the people around her, Shona was heavily involved across the community from the moment the couple arrived in Port Douglas in 1995 having bought a car rental business.
While John and Shona had discussed marriage a couple of times, they felt it was never going to add anything more to the bond they had and their full lives in Port Douglas after moving from Adelaide.
“I met Shona in the late ‘80s when she ran the bar at the Glenunga Cricket Club,’’ John said.
“I was married to someone else. I was the only cricketer there who was not a beer drinker and I ordered wine… she liked wine so we got friendly.
“After I split with my wife we formed a relationship. I was working for Telstra and had signed a contract to go to Saudi Arabia. We had a relationship over the phone and by meeting in a few places for a couple of years, once in Hong Kong and then in Cairo and had a trip through Egypt.''
“In October 1993 I came back to Adelaide and moved in with her. I was doing odd jobs for a year and half and a friend in Adelaide wanted to buy a car rental business in Port Douglas.
“We bought the business in May 1995. We thought we would be in Port Douglas for a couple of years but loved the place so much we couldn’t ever think of leaving.
“It was a community, that’s what we loved about the place. In the ‘90s and early 2000s we probably knew nine out of 10 people in the town.
Shona was diagnosed with lymphoma in late May, 2025, and received both chemotherapy and radiation therapy throughout the rest of 2025. In January, she received news of 100 per cent remission, and a second clean bill of health was given three months later. Shortly before her next three month check, Shona had some back pain and, within the space of three days, was unable to stand. The cancer had reemerged in her spine and in a location that was inoperable.
Mossman Golf Club president John Carney said Shona had looked after a number of lady members of the club through sickness; she was a very special person to them and the club.
“So many of the ladies are very shattered,’’ Mr Carney said.
“Shona was a beautiful person, incredibly generous with her time and asked for nothing in return.
“She was an integral part of Mossman Golf Club and then became involved with the Far North Queensland Golf Executive and was on the executive up until about three years ago.
“Her and John have both dipped into the community for such a long time.”
Paul Scott gave insight on Shona’s impact on the Port Douglas Crocs AFL club, where a memorial will be held for Shona on Sunday, August 23 from 1pm… with a wear your golf gear theme in what is a true show of the diversity and community involvement she showed.
“The deeper you go you think how could this woman fit all of this into her life living in Port Douglas,’’ Mr Scott said
“John is a fantastic volunteer for the footy club and Shona helped John, a life member, do all the books and recently Shona was given life membership of Port Douglas Football Club.
“Behind a good man there’s always a special woman. She was a lovely lady and a great person to be around. She was great fun at the football club.’’
The Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre posted a tribute to Shona on social media also.
“Shona was a much-loved and deeply respected member of the Port Douglas Neighbourhood Centre family. She first registered as a volunteer with the Centre in 2013 and, over the years, generously gave her time, energy and support to our community.
“As a valued member of our Management Committee, Shona's contribution to the Centre extended far beyond the roles she held. She was part of our story, our community and the many connections that make the Neighbourhood Centre what it is.
“Shona will be greatly missed by our staff, volunteers, committee members and all those within our community whose lives she touched.
“Our thoughts remain with Shona's family and loved ones as we remember and celebrate a very special member of our community.’’
Social media message boards of clubs and community groups have also been flooded with tributes for Shona Barbour.