THE RAVAGES of time have separated a brother and sister who have been tireless volunteers for multiple organisations in Dubbo and beyond.
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No community job has been too big or too small for Douglas and Barbara Webb, known for their friendly and dignified manner.
In recent years they had scaled back their out-of-home endeavours as time took its toll on their health.
Last Thursday night the siblings said a final goodbye at Dubbo Base Hospital where Miss Webb had been treated for "complications" following a bout of the flu.
Her funeral is set down for 11am today at the chapel of the Western District Memorial Park.
Yesterday Mr Webb spoke of a "quiet" person who made her mark on society across the decades they shared a home.
"She's a hard one to replace," he said.
Mr Webb, 86, and his sister, who died just shy of her 89th birthday, grew up in the rigorous and demanding terrain of Far West NSW.
Their father managed the station 'Weilmoringle' before moving the family to their own property named 'Bukulla', about half an hour's drive from Goodooga.
After stints at boarding school, Douglas and Barbara Webb returned to the sheep and cattle property that they would eventually run together.
"She was a half-owner and she pulled her weight," Mr Webb said.
The dynamic duo shared the workload but also a keen desire to contribute to community through membership of pivotal country organisations and leadership roles.
"Barbara was involved in groups such as the Country Women's Association and the Red Cross. She was also a Brewarrina Shire councillor before we came to Dubbo," Mr Webb said.
Without a relative to take up the reins of 'Bukulla', the Webbs put it on the market in the late 1970s and moved to a smaller property outside of Dubbo before taking up residence in the city.
Their retirement proved a boon for organisations such as the Dubbo base of the Royal Flying Doctor Service, The National Trust's Dundullimal and The Nationals, just to name a few.
"We didn't have family... so we had the time to do it," Mr Webb said.
Last Wednesday he looked at his sister and thought she was on the mend.
"I thought 'beauty she's going to get better'," he said.
But it wasn't to be and Mr Webb is left to remember with pride a sister who travelled the world and Australia with him, was a dab hand in the kitchen and prone to smile.
"Barbara was a naturally friendly person," he said.
"The same can be said of most people who have lived in the west or far west. They make friends, some with collars, some without."
A wake will be held at the Macquarie Club after the funeral and cremation.
In lieu of floral tributes, donations to the National Trust Dubbo branch can be left with staff of the Abbey Funeral Home at the service.
kim.bartley@ruralpress.com
