Published in the Warrnambool Standard 21st June 2021
WHEN Dick Barns sets foot in the doors of Mercy Place, guitar in hand, he sees faces light up. The 73-year-old Warrnambool born and bred musician volunteers at the aged care home sharing his music with the residents. Barns first came to the home in 2018 when his cousin Shirley became a resident, and fell in love with the residents, the staff and the home. One of the residents said they used to travel each year to see Barns in concert. He plays the electric guitar and sings, mainly entertaining the crowd with country music. "These people, they set this country up, so why shouldn't we look after them as best we can?" he said. He was raised in Crawley Street by his single mother who taught him to sing and to whom he owes his lifelong passion for music. "She is the most wonderful person in the world." Barns' music career spans decades; taking off when he was a member of south-west band Nevada in the 70s and 80s. The release of Nevada's debut album 'Sneakin Around' was covered by The Standard in 1979. He carved his place in the Queensland music scene where he lived for over 20 years before returning home. "If you come from Warrnambool it never leaves your heart," he said. The glory days are far from over, with some of the original members of Nevada, including vocalist and bassist Peter Bird, in the process of recording a new album. "They are such a great bunch of musicians and we're still all great friends," Barns said. "We're in the process of making an album of 10 original songs, the passion for music is still there." Mercy Place celebrated Barns' work as a volunteer to mark World Music Day on June 21, 2021. "It's just a way of giving a little bit back to my town," he said. "I love seeing their eyes light up when they hear a song they know. "Music can be the greatest leveler in the world - it just fills you with joy. "It's my life."
