Dorothy was born on an apple orchard at Tallong, NSW, near Goulburn, and later came to Sydney for schooling and to pursue a career as a singer/entertainer. She sang, yodeled and played a guitar and became well known as a country singer.

At the age of 12 years, she appeared on 2KY Harry Yates Digger’s Show, was heard by Mr Roy Eades, promoter of Arnotts Biscuits Concert Party who tokker her on many shows at Army Hospitals and camps for the Navy, Air Force and American troops awaiting discharge from the forces when the war ended.

AT 19 years, she became “Miss Jantzen”, winner of “Miss Daily Telegraphy Beach Girl” competition. This resulted in Dorothy becoming a model for Jantzen swimsuits for 10 years.

Dorothy was twice winner of ‘Australia’s Amateur Hour” and appeared regularly on “Bunk House Show” with Tommy McNamara on Sydney Radio 2GB. She appeared as a regular on Tim McNamara’s show on Radio 2KY, and sang with Tim on EMI “Country Encores” LP Album. Dorothy was also a regular on Reg Lindsay’s Radio Show on 2KY.

Dorothy has recorded on Rodeo Label with Billy Walker who later became MD for Johnny Cash, USA. Also recorded with Peter Allen (The Allen Brothers) on Pye Label with Lorna Barry (The Barry Sisters) and also recorded on ARC Label. She released a single on ARIKA Records in 1985 featuring a composition by Lorna Barry, and recently released a cassette featuring her favourite songs.

Dorothy appeared regularly on Bill Kelly’s Country Shows in and around Sydney, and has toured the country shows with Ray Kernaghan. She has worked at Theatre Royal, Brisbane for the Sadler Bros, Johnny (rubber face) Craig, Syd Heylan, and many others, Dorothy has sung with many big 15 piece bands including Harry Doyle, Jim Gussey, Don Burrows on ABC shows and at “The Paradance” at Lidcombe, Rockdale and Surreyville as pop vocalist.

As one of the Barry Sisters, she appeared regularly on Bandstand with Brian Henderson, Six O’Clock Rock with Johnny O’Keefe, Teen Time and Revue 61 with Digby Wolfe.

As a solo artist, she has appeared on the Don Lane Show, Mike Walsh Show, Pace with Harriet, Country Homestead, (Sydney, Qld, S.A) and Orton’s Olde Tyme Music Hall in Brisbane.

Dorothy has supported Barry Crocker, Don Lane, Harry Secombe, Reg Varney, Kamahl, Freddie Paris and Howard Keel (USA).

In 1989, Dorothy was nominated in the AFI Awards for her performance in the film, “Sweetie” by Jane Campion.

Dorothy cruises regularly on “Fairstar”, Achille Lauro” as well as the P & O Line, and also “Australis”.

A dedicated worker for charity, she has received numerous awards from all areas of charity organisations. Her most cherished is the Mo Award in 1982 of “The John Cambell Fellowship Award” which is awarded by her peers in the show business industry. In 1986 Dorothy was also a nominee in the Mo Awards for “Best Country Female Vocalist”.

In January 1988, The Barry Sisters were inducted in the “The Bands of Fame” at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Dorothy is known throughout the Australian show business industry as Australia’s Vera Lynn. Her association with Dame Vera Lynn came about through the Australian Ladies Variety Association of which Dame Vera, Margaret Whitlam and Lady Joan McInnes-Hardy are patrons. The aim of ALVA is to secure a retirement home for aged members of the entertainment industry.

Dorothy sings country songs, wartime songs, popular musicals, Scottish and Irish songs.

Her other awards consist of:

• 1st Life Member – Australian Legion of Ex-Services;
• Plaque – Rats of Tobruk Association;
• Certificate of Appreciation – New South Wales R.S.L.
• Certificate of Appreciation – North Ryde Lions Club;
• The Merchant Navy Sealed Letter of Appreciation;
• Veteran Affairs – Central Council; and
• Australian Ladies Variety Association Honours 1908 & 1985.