Ivy Barnes was one of eight children of William Henry Sandy and Edith Alice Sandy (nee Payne). She married Edwin John Barnes on 21 December 1914 in Kadina, South Australia, and moved with him to Broken Hill in 1923. They had five children: Jean, May, Edna, George and Albert.

Edwin was elected Mayor of Broken Hill in 1934, and Ivy became involved in raising funds for the sick and needy of the town. She took over the Clothing Fund from former Mayoress Catherine Cleeland, distributing parcels of clothing from a depot at the Protestant Hall in Beryl Street. She was also a foundation member of the women's branch of the Australian Labor Party in Broken Hill, and served as vice-president.

Ivy Barnes suffered a stroke at the age of 47, rendering her unconscious for several days before she passed away. The Town Hall flag was flown at half mast. Edwin was remarried to Ivy's sister, Dorothy Alice Sandy. He passed away in 1964.

Sources used to compile this entry: Camilleri, Jenny, Some Outstanding Women of Broken Hill and District, Jenny Camilleri (Broken Hill Historical Society/Broken Hill Council), Broken Hill, NSW, 2002; See also Barrier Daily Truth, 2 June 1944.