In recognition of her efforts, she appeared on the Channel 9 series Domestic Blitz on Sunday night for a home makeover.

With two children of her own, Barbara has managed to provide a safe house for kids who had nowhere else to go often in the middle of the night.

Mrs Bannnister, who has worked with the Crisis Line, said that the whole experience was fantastic and surreal like a dream.

``The crew and everyone involved in Domestic Blitz made me feel so relaxed, it was an absolute surprise,'' she said.

``My friends did all sorts of things to hide that I was going to be on the show. I'm so gullible I believed there was nothing going on.''

During filming of the show, Barbara was treated to a harbour view room at the Sheraton Four Points in Darling Harbour and dinner at Sydney's Aria restaurant.

The highlight for her was meeting top chef Matthew Moran and cooking prawns with him in the kitchen. She also enjoyed a pampering with a manicure, and shopping for jewellery with Australian jewellery designer Nick Cerrone.

``I wanted to look like Kerri-Anne,'' she said. ``I was so lucky to wear it and the whole experience was just surreal.''

Between jetting off to the Opera House in a Jaguar and drinking tea at the Chinese Gardens, Mrs Bannister also met some celebrities.

``Kate Cebrano and Anthony Callea were great to meet, I insisted on getting a hug from Anthony,'' she said.

``I also loved spending time with Richard Reid, the gossip correspondent on the Today Show.''

To thank Barbara for her amazing contribution, Domestic Blitz gave her Bargo home a complete makeover, with the creation of a country cottage garden, a new laundry, a kids' playroom and a new-look bedroom.

``My kids are wonderful, the whole crew was unbelievable and the experience was relaxing and amazing.''