OBA President’s Message

Coming back from a summer break filled with uncertainty, I look forward to a 2022 likely filled with the same kinds of challenges and opportunities we dealt with in 2021.

Already we have started to organise the reunions scheduled for later this year, a chance for year groups to come together, hear about what’s been happening in the intervening years from the last reunion, relive memories from school and talk about our future plans. This is one of the great things about our community – even though we do not see each other every day, we will always have a commonality that brings us together, gives us something to celebrate and can provide value for our lives. One of the things I have enjoyed over the past few months particularly is the work of our Alumni office, led by Karina Drummond, reaching out to members during lockdowns and restrictions to provide support if we can, and welcoming the newest members of our Barker community as alumni welcome new members to their families. While we hope that each and every one of them get to walk through the Mint Gates, we also recognise that they are going to be a member of our Barker community from birth! This is one of the things that makes our alumni community special and something we want to celebrate in 2022. Whether it is the continued enjoyment of sports, creative arts, faith or professional interests through our affiliates, engaging in our mentoring and networking program in 2022 or tapping into our Support for Life program, we hope you can find something that works for you in the OBA. In 2022 we also enter the second year of our three year strategy, which is focused on ensuring that the OBA delivers services and programs that meet the needs of our members, as well as strengthen our connection to the School. In 2022, we will be working with the School to rollout new training shirts for students. We love the training shirts as it gives the OBA the chance to engage with the students, give them something that they will use and lets them hear a bit more about our alumni community. We will also be supporting the School to really enhance the involvement of alumni on campus with a student career mentoring program and supporting Len Nixon’s Business Bites program, both of which will give students the opportunity to hear and learn from our accomplished alumni across a range of professions. We have had such an enthusiastic response from alumni to help out and hope that this is something we can continue for years to come! We have a busy 2022 planned to ensure you get the most out of being a member of the OBA. But please reach out if you have new ideas, opportunities for us to support members or if you want to get involved. As we start 2022, I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of two of our alumni Tony Gamson and Michael Brodie who are now stepping down from their positions on School Council. Tony has served as a member of the School Council since 2013, as a director of the Barker Foundation, as a father of a Barker student, and as the President of the Old Barker Association. He continued the strong family tradition of service to the School and we would like to acknowledge his contribution to the Old Barker Association, his work as Chair of the Building Committee and his significant contribution to the work of the School to introduce full coeducation. Michael Brodie served as a member of the School Council since 2014, including as Chair of the Finance Committee and inaugural Chair of the ICT Committee, and as Treasurer of the Old Barker Association. As an alumni and proud Barker parent, Michael’s wise counsel has provided guidance to both the School and the Old Barker Association, allowing both to deliver incredible service and opportunities for students, parents, staff and alumni.

Angus Abadee (07) OBA President

Samuel Collins, an Old Boy from the Class of 2011 has pursued his passion for animation and cinematography and shares his story.

Life Beyond Barker

Do you have a favourite memory from School? Every day at lunch the mad dash for the handball court! There was nothing worse than being at the Design and Tech centre when that happened. We didn't run for the courts in the Middle School area, the big squares outside the Library was the golden spot to play handball. Despite not being a properly dedicated area, the teachers still allowed it to happen thankfully. But if it was a rainy day, I would spend my time in the Library creating animations. Of all the programs to use, I made animated shorts using PowerPoint. Any animator would think I'm crazy right now for doing such a thing, but funnily enough that's where my love for animation and content creation come from and I pursued that when I left Barker. What did you do after you graduated? Most students took the opportunity to enjoy their new found freedom with a schoolies trip or even a gap year. I ended up travelling to Nelson Bay to take part in an Internship to become a Divemaster. I enjoyed scuba diving as a side hobby and wanted it to become a seasonal work option to enjoy in the summertime. Regarding study post-Barker, I found myself at the Design Centre Enmore (DCE) studying a three-year Bachelor of 3D Art and Animation in 2012. I also participated in the Young Endeavour experience where I learnt to sail a tall ship and meet some awesome new people. You always had a passion for animation, do you get the chance work in this field? The animation industry in Australia is still growing in. As I specialised in character animation for my Bachelor, when graduating DCE in 2014 it was very difficult to land a full-time role as most positions were filled at production studios. I found smaller freelance work online to continue my work and grow as an artist. Thankfully I got to work on a small indie project called 'Cyan Eyed' that released this year. But to build a career and a financial future for myself, I needed to expand my skillset to become more versatile in the industry. That's when I ended up changing over and studying a Bachelor in Film and Television in 2016. What work are you currently doing? Having moved to Ballarat, I am currently working in Melbourne as a Video Editor for Slazo Media, a company that focuses on creating content for YouTube. Ranging from reactionary content for comedic entertainment as well as making their own animated kids show, Micky Moo for younger audiences. For freelance work, I have been collaborating with friends in Ballarat who work in the acting industry to make a variety of videos. Dance, Music and Short Films have all been content I've been crafting with them, allowing me to develop my skillset and improve as a cinematographer in the film industry. How did you find the move to Ballarat? The move to Ballarat was interesting, because it was something that I desperately needed in my life, to change my course from going down a darker path. Having left Barker a lot of friends had moved onto new things, whether it was work opportunities or a change of scenery. Being at home and not being able to see many people in person was upsetting and a huge detriment to my mental health. When I had been travelling down to see friends in Ballarat from the Young Endeavour, it became some of the only times in the years after Barker where I truly felt happy and belonged. It was a huge decision to pick up everything and drive across the border into Victoria and essentially learn to live on my own. But it was the right choice and my life is better for it. I knew I had the support of all my friends in Ballarat and my family back home to help me if times ever became tough. Ballarat became a massive change in not only my life but how I saw myself in the world. I always felt I had this stigma of my previous personality from school. Ballarat became a new opportunity to reinvent myself. Having surrounded myself with very extroverted people (theatre people are a different breed!), the once introverted boy learnt to become a more confident and independent man. What do you do in your spare time? Honestly........video games........I know it's very simple, but it's something I've enjoyed since I was four years old. What started as having some fun with some mates, games have become another medium to tell amazing stories through. Just like how people get seriously involved in the fictional worlds of Game of Thrones or Star Wars, the same can be said for gaming, except you get to be a part of that story. Do you have any words of wisdom for today’s Barker students? I never understood it until years later after leaving, but a place like Barker isn't just about learning, it's about providing opportunities. Opportunities that allow you to try a variety of different things before you go out into the world that you might never get to experience. Whether it be finding an instrument you like playing, sports, cadets, debating, productions, creating, crafting and so much more. Give something a try that you think looks interesting or dip your toes into an activity that you might be a little bit nervous about. Barker gives you the means to round yourself out as a person and experience a lot more than you realise, either through learning certain topics or being a part of activities. Take that knowledge of what you like and apply that to future studies, hobbies and work opportunities. I am grateful for my mum and dad encouraging me to try all these different experiences.

Welcome to our newest Alumni - The Class of 2021

We are excited to welcome the Class of 2021 to the Old Barker Association (OBA), an organisation which focuses on providing member services catering to all the varied interests and activities of Barker’s Alumni. The OBA offers many opportunities to explore including: • Joining one of the OBA Affiliate Groups – choose from Sport, Music, Theatre, Christian Fellowship and

Agriculture (see the following pages to see which are of interest) • Professional mentoring for career advice, options, experiences and opportunities • Networking events • OBA Support for Life – a free service available to all

Alumni and their families • Social events in regional areas, interstate and overseas

• Year group reunions • Special events and activities such as the annual OBA golf day and dinner

Communication

To keep up to date with the latest OBA events and news we invite you to: • Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/barkercollegealumni • Follow us on Instagram barkercollegealumni • Connect with us on LinkedIn

Official Barker College Alumni • Access the Alumni Networking Directory via the OBA website - www.oba.net.au • OBA Support for Life - https://landing.mymirror. com.au/old-barker-association For any questions or suggestions please contact: Karina Drummond Director of Alumni & Community Relations Phone: 02 8438 7283 Email: kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au Three 2021 student leaders shared their memories: Favourite memory at Barker? My favourite memory would have to be the Girls 1st XI Football Friday night game against PLC. Barker is progressing to a new era of fully coed, so being able to be a part of such an integral part of women’s history having our entire year group show up to support is something I will never forget. Tayla Bondy Who was a role model during your time at the School? My role model in leadership was Mr Heath. His ability to always know his students and make them feel welcome and cared for at Barker is inspiring. It was such a privilege to learn from him. My Head of House, Mr Tod-Hill was also an amazing role model particularly in the area of pastoral care. He was incredibly generous with his time in caring for and ensuring the students in his care were looked after. Anna Friend-Ngui If you could change one thing about your time at Barker, what would it be? If I could change one thing about my experience it would probably be not leaving Cadets after two years. Looking back on my experiences in Cadets, I had so much fun on the camps and learnt so many different skills. I wish I had continued for the next two years as I think I would have learnt even more and had more great memories shared with my peers. Bede Taylor Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank all the teaching staff at Barker for what they have done over many years, and specifically a massive thankyou to the teachers of the Class of 2021 who had to battle even harder last year to get the Year 12s through the final term of school online. A big thankyou to you all. Bede Taylor

OBA Groups

Old Barker Football Club

In September 1990 history was made in different corners of the globe. While the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hit TV screens, former Barker School Captain Jeremy Hook (88), inspired by the antics of this upstart from Philadelphia, was plotting the formation of the Old Barker FC. Jeremy’s efforts were rewarded when the Club launched its inaugural season of football in 1991.

It comes full circle. In 2022, BelAir will grace the silver screen and Old Barker FC is registering its inaugural over 35s Football team. Like Will Smith, who reprises a role in the show he inspired, a litany of Club legends are coming out of retirement. In what is a boon for Dencorub sales, we welcome back Benjamin Holland (96), Michael Poon (95), Andrew Boak (95), David Garrick (95), Charles Shale (95), Al Jones and Ben Hawley (99). It’s been more than a decade since so many alumni featured in an Old Barker FC article with a leaving year that didn’t start with a 0, 1 or 2. The experienced cohort of reprisals is joined by the injury prone Jeremy Smith (05), Chris McClelland (05), Pete Gregory (03), Chris Monsted (05) and features three sets of brothers; The MacKenzies (05 & 03), Robinsons (05 & 03) and Vickers (05 & 03). 2022 represents a milestone moment in the Club’s history. Change is afoot elsewhere at the club. In the all-age competition, the Club retains its Premier League squad and is fielding a Division Four team. Premier League preseason is well underway. Club captain Gohto Saikawa (11) and newly appointed head coach Judd Kalkhoven, have reported the strongest recruitment influx seen in the last decade. Trials are proving competitive, and the squad is reinvigorated after a COVID induced interrupted two years. There is still time to come down for a kick, with a range of playing options available from the competitive (Premier League), the social (Division 4) and the elderly (over 35’s). To keep up with Club activities, join a pre-season fitness session, or for any other information, please visit our website –www.oldbarkerfc.com

Matt Vickers (05)

OBA Netball

The Old Barker Netball Club began in 2015 and is a registered Club with the Hills District Netball Association (HDNA). Lauren Kirkby (07) is one of the two founding members and is the current President. Due to work and other commitments, Lauren would like to pass the running of the Club to a new generation of Barker girls. If you would like to be involved and would like more information, please contact Lauren on 0414 837 992 or at barkeroldgirlsnetball@ gmail.com. You will always have the unwavering support of the Alumni & Community Relations Department at Barker as well as the Old Barker Association, so you are never alone. Lauren will also be able to assist you with the transition so don't be afraid of stepping into the role! Over the years, the Club has played in the night comp seasons along with the Saturday winter competition at HDNA. If you would like more information about the Club and to get involved, please email barkeroldgirlsnetball@ gmail.com for more information.

Lauren Kirkby (07) President: 0414 837 992

Old Barker Rugby

Old Barker Rugby is in its 54th year and we’re set for a full season of rugby in 2022. Our two Women’s 7s teams will play in NSW Rugby’s Divisions 2 and 3. Old Barker Rugby’s Men’s teams, across Colts, 1st and 2nd Grade teams, will be super competitive in NSW Subbies’ Division 3. We are also looking forward to using our new clubhouse facilities at Turramurra Memorial Park (TMP). The official Clubhouse opening and our first trial (Old Barker v Knox v Lindfield) is on Saturday 26 March – everyone is welcome to join us! We are pleased to announce that the Grade Coaching Group is Manny Garcia Posadas, Eddie Ellwood-Hall (13) and Tom McGregor (08). Colts will be coached by Sam Northcott (09) and Angus Blakemore (16) and Jordan Fowles returns to coach another winning season for our Women’s 7s. Sam Northcott is leading the fitness and S&C with Katie Turner. Everyone is welcome at training, especially if getting fitter is on your “to-do” list or you’re undecided whether to play or not. Training is Monday and Wednesday from 6.30pm at TMP. In 2022, we are keen to see our BOBs Alumni on the sidelines at our Saturday home games. We’re looking for seven BOBs to each host one home game in 2022. All you need to do is invite players and supporters from your “BOBs Year” and we’ll do the rest to make the day memorable! Email Karen at bobrufcpresident@gmail.com for more info. Scoreboard: Sam Jackson (20) and Keith Francis are setting up the graphics for a professional look to our new scoreboard for 2022. If you know someone who is keen to have a job with Old Barker and apply their tech skills to lift our animations to another level and manage the scoreboard at our seven home games, email Joe at bobrufctreasurer@gmail.com. Visit www.oldbarkerrugbyclub.com for more information on the Club and game day details.

Karen Penrose www.oldbarkerrugby.com

Barker Old Boys Cricket Club

Another season of Barker Old Boys cricket is done and dusted. Unfortunately we had limited games this year due to COVID and the wet weather however we still managed to have some memorable games including another close game with Knox and a tie against I Zingari in our last game. It was great to see many new boys play for BOBs for the first time and we look forward to welcoming the new old boys into the Club at the beginning of the next season. We are always looking for new players of any age who are keen to play some cricket on a number of Sundays during Summer. Please send me a text or to be added to our Facebook group where additional information is available.

Lachie Lloyd (18) 0416 685 944 lachielloyd1@gmail.com

OBA Careers and Networking

Join our LinkedIn Group. The OBA committee is working on ideas for alumni networking and mentoring. These initiatives will help OBA members from various years, professions, interests and career stages to network and learn from each other. To help us facilitate communication via LinkedIn we would love you to do three things:

1. Join our group the Official

Barker College Alumni 2. Switch on notifications so that you get our updates 3. Invite your other Barker LinkedIn connections to join as well so we build the community Of course, if you have information that you feel would benefit other OBA members, we'd welcome your posts in this group too.

Thanks in advance!

OBA Big Band

The OBA Big Band is preparing to head to the studio to record our first album in May. We will record six pieces at Yap Yap Studios in Coogee. This will be a new experience for most of our members and you can feel the energy each rehearsal. We find ourselves delving deeper into the specifics of every individual note. Suddenly our rhythms, tuning, dynamics and articulations have stepped up another notch. Not only will we leave the studio with a new album, we will leave as a new band. To listen to (non-studio) recordings and find out more, visit www. obabigband.com.

OBA Christian Fellowship

The OBACF finished off 2021 with a fantastic evening for our Christmas drinks at the Blue Gum Hotel. It was so lovely to catch up with each other, share plans for the holidays and meet some new faces. As 2022 begins, the OBACF looks forward to holding our first bible study/prayer event online and then coming together again, in person, for Easter Breakfast. I am looking forward to seeing the OBACF continue to grow and bring together alumni to share their faith. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming events and reach out to any friends that might be interested in joining the fellowship! The OBACF aims to offer an opportunity for the multigenerational network of Barker Alumni to meet, connect and encourage one another in their faith journeys. We would love to grow our network even more. If you are interested in joining, please join our Facebook Group by private messaging Georgia Breckenridge (18) or contact Karina Drummond kdrummond@barker. nsw.edu.au.

Georgia Breckenridge (18) Luke Davis (09)

OBA North Shore Wind Symphony

The OBA North Shore Wind Symphony (NSWS) is thrilled to be back in action after almost seven months on the bench. We had our first rehearsal of 2022 on Sunday 13 February which marks the start of rebuilding our band. The good news is the cobwebs were quickly swept aside and we jumped straight back into some film music to celebrate John Williams 90th birthday. In 2022 we will be joining forces with the NSW Police band for a double headline concert at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. This event is scheduled for Saturday 4 June (4th time lucky!) and will feature a dark range of music which we hope will delight you. Apart from this major event our group will be working on several smaller projects across the year including entering the NSW State Band Championship to defend our title as the NSW State A Grade Concert Band Champions. If you are one of the many students who have recently (or not so recently) graduated and are looking to continue to develop and maintain your musical talents, we are warmly welcoming new members at the moment. Please drop us a line on the below email or our social channels and we’d love to have you join a rehearsal soon to try us out (no strings attached!). We rehearse at Barker, 4.00pm - 6.30pm on Sunday afternoons. manager@nsws.band.com.au

www.facebook.com/ northshorewindsymphony

Harry Nicol (14) NSWS Band Manager

OBA Seniors

If you graduated from Barker 50 years ago you are now a member of The Old Barker Association Seniors. This is a social group who organise a number of events each year. We look forward to seeing you at our next OBA Seniors event. If you would like further information, please contact the Alumni and Community Relations Office on (02) 8438 7283 or oba@ barker.nsw.edu.au

Ian Pont (63) Honorary Secretary

OBA Support for Life

Access free mental health support as a Barker Alumni. This year has shown us that taking care of our communities and our collective wellbeing is of absolute importance. New challenges have relied on resilience, connection, and developing skills to cope with changes. In the interest of being there for you on your journey beyond being a Barker student we want to offer you support for your mental wellbeing. Support for Life, an initiative of the Old Barker Association that has been running for the past three years, has recently partnered with My Mirror online psychology to provide access to three videoconferencing sessions with an experienced psychologist at no cost to you. My Mirror is a leader in “online” mental health care and provides access to skilled professionals of many demographics with focussed specialisation in critical areas such as anxiety, depression, domestic violence, substance abuse, career difficulties and so much more. My Mirror psychology sessions can be accessed from the comfort of home or from any device up to 21 hours a day, seven days a week. These sessions are available to anyone feeling like they would benefit from talking to someone to get on track with how they are feeling and navigating life's challenges. You do not require a mental health diagnosis to access or benefit from My Mirror sessions. My Mirror psychologists use evidence-based strategies to help you build skills and strategies for resilience and agency in your life. For more information and details on how to access these sessions please see link: https://landing.mymirror. com.au/old-barker-association

Talk to an online psychologist today

Old Barker Association is supporting you with 3 sessions with My Mirror online psychologist.

Old Barker Association Theatre Group

The OBA Theatre Company is back in business this year! Having performances cancelled or postponed for the last two years, we are looking forward to hopefully being able to stage shows for audiences in 2022. We are excited to bring new opportunities to former students this year with an ambition to make up for lost time. Our production of ‘Candida’ which has been put on hold two years in a row is high on the agenda for getting on the stage this year, looking to sit in our usual June-July holiday spot. Many of the team from last year have come back to put on this exemplary late 19th century comedy. We could not be more thankful for their commitment nor more proud of their efforts to date. We are also looking to bring more shows and performances than ever before this year. A part of this is certainly attributed to making up for the last two years. However, last year saw great progress in the growth of the company despite having our main show postponed mere weeks from gracing the Rhodes Theatre. We’re overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and support we’ve received and wish to return the favour in the only way we can: more, bigger, and better shows. The OBA Theatre has been bringing past students back to the Barker stage since 2014, reuniting many classmates from years gone by and reigniting their passion for performance. Spending up to four months rehearsing and performing a show with a group of eccentric and exuberant thespians is a wonderful, joyous, and rewarding experience. Especially when we’ve all been denied live performance for so long. We have to thank the Barker Drama department for their unwavering support and commitment to us. Without the access to the incredible Barker facilities, none of what we do would be possible. Also a special thanks to the OBA for their continued support and commitment to us through a difficult couple of years. Lastly, thank you to anyone who purchased tickets to the show last year, or intended to go or have merely shown their support from afar, we can’t wait to see you behind the stage lights in the near future. More details on shows and what’s new can be found on our Facebook and Instagram. Stay tuned for upcoming expressions of interests, events, and more! https://www.facebook.com/oba. theatre https://www.instagram.com/oba. theatre

Adam Roberts (14)

Community Events

Class of 1965 – 55 Year Reunion

A 12 month delay did not deter a strong gathering for our 55th reunion dinner held on Saturday 4 December, with 31 of us gathering at Hornsby RSL, (which also serves us well for our Barker Seniors lunch gatherings). With support from Karina and the Barker Alumni team we certainly all had a grand evening. Unfortunately heavy rains at the time kept many of our country friends busy stripping what crop they could. Added of course, the challenges presented by the dreaded COVID prevented those living interstate from travelling to Sydney. A toast to Barker was followed with reading many messages from those unable to attend, highlighted by the recent appointment of James Angus AO as Lieutenant-Governor of Victoria. Doug Spencer set up phone contact with John Pike at Walgett and Chris Copeland stuck in Brisbane, with the conversations broadcast for all to hear. Entertainment for the evening was courtesy of James Hunter, who engaged us all with a very well prepared and popular Barker Trivia competition which certainly stretched our memories as to what was happening at Barker during our years from the late 1950s to 1965. (Although our next reunion is now only four years away, we anticipate, COVID allowing, arranging a few impromptu lunch gatherings prior to that date. Keep an eye out for the email).

James Humphery (65)

OBA Seniors Luncheon –Farewell to Mandy Loomes

The OBA Seniors held a special Christmas luncheon on 9 December 2021 to personally thank Mandy Loomes after 11 years of dedicated and wonderful service to the School and its broader community. The luncheon held at the Pennant Hills Golf Club was well attended and a lovely opportunity to personally thank Mandy and to wish her all the best for the future.

Doug Spencer (65) OBA Seniors President

Class of 2015 – 5 Year Reunion

On Saturday 19 February 2022, the Class of 2015 were finally able to celebrate their five year reunion. As a result of many postponements due to COVID, we were technically celebrating a seven year reunion! Nonetheless, it was such a fantastic night being able to finally reunite with so many old friends and familiar faces. We had an amazing time at The Ivy and carried on with the celebrations afterwards. Best of luck to the class of 2015 for their future endeavours and we look forward to the next one.

Sami Novis (15) and Helen Shao (15)

Class of 2021 Drama Cocktail Party

The Class of 2021 Drama students returned to Barker on 2 March 2022 for the annual cocktail party. They were warmly greeted by Phillip Heath and former teachers who reminisced with them about their time at Barker and spoke of the legacy they have left for the current students. Following the event, many headed to the Leslie Hall for the Barker musical, Beauty and the Beast and were determined to make that night’s audience the loudest and most supportive! We look forward to welcoming these alumni back to Barker again soon.

Karina Drummond Director of Alumni & Community Relations

Personal Notes

(Number in brackets is the alumni year)

Alex Blackwell (01), former captain of the Australian women’s cricket team, has released her autobiography Fair Game. Alex spent her childhood and teen years playing and competing with her identical twin, Kate, who was equally devoted to the bat and ball and also played for Australia. Alex went on to consolidate a spot in the national side, eventually rising to the captaincy and earning her a name as one of the greats of the game. But life off field brought challenges of its own. From her professional debut, Alex was unafraid to call out hypocrisy and go in to battle against the traditional hierarchies of the game. Speaking out and becoming a passionate advocate for women and LGBTIQ+ people in sport won her many fans and much respect, but it didn't come without a price. Fair Game is an unflinching account of life and leadership in Australia's most loved sporting team, told by one of its most lauded members. It reveals not only the extreme dedication and skill it takes to be the best, but also how it feels to be on the outer - even as one of the game's most decorated players. Representing Australia 251 times across Tests, one day internationals and T20 matches, no woman in history has played more matches for the Australian Women's cricket team than Alex Blackwell. And no one knows better both the extreme highs and devastating lows that come with playing this majestic but at times brutal game at the highest level. In October 2021, Alex was bestowed honorary life membership of the Marylebone Cricket Club and looks forward to returning to Lords soon to enjoy watching men’s and women’s cricket. David Thomlinson (04) and his wife Kate welcomed twins Molly and Fay on Monday 21 February 2022 into the family. The beautiful girls are sisters to George (6) and Charlie (4).

Suzie MacNamara (Lemon 07) I’m a Senior Zookeeper and have been working at Taronga Zoo for over eight years. I started in the carnivore and primate departments working with tigers, lions, chimpanzees and gorillas. For the past five years my focus has been on animal behaviour and training, working with the animals used in education programs. I work closely with the education team to develop engaging educational programs that are immersive and highlight the animals’ natural behaviours. I currently work with 40 different species ranging from spiders and snakes, to Australian native mammals and birds and small exotic primate species such as Cotton Top Tamarins and Pygmy Marmosets.

Max O’Reilly (09) My wife and I decided to pack up shop in the big smoke of Sydney to move to more bucolic pastures in the outer suburbs of the Adelaide Hills. We are slowly making the property our own and began by painting the intricate steelwork of our front gate mint green, inspired by memories of my youth at Barker. I am now a Commercial Manager for BAE Systems, working on bringing Australia's future frigates to life - The discipline instilled in me in the Barker Cadets has served my career well. I hope all my fellow schoolmates are well and would welcome the opportunity to connect with other Barker Alumni based in Adelaide. You can reach me on maxoreillypratt@gmail.com. Millie Ford (13) was announced as TikTok Australia Creator of the Year in 2021 at the inaugural TikTok For You Fest! She has also joined the cast for Stan’s second season of Bump! Savannah Hughes (17) married Daniel Smith on Saturday 19 February 2022.

Mary McCorry (17) was presented with the Dobell Award in 2021. The annual Dobell Award provides funding to help aspiring VCA Music Theatre students embark on a successful career following graduation. Reuben Spargo (17) won the Australian Press Council Prize for Journalism Student of the Year in 2021. He was also Highly Commended in the ‘Best Video Story by an Undergraduate or Postgraduate – Over Two Minutes’ category, for his production Outback Youth.

Ralph Hudson (20) is currently studying medicine at Leicester University after a gap year working in a care home during the pandemic. Ben Lamb (20), Jenson Raue (20) and Georgie Fowler (21) coached at Barker’s Girls AFL come and try session on Rosewood in February.

Ned Slack-Smith (21) and Adrian Brown (19) have been named in the Junior Wallabies squad for 2022.

Georgie Fowler (21) made her AFLW debut in January with the GWS Giants.

Congratulations to Tony Chang (21) for receiving 2nd place at V-Fest film festival for his Major Work You Cant See Me.

Australia Day Honours 2021

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division Congratulations to Niels Bowen OAM (65) for service to the pharmacy profession.

Baptisms in The Chapel

6 November, Poppy Brimley, daughter of Sally (Roberts 10) and Hugh Donaldson (10) 28 November, Xavier Campbell Park, son of Natarsha Hussey (12) and Joshua Rosenfeld 4 December, Charlotte May, daughter of Emma and Thomas Donaldson (07) 15 January, Annabelle Margaret, daughter of Stephanie and Robert Hegedus 5 February, Otis Davies, son of Emily (Roberts 08) and Nicholas Tait

Obituaries

(Number in brackets is the alumni year)

David Peden Hobbs (46) 1930 - 2021

I first met David when I worked at Barker and he was Treasurer for the Barker Over 70s. David was meticulous in this role and although the numbers were not large he would insist on balancing and reporting to the cent! The numbers were much larger when he had risen to the position of Company Secretary and Finance Director at David Jones, the culmination of a wonderful 30-year career. He also gave back, being on the Board of NSW Red Cross and Sunshine Homes. David attended the School from 1942 (Year 7) to 1946 (Year 11) and his daughter Sarah wrote to me a few days ago that he was so proud to be a Barker boy - right to the end. He had what appeared to be almost never-ending family connections to Barker alumni. David loved rugby, cricket, golf and gardening. He also loved travel and having lived in London in his 20s he travelled to Egypt, Fiji, Asia, East Africa and took the family to Disneyland for Christmas. He loved history, the royal family and musicals – going regularly to the theatre in London. He was generous with his time, funny and loving. Born at the beginning of the depression he was dux of Lindfield Dem School. He was highly intelligent and completed a Bachelor of Economics, Bachelor of Arts, a Law degree and an MBA. He retained a wonderful sense of humour to the end and was notorious at home for his “Dad Jokes”. He loved desserts (I can identify with that). David’s family was everything to him. His wife Rosemary set the scene at Barker events, dressed immaculately at all times. Even if they were perhaps to meet the Queen, by chance, they would both be prepared and appropriately dressed. He had three wonderful daughters and even female dogs (personally the present writer had three daughters too but always had a desexed male dog in the house). He couldn’t live without his “Rosebud”, wife Rosemary, and it was perhaps appropriate that they passed away, in the same care home within two months of each other. One of David’s favourite sayings was “If you act enthusiastic, you’ll be enthusiastic” Rest in Peace David, with your Rosebud.

Bruce Davis (74)

Mark Hayes Ives (67) 1949 -2021

Mark attended Barker College as a Carter House boarder in the senior school from 1961 to 1964. He was born in Wangaratta in Victoria on 31 December 1949. Known as “Rocker Ives” to his school friends, he was best remembered as a prolific sketcher of war scenes and cartoon characters, a talent that never left him and served him well in his working life as a Graphic artist and cartoonist. His teachers would have called him a larrikin; he would have agreed.

After school Mark joined the Australian Army and completed his basic training at the Puckapunyal Defence Establishment in Victoria. After his training, he was hoping for a posting to Vietnam. Disillusioned by not being selected for active service, he left the army. In 1971 Mark married Aileen Barclay in Sydney, they had a son Alan. After his marriage to Aileen broke down, Mark moved to London and worked for a few years as a freehand artist for financial papers, tabloid magazines and advertising companies. He was not a fan of the computer-driven soulless pixelated art. While in London, he met his wife Janet and married in 1977. Mark moved to Maidenhead in the United Kingdom and lived there for the rest of his adult life. They raised two children, Adam and Jessica. When he retired, he would go to a local café and sit for an hour or two watching people, creating little images of his surroundings as the morning passed. He created little alien- like caricatures. Mark was an avid reader, mainly war stories or espionage novels or crime dramas. Being so wellread, he used storylines from these novels to “spin a yarn” to his friends. Mark was a truly kind soul, when Janet was diagnosed with a brain tumour, he took on the role of carer, a task to which he devoted 100% of his energy. He would be thinking of her, not a moment for himself. Mark left us on 29 December 2021, two days short of his 72nd birthday, after a short battle with Septicemia, leaving behind his loving wife Janet, son Adam and daughter Jessica and a son from his previous marriage Alan. His sisters Glyn, Beth and Bronwyn and brother Steve.

Peter McIntyre (67) Gregory "Jacko" Robert Jackson (63) 1945 - 2021

Jacko attended Barker as a day boy from 1959 to 1961. Although at Barker for only three years he went on to live the school motto, Honor Non Honores. Ponty recalls that Jacko was quite a demon fast bowler and in year 9 (and his final year at school) he captained the 15B XI; while this team had a mixed season, three times Jacko took five wickets in an innings and in the last game against St Aloysius' took 8 for 60. Born in Brisbane (the only child) before his family moved four months later to Murrurundi in the Upper Hunter Valley, Jacko always considered himself a Queenslander and always barracked for the Maroons. When his family later moved to Roseville Chase he became a diehard North Sydney Bears supporter. Greg's father died when he was only a teenager. He immediately stepped up and wanted to fulfil the role of provider and protector for his mother. When he was called up for National Service, he could easily have avoided the army and going to Vietnam because he was an only child and provider for his mother, but in what was to become a common theme in his life, Jacko chose personal sacrifice so he could voluntarily serve. He joined the 108th Field Battery and had a tour in Vietnam in 1967-68. Returning from Vietnam, Jacko moved to North Narrabeen and around this time met Margaret who had four sons from a previous marriage. That didn't bother Jacko - without hesitation he took on the responsibility for his instant family. Later in 1979 Jacko and Margaret moved to Coffs Harbour and around that time their daughter was born. Jacko was there every step of the way for his entire family. Following the move to Coffs Harbour, Jacko joined the Woolgoolga RSL and Subbranch. Over the past 20 years he served continuously as either President or Vice President of that branch. He also served on the Board of Directors of the RSL club for around 20 years, as well as 20 years plus volunteering as a member of the Lions Club. He regularly mowed lawns for others unable to do so because as he said many times, "it's just the right thing to do". Jacko passed away on 27 December 2021 and is survived by his soul mate and wife, Margaret, their five children, nine grandchildren and seven greatgrandchildren.

Ian Pont (63) and Graham Jackson

Malcolm McLean McCalman (58) 1941 - 2021

Mal attended Barker College from 1953 to 1958, along with his brothers Jim (56) and Rob (60), and his son Andrew (84). Mal’s contribution to Barker College was highly significant, especially as Captain of Plume Boarding House,

as a sportsman, and as a Prefect. Mal continued to be an active and supportive Old Boy after leaving Barker College, and was proud of the school and its development over the years. Coming from the town of Warren in western NSW, Mal thrived with the sporting opportunities available at Barker, especially in Athletics and Rugby. The highlight of his Athletics career was winning the 1956 CAS 4x110 yard relay with his close mates David Prince, Peter Breden and Ian Walker. Mal was also destined for Rugby honours, playing in the 1st XV in 1957 until a tragic training accident that meant Mal could never play contact sport again. However, his love of Rugby was not diminished, and continued in the support he gave his son Andrew and grandchildren’s Rugby endeavours. Mal was involved in many other activities at school. He had a magnificent singing voice and he also played the bugle in the School Cadet Band where he played with gusto rather than skill! His colleagues Bill Manning (Drum Major), Sam Pratten (Drummer), Bruce McKinnon (Bass Drum) and David Prince (Drummer) were described as making “a musical cacophony”. Mal constantly availed his grandchildren with tales of his academic prowess, “I know Hamlet… he played full back for England, didn’t he?” and fond anecdotes of the fun and mischief he had at school. During his days at Barker College, Mal endeared himself to all who came into contact with him. Both his fellow classmates and his teachers developed close friendships with him due to his warm personality and unique humour. During school holidays, Mal often took his mates back to the family sheep station in Warren to experience family life in outback NSW, these were very special times. After leaving Barker, Mal spent several years jackarooing in Wagga and Walgett, learning the skills required to run a farm of his own. During this time, he met Annie Ward, a gorgeous young lady from Wahroonga, and he married her and moved to “Mayfield” in Cumnock. They had two children, Andrew and Debbie, and Andrew followed in his father’s footsteps to Barker, attaining School Colours in Rugby and Swimming and being named Head Boy in 1984, making Mal incredibly proud. From 1967 to 1994, Mal successfully ran “Mayfield” as a sheep, cattle, pig and cropping venture, and from 1994 onwards, Mal and Andrew ran “Burrawong Graziers” in the same way. The business had a strong love and respect for the environment and Andrew and Mal were awarded the Conservation Farmer of the Year in 2007. Although Mal was devastated by the crippling effects of the decade long drought, it was wonderful that he could see it broken before he died, he loved how his garden was flourishing. Mal travelled extensively with Annie, participating in many Golden Oldies tours all over the world. After Annie’s death, Mal and his brother Rob (60) joined a tour group to the Rugby World Cup in Japan where they were as entertaining as the Rugby! Mal was fantastic company and liked nothing better than celebrating life with a beer and a song. Mal also loved the Cumnock community and worked tirelessly for a number of organisations, including the Show Society, the Rugby Club, and the Golf Club. He was awarded the Cumnock Citizen of the Year in 1997 for his efforts. Mal passed away at “Mayfield” on the 5 November 2021. He is survived by his sister Barbara and brother Rob, Andrew and Debbie, and his five grandchildren. His loss is keenly felt in the family and the Cumnock community. The McCalman name will always be honoured and fondly remembered at Barker College due to the enormous contribution the family has made to school life. Vale Mal.

Andrew McCalman (84) and David Prince (59)

Allan Eden Furley Milne (53) 1936 - 2022

Allan attended Barker from 1946 to 1951. He was a member of the Athletics Team in 1950 and 1951. Allan gained 4th place in the Under 16 Cup Results with 7 points and won first place in the broad jump in the U16 competition with a distance of 15ft 7ins in 1951. His brother John (1957 deceased) also attended Barker. Allan maintained his connection to Barker and attended many reunions and OBA Seniors events in his later years. Following Barker, Allan joined the NSW Public Service as a Junior Clerk. He worked in NSW State Fisheries, Aborigines Welfare Board, Personnel Officer Chief Secretary’s Department, leaving the Premier’s Department as a Policy Analyst and Special Projects Officer in the Director General’s Executive Support Unit. Allan retired in 1992 after 39 years of service and was awarded the NSW Public Service Medal for outstanding service in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Allan enjoyed growing orchids and travelling overseas including to visit his son in Switzerland, and England where his father’s family lived. Allan, late of Berowra, passed away on 9 January 2022, and is survived by his children, David Milne, Karen Sneddon and Fiona Nolan.

John William Neild Newton (1953) 1935 – 2021

John attended Barker as a boarder from 1946 to 1953. His father John also attended Barker (1923). John was an outstanding sportsman during his time at Barker. He was in the Swimming and Athletics teams and in his final three years at Barker was in the 1st XI Cricket Team and was awarded Colours. John was Captain of the 2nd XV Rugby Team in 1952 and in the 1st XV Rugby Team in 1953, receiving Colours. John also received CAS colours. In 1953 John was a Prefect, a Drum Major in the band, and played “Scotch Doctor” in the Drama production Macbeth. John stayed connected to Barker attending his school reunions and in later years many OBA Seniors events. Following Barker, John began his insurance career with NRMA, then after working for various firms, become a successful insurance broker. At 21 he met, then later married his soul mate, Valerie. They moved into their first house at Bardwell Park where they raised their two children. That house became their home for many years until they retired to Summerland Point on the NSW Central Coast. Soon after, the grandchildren came along keeping Val & John on the go. Sadly, Valerie passed away in 2006 after a long illness. John had a passion for woodwork and though he never pursued it as a career he was quite gifted. With his self-taught skills he made furniture for the family and even built a boat. John loved the beach, fishing and holidayed regularly with the family at Forster, then further afield at Port Douglas. At the age of 79 John got his passport and in the years that followed travelled to Bali, Malaysia and Fiji. John was a devoted family man and a gentleman, and loved a cold VB. John, late of Summerland Point passed away on 15 October 2021 and is survived by his two daughters Karen and Sandra, three grandchildren Bradley, Brittany and Karla, and great grandchild Evie.

Introducing

Barker Alumni Mentoring

Your OBA is excited to launch our new alumni mentoring program. We want to connect inspirational Alumni leaders and entrepreneurs, with aspirational young graduates and professionals. Our program will build a sense of belonging, create a culture of shared learning, and enhance personal and professional growth.

Become a Mentor Today

Help make a difference for recent leavers during this time of uncertainty, isolation and anxiety, whilst building connections for greater futures. Our first step is to recruit alumni from all industries and skills with a passion to give back. Simply visit the link below to register and learn how you can contribute. oba.net.au/alumnimentoring

Barker Community Events 2022

Class Reunions

2010 – 10 Year Reunion Sat 30 Apr Annie Unsworth 0400 305 748 annaliseunsworth@gmail.com Henry Wells +61400 493 553 henrycwells1@gmail.com 1960 – 60 Year Reunion Wed 15 June Geoff Sheppard 0437 274 074

Ian Nicholls 0412 954 971

Peter Hassall 0407 866 600

Rob Warneford 0407 489 657

Larry Tout 0457 063 658

1962 – 60 Year Reunion Fri 5 Aug Graham Lawson emeri1@y7mail.com 0451 442 933

1971 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 6 Aug Wolfgang Hofbrucker 0428 993 964 w.hofbrucker@gmail.com Mike Langford 0414 781 291 drifting@bigpond.net.au 1971 – 50 Year Reunion Sat 6 Aug Wolfgang Hofbrucker 0428 993 964 w.hofbrucker@gmail.com Mike Langford 0414 781 291 drifting@bigpond.net.au 1977 – 45 Year Reunion Sat 10 Sept Don Gilchrist 0476 874 727 gilchristdon7@gmail.com 1982 – 40 Year Reunion Sat 23 Sep Margot Renton margot.renton@gmail.com Kym Fowler kym@implementmktg.com Penny Edney (Gore) penny.edney.office@gmail.com Meg Brodie (Timmins) megan@mednews.com.au 1981 – 40 Year Reunion Sun 2 Oct Jo Camp (Fisher) 0407 951 356 jo.camp@pearson.com Jenni-Lee Williams (Lennon) 0412 412 726 jennilee13@mac.com 1986 – 35 Year Reunion Sat 5 Nov Mark Cooper 0400 344 697

Gaille Smith (Yeates) 0412 784 221

Jodie Eliott (Conomos) 0457 724 099

91 Pacific Highway Hornsby NSW 2077 Australia t +61 2 8438 7999 f +61 2 8438 7609 w barker.college OBA Events

OBA Meeting Wed 18 May Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA AGM Wed 27 July Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Golf Day Tue 6 Sep Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Meeting Wed 14 Sep Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au OBA Annual Dinner Fri 4 Nov Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au

Regional Events

Regional events provide a great opportunity to connect with members of the Barker community in your area. Please contact community@barker. nsw.edu.au for information about regional events or to update your contact details if you are living in a different location to your Barker mailing address so we can invite you too! OBA Seniors Events

Back to Barker Day Wed 4 May Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au AGM, Luncheon & Rugby Sat 6 Aug Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au Day Trip to Wollembi Thursday 1 Sept Karina Drummond (02) 8438 7283 kdrummond@barker.nsw.edu.au

Regional Events

Adelaide Thurs 2 June Lane Hinchcliffe (00) 0412 130 935 lane@lkgrgroup Melbourne Fri 3 June Murray Anderson (65) 0457 000 407 murray@capricorngroup.net.a Southern Highlands Sat 25 June Julie Fitzpatrick 02 8438 7240 events@barker.nsw.edu.au Sunshine Coast Sun 6 Nov Brian Allen (53) 0417 644 016 bballen314@gmail.com Canberra Fri 2 Dec Andrew McColl (74) 0422 985 281 As.mccoll@icloud.com

Privacy

Due to changes in Privacy Legislation we are required to inform you that your contact details may be shared with OBA reunion organisers with the strict guidelines that they are only to be used for the purposes of organising your OBA reunion. Please contact the Alumni Office if you wish to keep your details private. Photos

Photos from your event may be posted on the OBA Website (www. oba.net.au), the Alumni Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ barkercollegealumni), the Alumni Instagram page (www.instagram. com/barkercollegealumni) and in The Barker magazine. For further queries please contact the Alumni Office.