Barker College Alumni

From Barker to Super Rugby 🏉

Old Barker student Aden Ekanayake has signed with the Western Force on a three-year deal, taking the next step after an impressive run on the international Sevens circuit.

A fantastic achievement, congratulations, Aden!

The incredible legacy of Sue Fear, Class of 1980, lives on twenty years after her passing. The Fear House group was named in her honour as reminder to have courage and dream big.

Twenty years ago today, on 28 May 2006, we lost our dear friend and colleague - mountaineer, guide, adventurer, and one of the most treasured members of the World Expeditions family, Sue Fear.

We called her 'Fearless', and it wasn't just for her adventures.

Sue climbed five 8000m peaks, became the first Australian-born woman to summit Mt Everest, received an Order of Australia Medal, and was named Australian Geographic's Adventurer of the Year in 2003.

But those who knew her will tell you her greatest gift was the way she made everyone around her feel - inspired. She gave her time generously, championed young women to dream big, and left a mark on every person she guided.

In her honour, our Eco-Comfort campsite beneath Mt Sonder on the Larapinta Trail carries her name, Camp Fearless.

Twenty years on, she lays in the abode of the gods in her beloved Himalaya, and not a day passes that she is far from our hearts.

Rest easy, Fearless. We miss you dearly. ❤

"Climbing is a bit like rolling a dice - sometimes things fall into place and you achieve your aim. Sometimes your number comes up." - Sue Fear

Read more about Sue's incredible legacy here >> https://worldexpeditions.com/Blog/a-tribute-to-sue-fear-a-lost-legend

ALUMNI PARENT BREAKFAST// A wonderful morning was had at the Barker Alumni Parent Breakfast this week. Head of Barker College, Phillip Heath AM, along with Scott Toy (Class of 1998, OBA Committee Member), welcomed our Alumni parents and their Barker children to this very special event on the Alumni calendar, a meaningful opportunity to acknowledge our rich history while celebrating the future of our community. It was a pleasure to see generations of Barker connecting, sharing stories, experiences, and a continued sense of belonging.

Thank you to all the families that came along.

BARKER SWINGS// Join us for Barker Swings — an unforgettable celebration of international jazz 🎷

📅 Friday 24 July
📍Multi Purpose Hall
⌚From 6:30pm
🎫Tickets are limited and open Monday 15 July at 9am.https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1597727

The MPH will transform into a vibrant jazz supper club, showcasing the exceptional talent of Barker’s jazz program — from our Junior and Middle School ensembles through to our Big Band, Jazz Orchestra and Staff Invitational Big Band.

Enjoy a cocktail-style evening with internationally themed food, an open bar, and space to socialise and dance to the swinging sounds of our talented musicians.
This adults-only event is also a major fundraiser for FOBM, supporting our Music Program and its students.

We look forward to seeing you there.

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION// Last night was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared sense of purpose.

Our Indigenous Education event was an inspiring success, grounded in a deep commitment to opportunity, belonging and the future of our First Nations students. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our guests, we have taken an important step towards our goal of raising $500,000 to fund scholarships and bursaries supporting students, particularly from Darkinjung Barker, to continue their secondary education with us.

We are deeply grateful to all who attended and gave so generously.

Our Silent Auction closes tomorrow!

Bid on a curated collection of extraordinary Indigenous artworks, from paintings to larrikitj poles and weavings, created by artists from North-East Arnhem Land and

Darkinjung Country. Each piece carries deep cultural meaning and tells a powerful story.

All proceeds will support our goal of raising $500,000 for Indigenous scholarships, creating greater opportunity for First Nations students at Barker.

Bidding is open online until 7:30pm, 11 June, whether you’re joining us at the Cocktail Party or supporting from home.

✨ Place your bid and be part of something meaningful
https://www.32auctions.com/IndigenousEducation2026

Have you placed your bid yet?

Bid on a curated collection of extraordinary Indigenous artworks, from paintings to larrikitj poles and weavings, created by artists from North-East Arnhem Land and

Darkinjung Country. Each piece carries deep cultural meaning and tells a powerful story.

All proceeds will support our goal of raising $500,000 for Indigenous scholarships, creating greater opportunity for First Nations students at Barker.

Bidding is open online until 7:30pm, 11 June, whether you’re joining us at the Cocktail Party or supporting from home.

✨ Place your bid and be part of something meaningful
https://www.32auctions.com/IndigenousEducation2026

JUNIOR SCHOOL// This week at assembly, Angus Abadee (Class of 2007) presented Junior School students with Barker Alumni Spirit Awards.

Well done to all and thank you to Angus for joining us and addressing the students.

The Barker Alumni Spirit Awards are given to students who demonstrate the Barker values and Barker Spirit in their attitude and approach across the School.

Our Silent Auction is now open.

Bid on a curated collection of extraordinary Indigenous artworks, from paintings to larrikitj poles and weavings, created by artists from North-East Arnhem Land and Darkinjung Country. Each piece carries deep cultural meaning and tells a powerful story.

All proceeds will support our goal of raising $500,000 for Indigenous scholarships, creating greater opportunity for First Nations students at Barker.

Bidding is open online until 7:30pm, 11 June, whether you’re joining us at the Cocktail Party or supporting from home.

✨ Place your bid and be part of something meaningful - https://www.32auctions.com/IndigenousEducation2026