Frank Barnes OAM 15/3/27 (26) – 2/7/22
A memorial service was held last Thursday at St Patricks Catholic Church Beenleigh to celebrate the life of Frank Barnes OAM who passed away peacefully on Saturday July 2.
Frank was born on March 15, 1927 in Nauru or as he would remind many, “Pleasant Island”, situated in the Central Pacific.
It is only 6km squared and was rich in phosphate. Frank had a deep sense of obligation to first nations peoples having seen the damage caused by phosphate mining to over 90% of the island.
Frank and spent the last 30 years of his long life working to develop opportunities for young people of the Beenleigh district.
One of his many contributions was to work with like-minded people in the community to provide real life experiences for young people to engage with the local business and local mentors.
With Cheryl Taylor he commenced a junior Chamber of Commerce supported by the senior chamber.
Through this support, young community minded people developed a Junior Chamber of Commerce charter which was adopted by other communities.
In Beenleigh, this led to the development of leadership skills through the famed junior chamber breakfast meetings, and skills learned are impacting across Beenleigh and the broader community to this day.
From this, young people from all the local schools gained opportunities to participate in community projects.
Frank was actively involved and supported many clubs and all schools in the district.
He supported Quota, many sports clubs, and a particular interest in the Beenleigh PCYC, and at Beenleigh SHS where he was chaplain for many years.
His work at the PCYC and their programs led to the PCYC kitchen being named after him.
Through his work at the PCYC he encouraged Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander programs and multi-cultural participation for youth.
At Beenleigh SHS he was a Life Member of the Parents and Citizens Association and always greeted students with a mighty “Shalom”.
Frank was active in his support of the school until 2020 when Covid struck, and along with deteriorating health, finally stopping 30 years of school visits.
Frank always had time to speak to “kids” (a word he disliked as “kids” were the offspring of goats he would chide) and is fondly remembered by a generation of students.
Frank had a lifelong affiliation with the military enlisting in the airforce on the April 17, 1944 and keeping his enlistment card as a significant memento.
Anzac Day was very special to Frank and he always proudly marched with the school on Anzac Day, having served in the RAAF during WW2.
Frank was a friend to many in the community and was readily available to lend a hand, working tirelessly for the betterment of the district. Frank engaged in politics and supported the local councillors and MP’s of all persuasion to gain the very best for his community.
Frank left this world richer for his contribution and will be remembered by many for his story telling, commitment to young people and his mighty “Shalom”.
- Information supplied.
