Vale
William H (Max) Barr
26/07/1934 - 07/11/2024
Max Barr was educated in Melbourne completing a Bachelors Degree in Town and Regional Planning at the University of Melbourne in 1969. He worked with the Department of Crown Lands and the Town and Country Planning Board before entering private practice with Meldrum Burrows and Partners becoming a Partner in 1975. He was distinguished in his career, even traveling as a consultant for the UN. He devoted a great deal of energy to the Royal Australian Planning Institute where he was made a Fellow holding positions as Honorary Federal Secretary in 1970-1972, Federal Councillor 1972-1976, President of the Victorian Division 1974-1976 Vice-President for a period of years.
Max’s first Rotary Experience was in 1969 when at the age of 26 years he visited South-East Asia as a member of the Rotary Group Study Exchange Team.
Max Barr was inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne on the 2nd March 1983 with the classification, TOWN PLANNING. Max was appointed a Club Director in 1988-89 and Vice-President in 1992-93 He took a real interest in the Third Age Committee using his many skills as a senior Town Planner to work through the myriad of documents, regulations and laws placed before organisations endeavouring to assist the future security and accommodation needs of the aged and frail. With clear evidence that his skills and planning knowledge could be applied quietly but persuasively, Max was appointed to the Board of Claremont Home for the Aged early in 2000. The following year in September 2001, he was appointed Chairman and President holding those prestigious positions until 2006. He was made a life Governor. He remained on the Board until June 2013 when Claremont ceased to exist becoming part of CaSPA Care.
Max was recognised by the Club with a Paul Harris Fellow with Sapphire in May 2014. He was an active member of the Toorak 2 Group and the fellowship and harmony engendered by his colleagues gave him great pleasure.
Max was a quiet achiever who accomplished much in his over 40 years as a member. Quietly spoken and always affable, he lunched with his Rotary friends right up to his sudden death. He will be greatly missed.
