Dr. Barry Rawlings was born and educated in New South Wales where he graduated with first class honors in science and civil engineering from the University of Sydney. Following a period of lecturing at Sheffield University in the UK, he returned to Australia to take up the position of Chief of the CSIRO Division of Mechanical Engineering in Melbourne.
In 1982 Barry established his own consulting company and was inducted into the Rotary Club of Melbourne on 17 February 1988 with the classification Technology – Management Consulting. He had been a member of the Rotary Club of Moorabbin for the previous 11 years.
Following his induction into our club, Barry quickly embraced service with membership of many committees. He was an inaugural member of the Horizons Committee. He has produced the Club Directory, been Editor of the Club Bulletin and provided talented piano accompaniment at Club meetings.
In 1991-92 Barry served with distinction as Vice President and was named a Paul Harris Fellow for his outstanding service, particularly with regard to his involvement in the conduct of a comprehensive club survey. A Sapphire followed in 2015. Barry was a member of the Board of Directors in 1993-95 and served as Club Secretary in 1995-96.
In 2001-2 the Board invited members to contribute to an Administrative Review of the Club and Barry responded with his typical thoroughness and attention to detail by submitting a lengthy paper of pertinent comment and suggestions. Similarly, when recently asked to comment on one proposal for our Centenary, he did so with his usual comprehension, completeness and clarity, indeed his paper is being discussed this very day.
From 2001 to 2015, Barry was Captain of the Mornington Peninsula Group and during his period of leadership, the Group grew in strength and functioned with a social closeness. Many of its activities have been recorded in the booklet he produced detailing the history of the Group.
As a final gift to the Club, we have been advised that Barry left a bequest in support of the Rotary Club of Melbourne's Community Foundation. His service to the community through Rotary is both recognized and commended.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the New Peninsula Church, Mt Martha (Craigie Road, Mt Martha) next Thursday 8th November at 2:00PM. In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Rotary Club of Melbourne's Community Foundation.
