Maurice Barnes
Born: 9 August 1929
Died: 20 November 2009
Age:
80
Well-known and colourful Bungendore identity Maurice Barnes, architect-turned-newspaperman, died on November 20, aged 80.
His slight figure, crowned with a strong head-full of lowing locks, was a familiar sight around Bungendore — in later years, astride a motorised scooter as his mobility declined.
Maurice was born in Sydney and studied architecture at the then Sydney technical College before leaving for overseas, travelling and working in different posts from London to Pakistan. He later returned to Australia with his wife greta and daughter Toni, working in Canberra before establishing his own practice in Bungendore.
Maurice surprised many of his friends and colleagues when he announced in 1990 that he was about to launch a monthly local newspaper, the Bungendore Bulletin.
He said later that he was encouraged to do so during a slack building period. From then on he practiced concurrently both architecture and journalism.
The Bulletin still survives today in another form, Maurice having sold the paper in 2006 after 197 issues — having never missed a deadline. During that period, Maurice embraced the beginnings of desk-top publication, and continually updated his Mac computers and software. His first newspapers were printed from 'camera-ready copy', achieved through labour-intensive cut-and-paste layouts. His last were delivered to the printed on disc, burned off his latest Mac.
His proudest achievement was the design of the Bungendore Wood Works Gallery, a local landmark, with its distinctive octagon tower, flowing spaces and lavish use of Australian timbers. During the design stage, Maurice pointed out that local building regulations would allow a height of nine metres and suggested taking the octagon space from one-level to two. His client, David Mac Laren, said he was uncertain at the time how he would employ this extra level, but it seemed such an exciting idea that he agreed immediately. The upstairs octagon space today is the main display area for the gallery's regular exhibitions.
Maurice was a presence in this town. He had strong opinions and never made apologies for his stance on any issue. He would champion change that would benefit the community, but mostly indirectly, from the position of an informed observer.
He was unique.
The community is richer for having known Maurice; and we are the poorer for having lost him.
Words: Brian Voce
Photograph: Sonia Turner |
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Constable Bradley Keith van Heythuysen
Born: 27 July 1966
Died: 26 November 1991
Age: 25
The Bradley van Heythuysen Trust was established
in 1994 in memory of Constable Bradley van Heythuysen who died aged 25
while serving at Bungendore. Bradley had a special ability to communicate
with young people and an honest interest in their feelings. The Trust has
two primary objectives:
* To assist the development of facilities, services and activities for
the youth of Bungendore and surrounding district
* To encourage peer support and foster community spirit. |
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