MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Honouring Our Veterans, One Story at a Time

Welcome to the Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL’s Member Spotlight, where each month we shine a light on the remarkable individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving our nation. Through their stories, we celebrate the courage, commitment, and camaraderie that define our RSL community. Join us as we delve into the lives of our members, honouring their contributions and preserving their legacies for generations to come.

 

INTRODUCING BARRY JONES

For nearly 50 years, Barry Jones has been an integral part of the veteran community, with his military background rooted in covert operations with the SAS 2 “Sabre” Squadron in Vietnam during the early 1970s. After his service, Barry built a successful professional career, beginning at ICI Australia (now Orica) and progressing to senior roles in the IT industry with US companies Wang Laboratories and Unisys.

His involvement with the Kokoda Gym at Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital led him to a remarkable path in volunteering. Initially reluctant, Barry has since become a pivotal figure on numerous boards and committees, including the SAS Association Vic Branch, RSL Headquarters, and the Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop Medical Research Foundation.

His leadership was also instrumental in guiding the Tramways East Melbourne Sub-Branch through challenging times. A proud Life Member of both the Australian SAS Association and the RSL, and a recipient of the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM), Barry’s 15-year connection with Tramways East Melbourne and now Camberwell Pompey Elliott RSL Sub-Branch is just a part of his extensive legacy. His dedication to service, both in the military and in the community, serves as an inspiring example of commitment and leadership.

How long have you been a member of our Club? 

My association with our Sub-Branch goes back about 15 years, however, I have been an RSL member for almost 50 years. 

Why did you join? 

I met many of our members through involvement with the Kokoda Gym at the Heidelberg Repat Hospital. This led to attendance at monthly Tramways East Melb meetings and the eventual transfer of my membership. 

What’s your favourite part of being a member? 

The camaraderie amongst our members is a major attraction – it’s much like what many of us experienced during our service in the military. It might appear disrespectful to some, but there is a tacit understanding amongst ex-military types. Working towards a common goal, including overcoming common threats or challenges, is also a source of enjoyment for me. This of course entails welcoming and considering everyone’s views. In my view, there is nothing worse than presiding over a meeting in which nobody offers input or feedback. My modus operandi is to say what’s on my mind rather than simply sit on my hands, despite some thinking I am argumentative. Who knows, at times I might even say something sensible! 

What did your time in the military look and feel like? 

I was a volunteer National Serviceman. The army wasn’t going to be my career, but I was adamant about not wanting to miss out. My choice of corps was the Infantry because I wanted to serve in Vietnam. From there I was recommended for the Special Air Service (SAS) Regiment, based in Swanbourne WA. After gaining admittance via a gruelling selection course, I served in Vietnam with 2 Sabre Squadron in 1971. Our tasks were extremely stressful and involved working in five-man covert patrols in very remote and isolated areas. By all accounts, we were quite effective. At the end of my two years and two months of service, there was an expectation that I (and others) would sign on. However, although I loved the Regiment and was attracted by the added special training opportunities on offer, I had a wife back home in Melbourne.

Barry just returned from patrol.

 

Which committee(s) do you currently volunteer on? 

After many years serving in a variety of volunteer positions, I am currently down to only one, the SAS Association – Vic Branch Committee. At my peak, I was on a total of eight volunteer committees, boards and trusts. These were mostly ex-service-related roles, with a large RSL Sub-Branch, RSL Headquarters, the SAS Association, and Sir Edward (Weary) Dunlop Medical Research Foundation. I served for a period on the Tramways East Melbourne committee, after being asked to contribute my RSL administrative experience in defending our Sub-Branch against ‘dark forces’, and then in deciding with whom we should amalgamate. 

What do you enjoy most about volunteering? 

It’s fair to say I was dragged kicking & screaming into volunteering. My commercial background together with my academic qualifications (Bachelor of Business, Masters in Corporate Law, FCPA) initially caught the attention of a large RSL Sub-Branch in need of financial direction. Two lengthy stints as Treasurer proved highly successful and, as a consequence, attracted Anzac House and a number of others. After retiring from my career, I was concerned about my mind going stale, so became the ‘willing horse’. I can’t deny the challenge, the success, and the occasional accolade was good for the ego. Eventually, I got to the point where I was getting burnt out, and gradually reduced my commitments. For all my efforts, I was proud to be recognised with a Life Membership of the Australian SAS Association, a Life Membership of the RSL, and the OAM. 

What is your current/past occupation? 

My first employer was ICI Australia (now Orica). They encouraged and promoted me into financial management as I did all my university study part-time after the army. I later worked in senior financial/commercial positions in the Information Technology (IT) industry, with American companies (Wang Laboratories based in Boston, and Unisys based in Philadelphia). I joined the IT industry in 1985, when Wang was growing at 40%pa compound growth. Exciting times indeed. 

What did you love most about your industry? 

The IT industry was very competitive and innovative. We worked extremely hard, and best of all, we were rewarded very well by comparison to other more established industries.  

How do you define success? 

Achieving objectives with integrity (in an organisation, team or personal) is the definition of success. 

Who inspires you? 

I’m inspired by those who are prepared to play ‘devil’s advocate’, ‘buck the system’, and ‘go it alone’, rather than meekly following the ‘party line’ on matters of importance.  

If you could choose anyone as a mentor, who would you choose and why? 

At my age I suddenly realise all those who were, or could have been, my mentors, have mostly passed on. I’ve had some wonderful mentors over the years, from my family, my work career and my military service. However, someone I never met, but I believe was brilliant, was Gough Whitlam. He certainly had too many big ideas to implement in so little time, but look how many are still mainstays today. 

What advice would you give someone who wants to enter your field? 

• Broaden your horizons – all experience is a good experience.  
• Use all your skills, and don’t underestimate the value of interpersonal skills.  
• Take opportunities to make your job what you want it to be.  

What’s one thing you learned in the last month? 

Despite suffering from a chronic back problem, I learned it was stable enough to withstand a recent 10,000+ km road trip, including across remote central Australia. 

Barry Jones’ 5-man team is ready to deploy.

 

Who are your family members? 

My wife Kaye, my three sons and three lovely daughters-in-law, and my eleven champion grandkids ranging in age from 3 to 22 years old.  

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know? 

I went crocodile hunting on the Roper River NT as an 18-year-old, with two equally silly mates. We were spectacularly unsuccessful!  

What’s the last book you read? 

I’ve recently read The Hundred Years War on Palestine by Rashad Khalidi, All Our Shimmering Skies by Trent Dalton, Question 7 by Richard Flanagan and The Bookbinder of Jericho by Pip Williams. I often have 2 or 3 books going at once. 

What is your favourite hobby? 

I’m a keen fly fisher. I look forward to my annual trips to New Zealand but have also fished in Canada and Kiribati. 

What’s the first concert you ever attended? 

Stretching my memory, I’d say Johnny O’Keefe, but my favourite early-stage shows were Hair & Evita. 

What’s the next place on your travel bucket list? 

My favourite travel is to the more remote, less travelled, less crowded destinations. I have ticked most off my list including Antarctica and the Northwest Passage through the Arctic, while Kaye has her annual sojourns to Paris. Still on my list are Machu Picchu and the Amazon River.  

If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be? 

Breakfast – poached eggs and crispy bacon. 

What’s one item you can’t live without? 

My online newspapers – I’m a bit of a news-junkie, although I couldn’t lower myself to read the Herald Sun!

Barry Jones Gaining SAS Entry.