Farewell to an unsung hero of Tasmania

EVERY community has its unsung heroes, those who do what they do superbly well, without any fuss and often without recognition. Paul Barnett, who passed away recently, was one such hero.

An executive director at UTAS during my term as Vice Chancellor in the first decade of this century, Paul was responsible for operationalising our strategic agenda that doubled the size of the university, trebled revenue, internationalised the student profile, forged new relationships with Tasmania’s schools, opened the Sydney health campus and brought into play an array of new research and teaching infrastructure across the island, all of which set UTAS up for the future. The effect of Paul’s innovative work was a massive shot in the arm for the economy of the island that he loved so much and the opportunity to finally have record numbers of Tasmanians enrolled in their university.

Paul was modesty personified, his attitude was unassuming and he always underplayed the value of his contribution. He achieved funding and support from government, industry and philanthropy from all over the country, all to the benefit of Tasmania. In all this Paul was much loved and admired by university colleagues and by those in the wider community with whom he worked. He was determined and purposeful yet amiable and flexible.

Paul represented all that is best in Tasmania — that island quality of independence and self reliance and a wonderfully quirky personality, all hidden behind a quiet confidence and constant optimism.

He is sorely missed by many.