Barry MacKinnon AM (60-61)

A country kid from Bridgetown, Barry MacKinnon attended Wesley College as a boarder for his final two years of schooling.

After graduating, Barry’s first job was at Bushells Tea, while at night he learned accountancy. He then studied Economics at The University of Western Australia.

Barry had a keen interest in politics, shared by his father and his uncle, Graham MacKinnon, a politician in south-west WA.  Barry was a supporter of the Liberal Party and when a new seat was created for Murdoch in 1976, he was selected by the party to stand.

This was the start of a long and successful career in politics for Barry. In 1977, he entered Parliament as a Liberal Party politician and member of the Legislative Assembly, where he stayed until 1993. He spent six years as Leader of the WA Liberal Party and was Leader of the Opposition from 1986 to 1992.

Though serving in a landscape often linked with corruption, Barry led with an integrity that was at the core of his decision-making throughout his political life. He was a leading voice in calling for a Royal Commission into WA Inc.

Aside from his work in public service, his work in the Deaf and Disability sectors has driven him most. His son Michael MacKinnon (91–95) was diagnosed as Deaf at age one, which propelled Barry into advocacy for those experiencing similar challenges. He has worked on behalf of Deaf and hearing-impaired people for over 30 years.

Using his knowledge of parliament and legislation, Barry lobbied the government for critical changes to improve the lives of Deaf and hard-of-hearing Australians. His work contributed to the newborn hearing screening, now protocol at all WA hospitals, and to captions appearing on TV screens — which broadened the world for those with hearing impairments.

In 1997, Barry was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to people with hearing impairment. He also received a Centenary Medal in 2001.

Barry remains actively involved in organisations for the Deaf where he has served on the board and as Chair. He was also Chair of the Disability Services Commission from December 1994 to August 2007. He is President of the Deafness Council Western Australia, a position he has held for many years.

Barry was Chairman of the WA Football Commission and the first Chair of Fremantle Football Club Limited. He remains a steadfast Dockers supporter.

Barry served on the Old Wesley Collegians’ Association (OWCA) committee for several years and was an Old Boys’ representative for the Wesley College Council from 1972 to 1977.

An avid rower at Wesley, Barry went on to be a member of the State rowing team, competing in the King’s Cup (1967) and the Penrith Cup lightweight fours (1969 and 1970). He shared his expertise with Wesley students as a Rowing Coach at the College.