His son Nathan, who has a disability, has been accessing the local organisation's services for almost two decades now, currently living in supported accommodation.
Blown away by the care his son has been given throughout the years, Barry - known affectionately as Baz - hasn't been contented to sit by.
Instead, he's rolled up his sleeves and served tirelessly in the background.
He invested 12 years on the Connect GV board and, for the past three years, on the fundraising and infrastructure committees.
Recently, Barry was honoured for his services, gifted a life membership.
“I feel very humbled,” he said.
“I'm just glad I served with so many wonderful people.”
Barry joined the Connect GV board soon after his son moved into the organisation's supported accommodation.
“My wife died, so I couldn't look after Nathan alone,” Barry said.
“Connect GV had the facilities and the people who understood Nathan's needs. They have offered a whole-of-life service.”
Barry started on the board as treasurer, serving from 2005 to 2009 and bringing years of expertise from his background as a professional management accountant to the table.
Current board chair Jenny Cook said Barry's wise handling of Connect GV's finances set the organisation up for its dream goal: building a new day services facility.
“Barry was as careful with Connect GV's money as he would be with his own,” she said.
“As a result of his efforts and others, we have a very sound asset base that will serve us in the future and of course has enabled us to do the rebuild that is currently taking place across the road.”
Barry's stint as treasurer was followed by eight years as board president.
While his time on the board wrapped up in 2017, he's continued to be a passionate supporter of Connect GV.
“He is a role model to all parents and carers and the wider community,” Ms Cook said.
“He has led from this perspective, wanting to provide for all our children the very best that we can and that they deserve.
“Our children need more people like Baz that can dedicate an ongoing commitment that lasts far beyond their early years and ensures the safeguards are in place as they move through adulthood.”
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