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Farewelling Br Peter Barnett
Peter Barnett, a beloved and respected member of Victoria’s Muslim community, passed away quietly in his sleep on Sunday 9th August 2020, aged 90.
Peter, born July 21, 1930 in Albany, Western Australia, was a distinguished Australian journalist, broadcaster and administrator having been the ABC’s longest-serving correspondent.
He had a long career that covered many of the major news stories in recent history including the Vietnam War and Watergate. He spent 13 years as Washington Correspondent, and was also stationed in New York, the Middle East and Afghanistan. He became friends with several US Presidents and world leaders, in particular President Lyndon Johnson.
Peter was Executive Director of Radio Australia during the 1980’s, with a staff of 250 and broadcasting globally in ten languages. Some of his other roles included Vice-Chairman Operating Committee Council for CEDA – Economics Development of Australia; Governor Director for the Australasian Academy of Broadcasting Arts and Sciences.
Peter became a Member (AM) in the Order of Australia Honours in 1991 for his service to public communication, particularly through Radio Australia.
He authored two books “Foreign correspondence: A journalist’s biography: tales from a life in Australia, Asia, and the United States of America” in 2001 and “Guardian of the Flame: A book on Said Nursi” in 2011.
Peter married Siti Nuraini Jatim in 1970, and had one son, Adam. Peter converted to Islam in 1994.
Since becoming a Muslim Peter served the Muslim community of Melbourne in different capacities, notably with the ICV – Islamic Council of Victoria for over a decade. He played an important role in laying building blocks to strengthen the peak body and in particular mentoring many of our younger leaders – many of whom are on the ICV Board, in senior management positions and serving as volunteers. His commitment to the community will not be forgotten.
Peter spent his final years in a nursing home in Prahran often visited by many friends. He will be buried at Northern Memorial Park (Fawkner Cemetery) on Wednesday 12th August 2020.
Throughout his life Peter was a great friend to many, a role model, a brother and a true gentleman. May Allah (SWT) grant Peter His Mercy and reward him with Jannah.
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