The Churchill Trust acknowledges the passing of Barry Maley (3 July 1925 – 21 December 2024), the organisation’s inaugural Chief Executive Officer on its establishment in 1965. Barry played an important role in the commencement of the Trust’s operations, laying the foundation for the administration of Churchill Fellowships.
During this formative period, Barry’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer came through a unique arrangement with the National Heart Foundation of Australia, where he was serving as National Secretary. With the Foundation’s cooperation, Barry brought its administrative expertise to the Trust, sharing staff, office space at the Australian National University, and general overhead expenses. This collaboration enabled the Trust to begin its vital work without delay.
A radar operator in the Royal Australian Air Force during World War II, Barry’s career spanned public service, academia, and intellectual leadership. He served as National Secretary of the National Heart Foundation, became a senior lecturer in organisational behaviour at the University of New South Wales, and collaborated with the Centre for Independent Studies for over 40 years. His work contributed to public discussions on family, civil society, and the rule of law.
Churchill Fellow Jennifer Buckingham (NSW,2022), commented that “There’s no way to quantify the impact Barry had on me. He taught me how to be disciplined and informed in my thinking...I owe him a lot.”
We extend our deepest sympathies to Barry’s family and honour his contributions to the Churchill Trust.