Allan Bruty (1984)

Allan began his career in the film and TV industry before transitioning to the corporate world.  He has utilised his experience in media, marketing and strategic partnerships for local and international organisations, agencies and major brands. Allan also works with not-for-profit and conservation organisations.  He is on the Advisory Panel for Sea Shepherd Australia and has previously been on the Board of a charity at Westmead and Randwick Children's Hospitals. He also volunteers with Taronga Zoo at the Institute of Science and Learning.

Allan has recently established Mission Bridge (MB) www.missionbridge.com.au, a venture to assist ADF veterans secure long-term and meaningful employment opportunities to help them and their families as they transition to civilian life.  

Simone Allan (Channells, 1984)

Simone is a successful businesswoman with a passion for helping people. She is a specialist in recruitment and executive search and works closely with people to discover their commercial skills and attributes, to align with companies and their capability needs. Since starting her own consultancy in 1998 she has placed more than 2800 leaders in business.
In 2014 Simone set up a pilot program with the Old Barker Association to match alumni with school leavers to set them on their path. This led to the establishment of The Mentor Evolution - a mentor matching platform and engagement/leadership program for corporations and school alumni. Simone's recent focus has been on The Women's Resilience Centre, a place of hope and healing for women who have suffered domestic abuse. The program aims to transition women from 'Survivor to Thriver' through a buddy/mentor program.

Ben Jones (2015)

Ben was announced as the NSW Rhodes Scholar Elect for 2021.  Ben hopes studying at Oxford will help him realise his vision to work for children, youth and families in Australia who face health inequities.

Ben has always wanted to work in health believing good health is an important factor in enabling people to live the lives they wish to.  He is most interested in tangible, translational research that explores programs and initiatives that are being implemented to improve child health across the world. Ben would like his research to be in areas such as public health, health services and system research, and health policy. He hopes to one day live in a world in which those who most need healthcare, receive it.

Karen Penrose (Collett 1978)

Karen is currently the President of the Old Barker Rugby Club. She has had an extensive career in leadership roles, is a successful businesswoman and serves as a Non-Executive Director on the boards of a few publicly listed Australian companies. Karen is also a CPA and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Karen is passionate about customer outcomes, financial management and is well-versed in operating in a rapidly changing regulatory environment. She is often the Chair of Audit and Risk committees and Investment committees. Karen's experience has been in a range of industries including financial services, health and infrastructure, resources and property. She also supports Chief Executive Women, a bespoke leadership program developed to inspire and equip women to fulfil their leadership potential.

Will Sparling (2004)

Will is a part time author and works full time in state politics.  He recently came back to Barker to talk to Year 3 students about his book Camouflage Kids which shares the meaning of Anzac and the impact military service and war has on families.

Will completed a Bachelor of Arts from Sydney University and a Master or Social Science (Child and Youth Studies) at Western Sydney University.  In 2009 he spent 12 months volunteering in Zambia working on a health education program. He completed a Master of Human Rights at Sydney University, before spending three months volunteering in Kenya, working on a youth empowerment project in Nairobi’s biggest slum.

Will has worked for the NSW Government since 2011, currently implementing communications strategies and liaising with the media.