Throughout his tenure at Emmanuel College, Michael “Mick” Barling embodied the essence of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to both students and staff. Whether through his pivotal role in careers education, his guidance of Year 12 students, or support of his colleagues, Mr Barling’s impact will continue to be deeply felt across generations of students and staff.

Mr Barling’s journey in education and Emmanuel began at CBC, where he was an active part of the Class of 1982. Known for his prowess in cross country running, he achieved numerous victories in the sport, culminating in being awarded the prestigious Sports Master’s Encouragement Award—a testament to his dedication and perseverance.

Mr Barling returned to his alma mater in 1996 to teach Year 10 students at the same campus where he had received his education. Year 10s became the focus of his time for the next 8 years, where he was quickly appointed as the Year Level Coordinator. In this role, Mick was instrumental in easing the transition of students from the junior to the senior campus. He led by example, participating in all types of school activities, from sports teams to his well-remembered portrayal of Bottom on Shakespeare Day.

And while too numerous to list here, the memories of the Rock to Reef trips, remain vivid in the memories of the alumni who attended. These trips were never just about travel; but about building character, resilience, and shared experiences.

Coupled with his duties as Year 10 Coordinator, Mr Barling was also a long serving coordinator of Emmanuel’s early careers and vocational programs. From organising Work Experience programs to supporting university and TAFE course selections, Mr Barling ensured that students had the guidance needed to make informed career choices. He took pride in ensuring that students were prepared for their next stage, balancing academic growth with career readiness. Under his leadership, the Year 10 cohort not only engaged in Work Experience but also gained valuable life skills through programs focused on resume writing and interview techniques.

During his time in the role, the application process for further study went from a paper process to wholly online. His work here was perhaps a catalyst to his move to Year 12 Coordinator in 2005.

When Mick took on the role of Year 12 Coordinator, he brought with him a philosophy of leadership through service. He believed that leadership was about setting an example and fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Whether through leading Year 12 students in assisting with Year 7 camps or encouraging student participation in school traditions, Mick ensured that the senior students played an active role in shaping the school’s culture.

Perhaps the most enduring of these, is the now time-honoured tradition of the Year 12 dress-up on Emmanuel Day. In his first year as coordinator, the Year 12 cohort decided to all come dressed as ‘Barling’s Army’. The sea of camo that arrived at school on the day added to the fun and camaraderie of Emmanuel Day and clearly left an impression on the rest of the student body. Emmanuel Day simply wouldn’t be the same now without our incredible Year 12s coming together to showcase their creative dress-up themes.

In 2015-2016, Mr Barling took a temporary leave from teaching to pursue his passion for public service, running as the Labor Member for Wannon. This endeavour reflected his deep commitment to his community and his belief in making a tangible difference beyond the classroom. While he ultimately returned to education, this period again demonstrated his willingness to step outside his comfort zone and advocate for issues he believed in.

Mr Barling’s legacy is not just in the programs he developed or the events he organised, but in the countless students whose lives he shaped. For alumni that still have their College yearbooks, I’d encourage you grab them out and read the entries written by Mr Barling. More than just summaries, they are time capsules of life at Emmanuel College, capturing the unique essence of each year group, and peppered with anecdotes telling just enough of the story for those in-the-know to understand.

Thank you and all the best Mr Barling!