It is with sadness that I inform members of the passing of Ernest “Barry” Polson. Barry sadly passed away on the weekend following a battle with illness.
Barry will be remembered for his passionate and highly successful representation and advocacy on behalf of CEPU members not only in NSW and the ACT, but across the country through the various national executive roles he held within our Union and its predecessor Unions.
Although acting in various positions of employment from time to time with our Union from the late 70s, Barry was elected to the position of Branch President in 1983.
As part of one of the most successful and influential teams to ever lead our Branch, along with then Branch Secretary, and later National Secretary, Paul Watson and Assistant Secretary Jalal Natour, Barry played an instrumental and influential role in the evolution of the then APTU through amalgamations to become the CWU and, later, the CEPU.
Prior to becoming a full-time official, Barry was an instructor with the former Postmaster-General’s Department and, later, Telecom Australia.
Many current and former officials have risen to senior positions and prominence within our Union, benefiting from Barry’s mentorship including former Branch and National Secretary Paul Watson, former Branch Assistant Secretary Jalal Natour, former Branch Official and National Secretary Ed Husic, former Branch President and Assistant Secretary Laurie Chalker, former Branch Secretary Jim Metcher and former Branch Assistant Secretary and current National Secretary Greg Rayner.
Barry eventually retired from his career with the Union in 1997, at which time he was serving as Branch Vice President under the leadership team of then Branch President Laurie Chalker and Branch Secretary Jim Metcher. He was bestowed with Life Membership a short time after.
When learning of Barry’s passing, Laurie said “He was a man of integrity with a genuine passion for our cause. He was feared by management, not for his demeanour, but for his high level of knowledge of the industry and his ability to deliver the very best outcomes for our members.”
Jim added “Barry was one of the most professional and influential officials to ever lead our Union. A true believer, full of integrity — he commanded respect throughout the industrial and political labour movement. The NSW Branch’s success today owes greatly to Barry’s leadership contributions.”
Barry’s dedication to our Union and to improving the lives of thousands of CEPU members across the country will not be forgotten and on behalf of our members, our Committee of Management, staff and officials, I extend our deepest condolences to his wife Helen, their family and their close friends.
The following arrangements have been made to celebrate Barry’s life:
When: 1pm, Saturday 17 February
Where: St Mary Mackillop Church – 91 Sparks Road Warnervale
Yours faithfully,
SHANE MURPHY
BRANCH SECRETARY
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