Barnet Frank Lindley
| Type of person | Printer |
|---|---|
| Also known as: | Dollar Barnet |
| Date of birth | 1875 |
| Place of birth | Gawler, South Australia |
| Principal occupation | Printer publisher |
| Date of death | 1941 |
| Place of death | Gawler, South Australia |
| Significant places | Bunyip Printing,Calton Rd 6 |
Biography: Frank Lindley Barnet (1875–1941)A Pillar of the Provincial Press and Gawler CommunityFrank Lindley Barnet was a cornerstone of the Gawler community, representing the second generation of a family that became synonymous with South Australian journalism. As the long-time manager and part-proprietor of The Bunyip, he navigated the publication through the heights of industrial growth and the depths of the Great Depression.Early Life and EducationBorn in Gawler on September 5, 1875, Frank was the son of William Barnet—the Scottish pioneer who established Gawler’s first provincial press in 1857—and Hannah Burfield.His early pursuits were diverse, reflecting the practical needs of a developing colony:Education: Attended Mr. L. S. Burton's school at St. George’s.Metallurgy: Studied at the Adelaide School of Mines.Agriculture: Gained practical experience as an early student at Roseworthy Agricultural College under Professor Lowrie.The Printing LegacyThe death of his father in 1895 brought Frank back to the family business. Alongside his brother Robert and sister Emily, he dedicated his life to The Bunyip.Under Frank’s leadership, the office became the largest printing establishment outside of the metropolis, boasting cutting-edge technology for the time:1913: Introduction of the first Linotype machine.Expansion: Acquisition of the No. 14 Mergenthaler linotype and high-speed flatbed newspaper machines.A "Man Among Men"Frank was widely celebrated for his "happy and genial" nature. His influence was felt far beyond the printing press:CategoryContribution & RolesSportingChairman of the Gawler Jockey Club (7 years); Committee member (24 years). Supported Trotting, the Rifle Club, and the Bowling Club.IndustryChairman of the Country Press Company; Executive of the Co-operative Provincial Press of SA.FraternalMember of Gawler Fidelity and Mark Lodges, Royal Arch Chapter, and Ancient Order of Foresters.CivicFoundation member of the Professional and Business Men’s Luncheon Club.Final YearsFrank passed away on March 18, 1941, at his residence, "Hillside," after a courageous battle with illness. He was survived by his wife, Clarice (née Carne), and three children: Kenneth, Geoffrey, and Vivia.His legacy remains as a man whose word was his bond and whose life's work ensured that Gawler—the "Modern Athens"—always had a voice."His code was honour and whose aim just unpretentious service to any cause with which he allied himself." — The Leader, Angaston (1941)
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