Barnet Paul William
| Type of person | Individual |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 1957 |
| Place of birth | Hutchinson Hospital |
| Principal occupation | Photographer, Graphic Artist |
| Significant places | Calton Road 6 The Bunyip Newspaper The Bunyip 118 Murray Street |
From "Scoop" to Historian: The Indelible Mark of Paul Barnet
GAWLER — In the history of a town, there are those who make the news, and there are those who capture it.. Known affectionately to locals as "Scoop," Paul Barnet’s life has been defined by a lens, a printing press, and a deep-seated dedication to the narrative of Gawler.
While the Barnet name is synonymous with The Bunyip newspaper, Paul’s journey into the world of print began with a flair for the artistic. Long before he was documenting district events, he was shaping the visual culture of the era.
The Artistic Eye
In his early years, Paul worked as a graphic artist for major advertising firms like MKC Advertising and the Myer advertising department. Possessing a creative entrepreneurial spirit, he also ran his own Screen Printing business. It was a vibrant time where he produced everything from posters to T-shirts and Album covers, honing a visual aesthetic that would later serve him well in the newspaper trade.
Armed with formal studies in Photography, Graphic Arts, and Commercial Advertising, he was well-equipped for the inevitable call of the family legacy.
The Bunyip Years
In 1982, Paul Barnet made the pivotal decision to join the family business, The Bunyip. As the newspaper’s Advertising Manager and Photographer, he became the eyes of the community.
For over two decades, Paul was a local fixture. It was said that you couldn’t attend a sports match, a council function, or a community fair without seeing him. He earned the nickname "Scoop" not just for his profession, but for his uncanny ability to be exactly where the story was unfolding, and back in the day of negatives he was always saying to his models OK one more shot! Just to make sure all eyes might be open
He remained a working cog of the paper until the Barnet family sold The Bunyip in 2003, marking the end of a significant era in local publishing. Ever dedicated, he stayed on part-time during the transition to the new owners.
A Custodian of History
Since leaving the daily grind of the newsroom, Paul has not slowed down; he has simply shifted his focus from current events to preservation.
His passion for print media and photography naturally evolved into a role as a historian. As a founding committee member and current Chairperson of the Gawler History Team, he is now responsible for safeguarding the very stories he once helped print. His editorial skills also found a home with the Gawler Car Club, where he served as Journal Editor for many years.
The Unfinished Chapter
Today, Paul Barnet is driven by a personal mission that spans continents and centuries. He is currently working to complete the Barnet family story—a saga with "ink in its veins" that traces back to the Kinross-Shire Advertiser in Kinross, Scotland, in 1847, and Edinburgh printeries before the arrival of some of the family in Gawler in 1855.
From designing album covers to chronicling the daily life of Gawler, and now preserving its heritage, Paul "Scoop" Barnet remains a vital part of the district’s fabric—proving that while the medium may change, the storytellers remains essential.
Paul Barnet is a fifth generation Gawler identity.
His family links are associated with printing and publishing (The Bunyip), The Gawler Club, The Gawler Car Club, Gawler Central Football Club
Paul is a member of the Gawler History Team. His passions include photographing old buildings in the community, which are viewed on the Gawler History site. He is helping to compile a history for future generations. "Now is the history of the future", says Paul.
Memories of Barnet Paul William
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