Sue Fear came to Barker from Abbotsleigh in 1979. During her time at the school, she gained colours for cricket and hockey and was co-captain of both teams in 1980.
She successfully completed her bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh Awards while participating in swimming, athletics, tennis and squash. She was both a prefect and member of student council.
It was during 1980, when Nepalese climber, Nawang Gombu, the first man to climb Mount Everest twice, spoke at Barker that Sue’s interest in mountaineering begun.
Upon leaving school, Sue continued her passion for adventure and the outdoors by pursuing as many activities as she could experience. They included sailing, bush walking, camping, abseiling, canyoning, rafting, cross-country skiing and preparing for and participating in triathlons.
The school included Sue in a book called ‘Barker Girls’ by Marjorie Binns which identified ex girl students who had made a significant contribution to the community. Sue was also latter honoured with a school house being named after her – Fear House.
With the addition of eight new houses at Barker College, it was decided that their names would honour eight past distinguished female Barker members who had made important contributions to society. Sue was selected for her mountaineering achievements and her work with schools and charities.
Established: 2019
Named after: Susan Erica Fear OAM
Citation: Student 1979-1980
House colour: Orange
The crest for Fear House takes its lead from Sue Fear’s association with Nepal and her work as a pioneering female Australian mountain climber. The compass represents travelling and navigating one’s path safely and the North Star represents navigation. The tiger and the colour orange are to honour Nepal, which is Ms Fear’s final resting place.
Sue was always keen to try as many different sporting and outdoor activities as she had time for.
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