If you’ve ever heard the hum of planes in the early hours over Euroa, chances are it’s Chris Barry taking skydivers 12,000 feet into the sky. But Chris isn’t just a pilot, when he’s not soaring through the clouds, you’ll find him lifeguarding at the Euroa Swimming Pool or inspiring students as a secondary school teacher.

Chris has even pioneered an aviation course that helps Victorian students take their first steps toward becoming pilots. There’s not much Chris can’t do and his story is anything but ordinary.

A secondary school teacher of Maths, Science, Information Technology and Aviation Science, Chris has earned accolades like ‘Teacher of the Year’ and the ‘Lindsay Thompson AO Award for Teaching Excellence,’ he has also recently expanded his expertise to teach Product Design and Technology in Woodwork.

Returning for a second year with Belgravia Leisure, Chris has played an instrumental role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Euroa Swimming Pool, working closely with Area Manager Bobby Savic.

“Chris is unlike any other, his bond with the community and his dedication to the pool are unmatched. It’s clear that Chris’s passion goes beyond just maintaining the pool, he genuinely cares about creating positive experiences for everyone who visits,” Bobby explained. “I’m pleased to hear that Chris will return for the 2025 season.”

Chris’s role at the pool is more than a job for him. He says it’s an opportunity to engage with the community and mentor the next generation. With 30 years of experience in Euroa and a long history as Chief Pilot at the local Parachute School, he’s built strong ties with the town.

“I like to ensure that each visit is a positive experience. How I achieve this is to reverse my role and look in from a different angle, asking myself the question, ‘As a patron of the venue, how would I like the Euroa pool to look and feel that gives me a positive experience’”.

For Chris, the pool offers an outlet for all his passions of teaching, mentoring and connecting with the community. “It’s a role I’m immensely proud of and it brings together the best of all worlds,” he shared.

“The guidance and ongoing support that Belgravia and in particular Bobby have both offered and provided I’d describe as exceptional. Being involved in the Euroa region and working with the wider community and terrific staff gives me a great sense of achievement each day. Every day is different, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the leisure industry and be part of such a vital role, providing a community service,” Chris concluded.

Whether he’s in the sky, in the classroom, or at the pool, Chris’s impact is undeniable and we’re extremely proud to have him a part of the Belgravia team.

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