Mr Barry is a speaker, author and campaigner who educates, documents and advocates on the topics of national service and wartime experiences.

He has organised a reunion of Nashos in Brisbane every two years since 2005 - and, for decades, has fought for thousands of them to be eligible for the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Mr Barry himself gave national service in South Vietman from 1967 to 1969, with the 6^th Battalion.

His citation lists his work with Tibbereena Bush Fire Brigade, advocacy for veterans, and support for students who experienced abuse at boarding schools.

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Around a career in banking, Mr Barry has also been a prolific writer who has self-published 10 books, not for profit, which have been donated to school, libraries and other organisations.

They include Centenary of ANZAC: Narrabri and District NSW 1914-1918; Johnnies: Life as a child with the Sisters of St Joseph; and Behind the Counter: A compilation of personal reflections over 33 years in the banking industry.

To his local paper, he contributed stories about 500 local men and women between 2014 and 2018.

Among his previous honours are an RSL tribute award for preservation of military history; and being named State Bank country manager of the year in 1988 for his attention to disadvantaged young home buyers and people outside the banking policy.

Mr Barry was a Queen's Relay baton carrier for the Commonwealth Games in 2006 and 2018.

His decorations include the Australian Active Service Medal and the Vietnam Medal.