Barry, the Accidental Banker

Barry (a fictional character) grew up in regional Australia and began his transition to adulthood at the beginning of the best decade in the history of humanity, the 1970s, in Barry’s opinion.

Sure, things weren’t perfect. At the beginning of the decade the Vietnam War was still raging, a conflict which impacted significantly on those conscripted to serve. Conscription was abolished in 1972 when the Gough Whitlam led Labor Party won the election. The war ended in 1975.

There was also a bit of political turmoil when, in 1975, the Whitlam Government was sacked by the Queen’s representative, the Governor-General (Sir John Kerr) in 1975.

By and large, however, it was an era of almost carefree living following the cultural revolution of the 60s. Life was fast-paced and vibrant. Everybody who wanted a job had one, Holden Kingswoods were rolling off the assembly line, flared pants were trendy and music was played by musicians.

Barry reckons he’s lucky to have been part of this era at a time when he could enjoy it the most. It was at the very beginning of the decade when he got his first job, aged just 16 at a local bank branch.