Pictured: Michael Barry
Michael ‘Munga’ Barry is like the ocean: peaceful on the surface but moving, moving, moving, and full of energy underneath.
He’s travelled the world, riding waves professionally, making the world top 20 on the pro circuit.
Twelve years ago Michael returned to the Gold Coast where he’d grown up to set up home with wife Krista and established his surf school, Godfathers of the Ocean, considered one of the Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Indigenous Enterprise Development Unit’s long-term successes.
Michael also set about showing his gratitude for a good life by giving back to the community.
“Surfing has been very good to me and it taught me a lot about life. I love sharing what I know and have learnt with others, if it improves their lives.”
That’s why he’s mentored countless underprivileged kids over the years.
It started when ‘Munga’ was chasing waves for a living.
“I had all this stuff — sunglasses, shirts, hats — that sponsors kept giving me and I’d be in places like Bali or Brazil where kids with absolutely nothing to their name were so happy, and they just lit up when actually given a gift of this ‘stuff’.
“It got me thinking about doing something more to help kids who weren’t as lucky as I was, riding a wave away from trouble and into a better life.”
Michael and Krista established Godfathers of the Ocean Foundation. With support from surfing mates, they’ve held events like celebrity breakfasts and lunches, and golf days, giving proceeds to local charities, supporting such initiatives as Lifeline’s suicide prevention program, a drowning prevention program for young mums and a teen mentoring program.
“I love taking kids to the beach, showing them how to surf, then chilling out over a barbeque and helping them connect,” Michael says.
“Teaching surfing is more than standing on a board. It’s about self-esteem, motivation and positive attitude — and respect. You have to respect the water, and life.”
More information
Indigenous Enterprise Development Unit www.sd.qld.gov.au Godfathers of the Ocean Foundation www.godfathersoftheocean.com
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