PENRITH was rocked by the news that the very much-loved Barney Allam OAM had passed away.
Mr Allam passed on Sunday 4 August following a brief illness. He is survived by his four children and four grandchildren.
Mr Allam was the driving force behind Allam Property Group, the company he founded in 1991. Within 10 years, Allam Property Group was named one of the Top 5 Builders in Sydney.
Arriving in Australia from Pakistan when he was four years old, Mr Allam spent his younger years in the town of Piliga in regional New South Wales, where his grandfather, Nabob Allam, ran the town’s General Store.
Mr Allam’s childhood instilled in him a life-long love of the outdoors and the spirit of the outback, which he continued to enjoy throughout his life with frequent visits back to his hometown and to wider regional and rural NSW.
In 1972 Mr Allam moved with his family to Penrith, where his passion for the Penrith Panthers began in earnest, a passion that continues to this day through Allam Property Group’s sponsorship of the club.
Mr Allam was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2004, in recognition of his service to the community, in particular through the Wesley Mission, and his contribution to the residential building sector.
Allam Property Group CEO, Mr Paul Sant, paid tribute to Mr Allam: “Barney was not only a great leader, he was a mentor and friend to many. He was always focused on realising opportunities – whether that be supporting our team to reach their career goals, supporting people to achieve their property dreams, or supporting local communities, in particular in his beloved Western Sydney.
“Barney will be dearly missed by all of us at Allam Property Group, but his legacy will continue to inspire and guide our business as we build our future. He was a great man, a visionary business leader, and a good friend. Our condolences go out to Barney’s family.”
Tributes
When my great-grandfather, Nabob Allam, passed away in Pilliga in 1969, they printed on the front page of The Coonamble Times, ‘The King is Dead’.
Another King has died.
From Pilliga to Penrith, Barney Allam Oam took our family to the greatest heights and has left a legacy that will ensure the ALLAM name will never be forgotten.
I’m am so very sad. My heart aches for our family, his friends and those who knew him.
He was a remarkable business man, a loving family man, a dedicated philanthropist and a bloody good friend.
Barney was also my hunting partner and over the past 10 years, while working at Allam, we had so much fun. I cherish those countless hours spent driving together in the car. We told stories and always laughed. He used the time to mentor me and share some of his knowledge. I’m so grateful for that.
Barney passed away peacefully on Sunday after a short battle with
illness, surrounded by his four children.
He was buried at Rouse Hill on Monday, in accordance with his wishes, with his mother Daulet at his grave. Further details will be provided about a Celebration of his Life, in due course.
There will never be another Barney Allam…He used to tell me that he would ‘live forever’ and to be honest, I sort of believed it.
Rest in Peace my beautiful Uncle. You made such a positive impact on this world and will be sorely missed.
Daniel Allam
I only had the pleasure of knowing and working for Barney for a short time, but boy did he make a beautiful and long-lasting impression on me. He was the type of person that gave everyone the time of day, he always had a smile on his face from the moment he walked into the office to the time he left again. He took great pride in his company and treated everyone he crossed paths with the upmost respect. You truly were one of a kind and you will be missed by everyone who knew and loved you. Rest in peace Barney Allam.
Nicole Aldridge
Barney loved Penrith and his Panthers. He was always willing to help, a man with a big heart and a bigger smile. He will be missed.
Cr Tricia Hitchen, Penrith Panthers Board Member
Very sad and shocking news. Our most sincere condolences to all the family.
Andrew Paech
Shocking news, condolences to Barney’s family.
Mark Geyer
I saw him at the football a few months ago and he looked healthy and happy, he was laughing and joking with the people he was with. A big shock , condolences to his family and close friends.
Gary Hardy
When I was a little girl in Pilliga the Allam family owned the corner general store. I remember my parents talking about the Allam boys and what a wonderful family they were..
Robyn Bourke
A great man. He was so proud of the Penrith community and the people he supported here.
Always generous with his time and support.
Mark Regent
Life is just not Fair! A very Special person from a very Special Family. It won’t be the same without this most kind, gentle and generous man. Australia has lost one of our very best. XXX
Janelle Wooldridge
We have lost a pure gentleman and an inspiration. So sorry to hear this news. My sincere condolences to his family.
Julie Greentree
He was a gentleman and a legend. He will be missed. Thoughts go to all his family and friends.
Scott Butler
Barney was a people person, and made a huge contribution to our big little town of Penrith.
Cr Bernard Bratusa
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend, someone I’ve known for many years. He was a true inspiration in my life, a genuinely humble yet highly successful businessman. His sincerity was unparalleled, treating everyone with genuine kindness and respect. May he rest in peace, free from any suffering.
Vincent Wong Owner of the Happy Inn