Tributes to Darren Bark
'Darren leaves an indelible mark and a strong legacy'
NSW Premier Chris Minns
Darren was an amazing leader of the JBD. He was a real pleasure to work with in opposition and in government, and I’ve got no doubt he’ll go on to bigger and better things.
I found him always professional and friendly. He would give us official advice when that was required, but also was a trusted source of informal advice for myself and for many of my colleagues.
It’s a real privilege to have got to know him.
Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper
THROUGHOUT his tenure as JBD CEO, Darren worked tirelessly in the service of his community.
His professionalism and integrity earnt him the respect of both sides of politics, and his willingness to work collaboratively through issues has always been his defining trait.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with Darren.
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman
Darren was a very effective advocate for the Jewish community and worked very well and inclusively across all faith groups.
He gave the Jewish community extra clout by bringing other faith groups along, for example with the banning of Nazi symbols. He was a pleasure to work with.
Former Premier Dominic Perrottet
Darren has made a significant contribution and is someone who through his leadership has brought people together and worked for unity and progress. His work in the multifaith working group has been instrumental in championing religious freedom and addressing areas of religious discrimination. Darren leaves an indelible mark and a strong legacy.
Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib
I’ve greatly valued his leadership, particularly when it came to interfaith matters. Most especially when times were a bit more difficult, his leadership shone through.
I thank him for everything he has done and the work we’ve been able to do together in trying to build a better, more cohesive society.
Shadow Attorney-General Alister Henskens
Darren has been an outstanding CEO. He has worked with both sides of politics to ensure that the Jewish community is heard and understood by government.
Darren had started the important work of modernising the JBD which I am certain will continue under the leadership of David Ossip.
Former NSW Labor frontbencher Walt Secord
It is due to Mr Bark’s inspired and groundbreaking work with the Hindu community that we have a Nazi symbol ban in NSW and possibly at the national level.
Darren Bark was a bridge builder and brought communities together.
Shadow Minister for Planning Scott Farlow
During Darren’s tenure the board navigated the COVID pandemic, continued to build relationships with a broad cross-section of multicultural communities and delivered significant legislation in the interests of the community and the people of NSW. Darren will leave a lasting legacy.
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism Mark Coure
Darren Bark was a strong advocate … his work to advocate for and support the NSW Jewish community is also what led to his appointment as an inaugural member of the NSW Religious Communities Advisory Council.
I thank Mr Bark for his contributions.
Member for Coogee Marjorie O’Neill
Darren has been an amazing leader of the Jewish Board of Deputies, and it’s been an honour and pleasure to work closely with him. Darren leaves a remarkable legacy behind, in particular with regards to his efforts of bringing together interfaith and multicultural communities to deliver significant legislation in the interests of the Jewish community.
Opposition Whip in the Legislative Council Chris Rath
Darren has been an incredibly effective advocate for Israel and the Jewish community. He is lauded in NSW Parliament for his professionalism, dynamism and commitment to the cause.
Shadow Minister for Environment Kellie Sloane
I’d like to congratulate Darren Bark on his significant contribution to our community and beyond.
Darren was instrumental in advocating for important reforms for the Jewish community, as well as securing funding for education and security.
Former NSW Speaker Jonathan O’Dea
Darren Bark has been a wonderful advocate and ambassador for his Jewish constituency and a strong bridge-builder with the broader community.
Australian National Imams Council president Imam Shadi Alsuleiman
Darren Bark has been instrumental in working with other faith communities. He has always presented himself with professionalism, integrity and dealing with others with respect.
He managed to establish an understanding amongst them to work on the common good and interest that they all share and seek.
Hindu Council of Australia national vice-president Surinder Jain
Darren has been a very close friend and supporter of Hindus in Australia. He has helped our community to have a say in the media, departments and politics. The Hindu community is grateful to him for his support. In return, Hindus stand by Australian Jews in full solidarity.
Better Balanced Futures CEO Murray Norman
Darren’s work has been ground breaking, not only in addressing antisemitism but religious vilification for all faiths, as well as safety and security for places of worship.
Darren put NSW years or even decades ahead because he has been brave enough to reach out and work with other faith communities. NSW is a better place because of the leadership Darren has shown. It has been an honour to work with him and to be able to call him my friend.
JCA CEO Alain Hasson
Darren’s contribution to and for our community in such a short space of time has been significant and for this we thank him. In particular for JCA, his facilitation of additional government funding for specific communal organisations has been tremendously helpful and we hope will continue and have a lasting impact.
Jewish House CEO Rabbi Mendel Kastel
It’s been a pleasure working with Darren. We worked together closely, particularly on the Rosh Hashanah shofar blowing project. We wish him well.
Our Big Kitchen CEO Rabbi Dr Dovid Slavin
He has always been very professional, very respectful and brought dignity to the institution and the community.
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