Peter Barclay Retires

Peter joined the Bureau in 1963 as a Physicist. A 12-month attachment in 1970 to the National Severe Storms Laboratory in Norman, Oklahoma, as Australia's first exchange scientist under the Hornig Mission was followed by three months in Brisbane researching thunderstorm-generated aircraft turbulence.

Peter was awarded a Public Service Postgraduate Scholarship in 1974 which allowed him to complete a PhD in Radar Meteorology at Melbourne University. In subsequent years he applied his knowledge of radar to the tracking of tropical cyclones, and measuring rainfall. In 1978 he spent five months in Pakistan for WMO, using computer-controlled radar for rainfall measurement in the Indus River region. Following his return, he collaborated with Monash University in an Intelsat contract for the assessment of satellite-to-ground signal attenuation in rain.

In 1979 Peter was promoted to lead the AROS implementation team. His characteristic 'hands on' approach involved him in the installations, preparation of user manuals and staff training. The 'demanding and challenging' project resulted in Australia having one of the most modern and efficient meteorological message handling, plotting and forecast/warning dissemination systems in the world—a strong testament to Peter's leadership skills and resolve. An additional bonus was meeting Helen Symes, now his wife, during the installation phase in Adelaide. In 1988 AROS received a Technology and Computer Productivity Gold Award.

Australia Day Award

In 1985 Peter was awarded the prestigious Australia Day medallion in recognition of his work on the AROS project, Other notable activities were the development of JACMAS (Joint Approach Control Meteorological Advisory Service), the forerunner to the current aviation thunderstorm advisory service and several urgent dashes to Queensland to track tropical cyclones. One visit involved nearly 36 hours anxiously tracking TC Althea which finally devastated Townsville on Christmas Day 1972.

Peter was also one of the leading proponents of the Australian Integrated Forecasting System (AIFS) and an active participant in its design. He visited the US in 1991 to investigate similar developments

Ill-health interrupted his career through parts of 1993 and 1994 and eventually led to his retirement.

Peter and Helen plan to move to Semaphore South, Adelaide, at the end of the year, Peter is looking forward to undertaking home renovations, fishing the waters of St Vincent's Gulf and pursuing his hobbies of amateur radio and gardening. Very best wishes from all your colleagues, Peter.

Bureau of Meteorology