We create Global Citizens
Remembering Charles Baré
Friends of AFS in Australia (FAFSA) advise the sad news that Charles Baré passed away in his home town Melbourne, Australia, on 4 July 2025. He had been very ill with a secondary cancer that was
identified only a matter of weeks ago. He had been in hospital care since early May. Charles passed away peacefully with family (including host daughter Jeri) at his side.
We are of course devastated, Charles was an incredible person of remarkable intelligence, who valued and nurtured all his connections and was completely dedicated to the AFS mission. He will be greatly missed.
Donations in lieu of flowers
The Baré family has kindly asked friends consider making a donation to Friends of AFS in Australia in lieu of flowers.
Your donation can be made via the QR Code or by clicking on the button below.
Please note: FAFSA will issue a receipt but does not have tax deductible status.
Charles' contribution to AFS Intercultural Programs and FAFSA
Charles, supported by his wife Liz, was a committed member of the AFS community, both in Australia and globally, since first becoming involved in AFS in Melbourne in 1988 at the time their son Justin went to Japan on the AFS Year Program.
Charles' passion for the mission of AFS in a global community and his formidable organisational and leadership talents stood out in those early years and continued to grow and provide inspiration for all associated with him in the years that followed.
AFS Intercultural Programs Australia 1988 - 2020
Charles' roles in AFS and then Friends for AFS in Australia (FAFSA) included:
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AFS Sending and Hosting Dad: son Justin (1988 to Japan); daughter Ili (1991 to Argentina); host to Jeri (1989 Thailand), Hanne (1990 Denmark) and Stefan (1992 Switzerland).
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Local Chapter President, Camberwell, and then Regional Chair, Victoria, (1988 - 1992)
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AFS Australia Board Member (1992 - 2000, Chair 1996 - 2000)
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Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2000 and served 3 years. During that time he was prominent on the Board Development Committee (BDC) and, with his professional background and strong interest in good governance, he made a substantial contribution to the processes and procedures adopted at the time by the Board of Trustees.
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At the request of AFS International and the invitation of AFS host countries, as a volunteer, Charles then went on to assist a number of AFS Partner organisations in the areas of governance, structural and operational issues, especially in South Africa where he located for a period, and then in Kenya.
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At the same time, he continued as an advisor and mentor to the board and staff of AFS Australia, and in assisting where he was able with matters relating to the AFS international network.
FAFSA 2020 - 2025
With the COVID pandemic impact, and the closure of AFS Intercultural Programs, Australia in 2020, Charles joined a team of experienced AFS Australia alumni in to research, conceptualise and establish in Friends of AFS in Australia (FAFSA) in 2021 .
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The contribution made by Charles as a FAFSA Founding Member and Board Member right up until the time he stepped down from the Board in May this year was invaluable:
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Financial support as a Platinum Foundation Member
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A passionate supporter of continuing the AFS legacy in Australia, with our focus on Global Up programs and building a membership and volunteer base around FAFSA
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A strategic thinker and doer, pushing hard to contribute his ideas and expertise right to the end, even from his hospital bed
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A wonderful friend, mentor and inspiration for all of us working with him.
Many in the AFS leadership past and present in Australia and around the global AFS network will have fond memories of Charles. He was a prolific networker, rarely missed international AFS gatherings. Accompanied by Liz, he travelled widely and always touched base and maintained close relations with their many AFS friends both in Australia and globally.
He will be missed. He will be remembered.