Craig Barnett

Craig Barnett
Craig Barnett
Born	Craig Andrew Barnett; July 16, 1974 (age 52); East Fremantle, Western Australia, Australia
Occupation(s)	Model, television personality, swimming analyst
Years active	2004–present
Known for	Mr Australia 2007, Manhunt International 3rd Runner-up, Big Brother Australia 8 contestant

Craig Andrew Barnett (born 16 July 1974) is an Australian model and former international pageant finalist, widely recognized for holding the title of "Mr Australia 2007" during the 2007 Manhunt International World Final. He secured the national accolade of Manhunt Australia in 2007 and served as the principal model for Australian swimwear brand Funky Trunks from 2004 until 2010.

Often referred to as Barney, Barnett gained further public attention through his television appearances on Australian networks, including Network Nine's 1 vs. 100 in 2007 and Network Ten's eighth season of Australia's Big Brother in 2008. In the same year, he was recognized as one of Australia's most desirable bachelors, reaching the finals of Cleo Bachelor of the Year, which was featured in Cleo Magazine’s March 2008 issue.

Early life and family

Barnett was born in East Fremantle, Western Australia, and grew up in Kardinya alongside two older sisters. His education included Kardinya Primary School followed by Melville Senior High School. As a young athlete, he matched an Australian age record in the U/13 80m hurdles and earned an amateur skateboarding sponsorship between ages 14 and 16. At age 16, he began competing in swimming.

Upon graduating in 1991, Barnett received a distinguished sporting achievement award after winning titles as both athletics and swimming champion boy that year, shortly after initiating his competitive swimming career. Over more than thirteen years, he competed at a national level, participating in three Australian Olympic Swimming Selection Trials. He held leadership roles as club captain for Applecross Swimming Club (1991/1992) and City of Perth Swimming Club (2003/2004), while setting multiple sprint freestyle and butterfly records. Although retiring from national competition in 2005, he maintained the Victorian state short course record for the 50m Butterfly (35-39 age group) from 2010 through 2016.

Manhunt Australia

In November 2006, Barnett won the Manhunt Australia male modelling contest, granting him the title MR Australia for the entirety of 2007. Judging criteria included physical fitness, photogenic appeal, interview skills, public speaking, and runway performance. Subsequently, he appeared on the cover of the Men of Manhunt calendar released in 2008.

Manhunt International

Representing Australia at the Manhunt International World Final held in South Korea in February 2007, Barnett competed against 48 international candidates. He achieved the position of 3rd Runner-up, receiving monetary awards, prizes, and a modelling contract based in Beijing. Since its inception in 1993, Barnett is among only three Australians to have placed within the top five finalists.

Modelling career

During participation at the 2004 Australian Olympic Swimming Selection Trials, Barnett was approached by Way Funky, a Melbourne-based swimwear company, to model their men's line Funky Trunks. He became the brand’s primary model from 2004 through 2010, which subsequently opened doors to additional modelling opportunities including his entry into Manhunt Australia.

From 2004 onward, Barnett featured prominently in advertising campaigns and commercials for Funky Trunks along with other brands such as Zu Shoes’ "Presidential Collection" (2010), Tourism Victoria’s Yarra Valley campaign (2011), Bosch Automotive (2011), The Como Hotel Melbourne (2012), Palace Cinemas (2013), Vic Roads (2014), and Tourism Australia (2014).

In 2009, Barnett’s image appeared on a limited edition deck of playing cards promoting Funky Trunks. He also was featured on CD single covers for tracks titled "Perfect Strangers" and "Hot Lovin'" released in 2011. His likeness was used again in 2017 for Funky Trunks’ print called "Gun Show." In 2019, a sophisticated photograph of Barnett seated inside a private jet was utilized within a Facebook application by OMG Game Internet Company that forecasted users’ lifestyles over a five-year span.

Judging

Barnett's achievements in both domestic and global modelling competitions earned him invitations to serve as a guest judge at prominent Australian events, including Best Model Australia 2007, Manhunt Australia 2007, and the national finals of Miss Hawaiian Tropic 2009.

1 vs. 100

On 9 July 2007, Barnett participated as the central contestant on Network Nine's quiz program 1 vs. 100, hosted by Eddie McGuire. Facing off against 100 challengers, he accumulated winnings totaling $108,500, positioning him as the sixth top-earning contestant in the Australian edition of the show.

Big Brother 08

In 2008, Barnett joined the cast of Network Ten's reality series Big Brother Australia 8, entering the house located at the Dreamworld theme park in Queensland under his familiar moniker, Barney.

Television commercials

Barnett appeared in numerous Australian television advertisements, notably Volvo’s "Attention Seeker" campaign which was broadcast internationally until 2012. Other commercial appearances include campaigns for Target (2012), Bike Exchange (2012), iiNet (2013), Funky Trunks Underwear (2013), Holden Storm (2015), and 5digitalquotes.com.au (2015).

Music videos

In December 2010, Barnett featured in the music video for "That Season Again," performed by Australian country artist Rose Carleo; this track achieved a peak position of #3 on the Country Tracks Top 30 radio chart nationwide.

Additionally, he co-starred in the 2011 music video for "Say It's Over," by Australian pop singer-songwriter Tania Moran, produced by Dusk Music Video Production.

Radio

During the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Barnett contributed his expertise as a swimming analyst on Radio Fremantle 107.9 FM, offering informed commentary about the Australian Swimming Team based on his extensive background.

Other

Barnett has dedicated a significant portion of his professional life to the cargo shipping sector and continues to be engaged within this industry. He currently resides in Melbourne, Australia, and holds membership with the North Cottesloe Surf Life Saving Club located in Western Australia.

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