1. What is something people don’t know about you?
I played in many schoolboy tennis tournaments and championships but have rarely played the game as an adult.
2. How long have you been involved in the Kilsyth Community Action Group and why did you join?
I have been involved from day one in August 2014. Yarra Ranges Council (YRC) put out a call to form a community group in Kilsyth, and I thought it was a great opportunity to be a part of building community in our area. As well as that I tend to be a bit of a ‘joiner’.
3. What do you enjoy most about being Chairman of KCAG?
I love being among people who are really committed to improving things for our residents. As Chair, I also get to meet similarly motivated people in other township groups in the Yarra Ranges. Their energy and initiative never ceases to inspire and activate me.
4. What has been one of your most memorable moments or greatest achievements with KCAG?
In 2017 we were thrilled to be recognised by Yarra Ranges Council as the Community Group of the Year in its Australia Day Awards. This followed Council’s acknowledgement of the comprehensive Community Plan KCAG had developed with YRC support the year before. There have been a number of projects along the way – some small and impactful, others slow burning – but probably our greatest achievement is that we are now considered a credible and valuable resident voice by local and State governments.
5. What do you love most about the Kilsyth area?
I enjoy meeting the challenges and opportunities that diversity brings, and it’s Kilsyth’s diversity that really appeals to me, both in its landscape and its people. We are only about 30kms from the city, but in a short distance you can experience everything from wooded forest to light industrial, to high density housing. Its very green, and has that marvellous view of the mountain. The 10,000+ people who have made it their home are equally diverse, representing over 35 different nationalities. Over time they have coalesced into a warm and welcoming community.
6. What event, past, present, or future, would you like to witness?
I would like to be around for the ‘Eureka’ moment in medical research when a cure or prevention is discovered for dementia.
7. Which four guests, dead or alive, would you invite to a dinner party?
Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, Jessie Mary Vasey, Paul Keating, Leonard Cohen.
8. Who do you admire the most?
Nobody leaps out as ‘most admired’. I admire many people for their different qualities and characteristics, both within and beyond my family,
9. What are some of your hobbies?
Listening to music (all sorts, but especially early American blues). Painting is my main therapy. I like gardening, mainly moving dirt and rocks from here to there. I’m writing a history of Kilsyth Football Club, and I attend as many Cougar games as I can.
10. What is your favourite book and/or film?
Favourite book – “The Narrow Road to the Deep North” by Richard Flanagan.
Favourite film – “Zulu”
