My family moved to Mareeba in 1971 after my father took up the role of Production Manager of Foxwood sawmill. Essentially I’ve lived in Mareeba continuously since that time (except for a six month period in Cairns and twelve months in Maryborough in 1977-78). The majority of my schooling was completed in Mareeba at both Mareeba State Primary School and Mareeba State High School.

Subsequent to my completion of school, and when work commitments allowed, I pursued interests in community service organisations such as Mareeba Rotaract Club (past President) and sporting pursuits in volleyball and beach volleyball. A number of years involved in a local (Mareeba) European Alpine folk dancing group were also a source of enjoyment and social interaction. Photos of me in leather pants are still in existence; however I’m reasonably confident I’ve now secured most of them.

In 1987 I married a local girl Jennifer whom I had met during my years in Rotaract. We have three children, all born in Mareeba. Our son Ewan is currently studying 3rd Year Medicine at James Cook University in Townsville. Both of our daughters are still at school, Kirilyn at high school and Neridah at primary school. Having school-age children and one at university makes a person very mindful of expenses and I believe having a family perspective on things is a great reality check for any Councillor who is involved in the budget process and setting rates, fees and charges that will ultimately impact on other families. Many Saturdays I can be found in the local supermarket pushing the trolley hunting for those illusive specials.

Finally I’d like to reiterate … Mareeba is my home. I grew up here and both Jennifer and I have chosen to raise our children here. I am convinced that the lifestyle that Mareeba offers, and more generally smaller rural communities as a whole, is better than that experienced elsewhere. That is the fundamental basis of my commitment to the people of Mareeba. We have a great town and I pledge to do all within my power to keep Mareeba as A Great Place to Live.