Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing
I am an Electrical/Instrument Technician with one of Australia's largest infrastructure service companies.
I work in heavy industry on electrical, electronic and pneumatic systems in many and varied areas such as manufacturing, petrochemical, mining and water treatment. After a dual trade (Electrical and Instrumentation) apprenticeship at Tioxide, near Burnie, I completed further studies in Electronics before moving to Victoria.
Based in Melbourne, my work has taken me to many places in Australia, England, USA and Papua New Guinea. I've had several short term placements in Tasmania over the years which has been nice.
For a temporary change I spent three years as an instructor in the Electrotechnology Dept at Victoria University. It was a great experience but I still like to be actually out in industry designing, installing and maintaining equipment so while I'm still fit and able, I'll stay out on site. I have had numerous job offers into administration and supervisory roles but I still can't imagine myself working in an office all day. Maybe later.
What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?
Have confidence in yourself and keep learning. Don't think it's all too difficult. We have an infinite capacity for knowledge and for learning new skills. We all learn in different ways and at different rates but every one of us has talent. We can all achieve success if we persist.
What would you like to share about the last 40 years?
In my adolescent years I was in Scouts and Venturers. I wasn't exactly a super keen scout, I found some of the traditions a bit daggy but loved the outdoor activities. I still like to go out on weekends skiing, camping, bushwalking and fishing when I can.
My wife Sue and I have been married for 22 years, we have a son Sam who is 18, he's in year 12 at the moment and looking to do science at uni next year. He's a handy cricketer, the opening fast bowler for the A grade men's team in a local VTCA club. He's handy with the bat too, opened the batting last season.
What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?
Having a happy marriage and family.
After 10 years of school, and 5 years part time and nights at TAFE I was pretty relieved but proud to be qualified. The late teens and early twenties were somewhat rocky, there were times when I wondered if I'd get through, so when I received an award from the Director of Education for my Electronics results I was pretty stoked.
We never know what is around the corner and we even surprise ourselves sometimes. At school I was only just ok at English and writing but last year I self published a book, Methanga to Nietta - History of the Ulverstone to Nietta Railway. I had been researching the history of this railway for personal interest for a few years and voila, it became a 135 page book! The book launch was launched at the Ulverstone Museum to coincide with 100 years since the opening of the line.
Any regrets?
Not saving much money in my first 10 years of my working life. I should have put a deposit down on a house when they were so much more affordable. Having said that, I'm glad we bought our place in when we did. There is no way I could to buy it at today's prices.
