Craig Faulkner - the last 40 years

Occupation/s? Tell us what you have been doing

After leaving UHS, it was Don College then a couple of failed attempts at Uni!

First job was as a clerk/tyre fitter with Beaurepaires in Ulverstone then clerical roles with the Ulverstone Council. 

Travel to the UK and Europe followed with Robbie Lehman, then selling real estate for a short time back in Ulverstone. 

Clerical/Office Manager roles at Edgells followed where I started an external Accounting degree which was finally finished in 1990 when I was working for the Port of Devonport, from there to the Port of Launceston where I was CEO for 7 years up to 2003. 

Then to Victoria in senior management roles with Adsteam Marine & SVITZER (Tug Boats), Australian Amalgamated Terminals (Vehicle Terminal Operator around Australian Ports) and since November last year Director of Commercial with the Retail Food Group – a role I landed in through an old Ulverstone mate of mine Gary Alford.

What would you tell your 1977 self if you could send them a message now?

Always pursue your dream and don’t give up!

What would you like to share about the last 40 years?

Luckily I have had the opportunity to meet many and varied people over the journey, as well as keeping in touch with some old High School buddies including Robbie Lehman, we married sisters (both of us since separated), Chris Bush, Paul Banks and Andrew Lawson. Also I have had the opportunity to travel overseas extensively both for work and pleasure, which I love. I have shared the responsibility of raising two sons, Seb (unfortunately he passed away 5 years ago) and David who is now 20 and lives with my partner Gina and I in Melbourne while attending Uni studying music. Some local footy, cricket and squash while in Ulverstone kept the weight off (not the case now).

What are you proudest of about your life? What have been your greatest achievements?

Having the boys and seeing them grow into young men has to be what I am proudest of! Not one achievement stands out, but still being here and working since I was 17 must be it!

Any regrets?

Being at the MCG when Geelong lost the 1989, 1992, 1994 and 2008 grand finals and not being there in 2007 to see the 44 year drought broken. Offset by being there in 2009 and 2011! 

Additionally, in the age old debate about boardies vs budgie smugglers, I chose a pair of (thin) red spandex smugglers in my early twenties. I have no regrets but a few blokes who saw them probably do.