How long have you lived in the area?
I arrived in Mount Beauty in 1982 after beginning my teaching career in Sea Lake in the north–west of the state. After four years in the Mallee I took a Relieving Teacher job for the next four years, travelling around the state filling in for absent science teachers anywhere from Mildura and Geelong to Corryong and Benalla. It was a great life.
What do you like about living here?
Like everyone else I love the mountains, the climate, and the outdoor activities on offer. I also like the way that our town attracts interesting retirees from all sorts of backgrounds – I can immediately think of a fighter pilot, a geologist, a geophysicist, as well as musicians, artists, media personnel, teachers, doctors, sportspeople, ...the list goes on. Getting to know the other members of our Rotary Club has introduced me to an eclectic bunch of very interesting people.
Would you like to see any changes or additions?
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It is always great to see the changes new people bring. At Rotary we set about making changes to things ourselves. In recent years we have made significant improvements in our town. Some examples are air purifiers in hospitals and aged care facilities, outdoor exercise equipment in Tawonga and Tawonga South, and assistance with access to careers info and science activities for our teenagers.
What do you do, your hobbies and interests?
As well as the usual skiing, walking, cycling and tennis I like to repair old things (like Mini Coopers) or build and make things from found materials. I have a long history with the local mountain search and rescue group (Birkebeiners) and like to work on the team that keeps our Hoppet ski race going. I also like to work with other Rotarians on local projects or on fundraising for humanitarian aid.
Where would you take visitors to showcase the area?
I would take them straight to Rotary Park on the banks of the West Kiewa, where our members are well underway with the process of renovating the facilities and cleaning up the riverbank to give access to the water. And I would tell them they are always welcome to join us.
