I come from a family of 7 and grew up in the suburb of Belmore, Sydney. The family home was built by my great grand father, an Irishman who immigrated via Liverpool, England in the late 1800’s. He built the house in around 1910 when Belmore was sub-divided after the railway went through. My dad essentially grew up there but they moved around a bit due to the Great Depression and my grand dad’s search for work.
I went to school at the local Catholic Schools and finished my education at Benilde High in Bankstown. I didn’t like school, only turning up each day so I could catch up with my mates but I never played truant. I would often play up in class so that I could get sent out – it worked well! I had a job emptying classroom and playground bins in Years 11 and 12 – I earnt a handsome $15 per week! I had also worked in a restaurant making entres and desserts. My dad used to drop me off after playing cricket on Saturdays and I’d work 6 to 7 hours. Dad was always there to pick me up. Don’t know how he did it to be honest, as he worked 6 days per week.
As a kid I was somewhat obsessed with sport, playing everything I could – rugby league, soccer, basketball, cricket, tennis, squash, golf…anything that was available locally. Living close to Belmore Oval was great as I would often go there to watch “the Berries” play – I always wanted to be like Steve Mortimer. I played representative rugby league once but my most satisfying achievement was playing Cricket for NSW U/19 Combined Catholic Colleges when I was 17. I had never had any formal coaching and didn’t even own any cricket gear, yet I made the squad and was playing with guys who were playing grade cricket in the Sydney competition. As it has happened, like so many times since, I was never given a decent chance because I didn’t know the right people. These types of situations have become drivers in my life and have led me to achieving many personal goals.
I joined the Navy in 1987 because my older brother had joined years earlier and I had the chance to play all the sport I wanted. I excelled in cricket but it didn’t amount to much because I was a sailor not a cricket player. I spent alot of my early years in the Navy volunteering for as many things as possible and eventually became the drum major in a band. I also did countless public relations events like visiting senior citizens and the disabled in our community. It was great fun with the added bonus of giving people some joy in their life and it gave me a break from military discipline. I recall that I did similar things at school, visiting special schools and sheltered workshops. I guess there’s always been a part of me that has wanted to help people and perhaps I’m still working out the best way to do that.
I am married to an extremely forgiving person and we have two girls. I was never someone who longed to have kids because I didn’t feel I could ever be a good father – whatever that means. Everyday is a learning experience. I think I’m doing OK but I still worry – there’s alot of pressure on everyone these days, kids and parents alike. I have been through many tough experiences over the years and I think I am a better person for those experiences. Some people go through life sheltered from trauma, tribulations and, trials, yet these same people think they have all the answers. I truly believe that I am at a stage where I can take my experiences and use what I have learnt to guide others toward good decision making. Some people love the sound of their own voice but I talk when I feel I can make a contribution.