About
I grew up in Melbourne’s Bayside suburbs and then after more than a decade living in the UK and Europe, I bought in Cheltenham back in 2005 with my wife Mette, to get in the zone so our 2 daughters could attend Mentone Girls Secondary College when they were older. Approximately 7 years ago we moved to the house where we’re now living in Mentone and have since added 2 furry members to our family - our Golden Retriever Bailey and Ragdoll Nala!
My family connection to Kingston dates back more than 110 years, as my Great-Great-Grandmother was the Proprietor of what was then called Hill’s Mordialloc Hotel, however you’ll know it better as Mordy HQ. Coincidentally, prior to finding out about this part of my family’s history, I’d hosted multiple Committee meetings at the pub, ironically whilst fighting to save another pub that’s close to my heart – the Mentone Hotel.
I am passionate about advocating for our community, something I’ve actively been doing for many years prior to being elected, having served as Chair of Save The Edgy and Kingston Save Our Streets. Working as your Deputy Mayor and Independent Councillor for Como Ward, I’ve learned how to best utilise my position and influence to negotiate positive outcomes for our community, through respectful, collaborative relationships with my Councillor colleagues, Council staff, the community and our local Members.
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On a personal note, aside from spending plenty of quality time with my family & friends and taking Bailey for walks to the Mentone dog beach and Cheltenham Dog Park, I love live music, keeping active and I'm a 5th generation Saints tragic. I try to get down the coast as often as possible to surf with mates and also enjoy my golf and Tuesday night tennis (when I have time)! I studied Business Administration with majors in Management and Marketing and work for a successful family business located in Cheltenham that services the theatre, TV and film industries, amongst others.
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Mette works just around the corner from me and our youngest daughter also works locally at a Mentone gym. Our girls spent many fun years at Mentone Little Aths, as well as Mathis Dance Studios and Bullets Allstars Cheerleading, where they forged some great friendships.
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Having lived 12 years overseas, I feel I’ve got an even greater appreciation for all that Kingston has to offer. With lovely beaches, wetlands and open spaces, sports facilities, walking & cycling paths, convenient public transport and fantastic schools, as well as top-quality restaurants, bars & cafes, great local shops and other local businesses, not to mention our family friendly streets with a true sense of community, we are truly blessed and I can’t think of anywhere else I’d prefer to live.