I was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia in the year of the snake. I moved around quite a lot as my father was in the armed forces. I had a severe accident when I was 17 and am a quadriplegic. Went to university and got a couple of degrees, got married (one of life's highlights) but we have no children unfortunately. Spent about 20 years in the public service in a range of jibs most of which were enjoyable. Left the public service and worked for a counselling and mediation service as the CEO for a few years and then went to work in a remote Aboriginal community as the CEO. I have been in this position for almost 18 months now and I am thoroughly enjoying it.
I have been involved with community organisations for over 30 years and have a passion for social justice, working with and for disadavantaged groups and served on a number of advisory boards to government for many years.
I have been involved in wheelchair sport for ages and represented Australia at the 2000 Paralympics. My hobbies include photography, coin collecting (Australia and German), reading, listening to music and writing letters to politicians on any subject that is of interest to me. Like most of us I am passionate about my sporting teams which have a penchant for not winning titles!
My wife is my best friend, confidant and sounding board for most things in my life. She should be classified a international treasure.
Have travelled a bit and love Germany and south-east Asia in particular.
If I had to describe myself to a stranger I would say I was easy going, passionate in my beliefs, fight for those less fortunate than myself and always there to help out.
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Appreciate the warm welcomes. I have never participated in any online forums before so this is all new to me. Having browsed the topics I can see I am in for some stimulating conversations and some controversial dialogue. I won't be able to contribute daily but you will hear from me on a regular basis.