Where are you from and how did you find your way to Shepparton?
I grew up in the Goulburn Valley and my early years were spent living with my parents and grandparents right on the Goulburn River in Toolamba.
I was a ‘river child’ and when my parents moved to Dhurringile I would ride my bike to my grandparents’ and spend my weekends and school holidays exploring the bush, going on raft races and long bush walks with my uncle.
In summer, I would swim all day until I almost believed I was meant to be a fish! The water was clearer then, you could stand on the tall riverbank and see a platypus, a fish or a tortoise swimming far below.
I was an early school leaver with no prospects for a career, however, all this changed when Gough Whitlam was elected as Prime Minister and enabled me, and countless other people who did not have any financial resources, to study for free as a mature aged student.
It was that hand up the ladder of opportunity that gave me my teaching career and it was the most important turning point in my life. It also taught me that politics is personal.
I have almost always worked somewhere in the Goulburn Valley because this is home and I care about the community here.
What do you do here?
I’m the principal of Shepparton ACE Secondary College, a small independent secondary school. At its heart, the school aims to provide opportunities to young people who learn best in a small, safe and friendly environment.
I’m really proud of our students as they stand out as kind, friendly, sometimes funny young people. While there are a few hiccups (they are teenagers, after all) there is a general calm in the school that all of us who work here appreciate.
What’s the best part of your job?
What I love most is getting to know the students and having the chance to make a difference in their educational experiences. Also, I have seen countless young people achieve their Year 12, find employment or go on to university and this is always a highlight of my job.
How would you describe Shepparton in three words?
My view of Shepparton has changed markedly over time. On the positive side it is very culturally diverse, and it is a much more interesting place to live than at any other time. Sadly, there is also much homelessness and poverty. Take a look at the tent city in the Goulburn River bush.
So here goes with the three words: Community. Diversity. Inequality.
What do you do outside of work?
Outside of work I still love swimming and often travel to the Strathbogie Ranges to swim in a beautiful natural pool. I love reading and collecting antiques and I enjoy being with my pets. I never stop being a teacher though and am always looking for ideas for our school and learning experiences for our students.
What is your favourite thing about Shepparton and the region?
Shepparton and the Goulburn Valley are defined by the Goulburn River and what is left of the river red gums and the grey box forests – this is what stands out for me most.
What’s one thing you would change about Shepparton and the region to improve?
How amazing would this area be if the bush had not been so destroyed and degraded? So, protect and replant the grey box forests, remove the introduced plants in the bush near Shepparton and make the most of the natural asset that is here. Oh, and could someone turn back time and make the river run clear again?
