Where are you from, and how did you find your way to Shepparton?
I grew up in Cobram but spent a lot of time here in Shepparton growing up. As teenagers my mates and I use to catch the bus here and enjoy a day out in the big smoke.
What primary, high school and uni did you go to?
I attended primary school at Barooga Public School, completed secondary school in Shepparton at Goulburn Valley Grammar School and studied a business degree at RMIT, followed by a postgraduate Master’s Degree in Secondary Teaching at Melbourne University.
What do you do here?
For 18 years I was a wheat trader selling Australian wheat overseas. However, currently I own and run a pomegranate orchard and I also teach at Cobram Secondary College.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love helping students achieve their goals and see their potential. Learning should be fun, and I aim to make it as enjoyable as possible by being real and honest with the kids. Schooling should also be about ensuring our kids become good, community-minded people too.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
Living so close to the Murray I enjoy going down to the river with mates and camping. I also really enjoy relaxing with a good book, or am content just patting the dog.
What’s your favourite thing about Shepparton?
Shepparton is such a vibrant regional centre, and the people are good fun, hard working, no-nonsense people. The potential for growth here is phenomenal, we have both the drive and capacity to do great things. Greater Shepparton is the capital of the ‘food bowl of Australia,’ for a good reason. We produce world-class fruit and vegetables; our agricultural capacity is so vast.
What’s one thing you would change about Shepparton to improve it?
I’d like to see Shepparton on the map for more major events. It was great to hear about the upcoming White Night event coming to town. I’d like to see more concerts, family events and festivals. We have the infrastructure, space and local enthusiasm to make these events succeed.
What are three words you would use to describe Shepparton?
Growing, great lifestyle, and world-class agriculture.
