I was born in New Norfolk, Tasmania, a
small place which had a population at that time
of only 4,000 people. I moved aware when I was
about 17 years of age.
My mother (albeit my best friend) showed me
the beauty of possessing an open mind. She
taught me to search for the silver lining, and
to believe in myself, regardless of adversity,
and that short of death, most things are
survivable. She was the ultimate optimist. I had
a great childhood.
My role models are those people whom I have
respect for. I've never accepted that respect is
about age or positions of power, but about
humanity, trust, reliability and honesty. People
who quietly changes for the better the world in
which we live are always inspiration for me.
The wisest person I've ever met, was as a
youngster, when I worked in a centre for people
with multiple physical and/or intellectual
problems. This center was run by an elderly lady
who coached me in English studies for a period
and whose wisdom still bowls me over whenever I
remember her. I feel it a privilege to have
known her.
I value discretion, honesty, a bloody good
sense of the ridiculous and gourmet cooking
skills. For some reasons I have a huge soft spot
for the ability to be child-like (I'm an Aries -
what can I say?)
The best journey I've ever been on is the one
I'm still on. A trip around the UK in 1995
wasn't bad either.
I must admit that my greatest fear is getting
fat, going bald and looking my age….bugger
life's a bitch! I fear approaching death and
feeling as though I haven't finished what I set
out to do. I try to remain focused a as much as
possible.
My greatest achievement in life was having
given birth to one of the greatest people I know
and love and for becoming the man I am
today.
Billy Connelly's unfailing sense of the
ridiculous and subsequent exploitation thereof
always makes me laugh - along with most BBC
comedies.
Twenty degrees, picnic basket, good company,
fine wine, smoked salmon, a small river, ducks
swimming nearby - in other words time out to
smell the flowers are the things I find really
enjoyable about life.
Seeing the documentary The Decision
was the most defining moment for me as a man. It
was full steam ahead after that (plus a
significant quantity of Kleenex!).
I gain my strength from people who never say
die, regardless of the efforts needed.
My motto is as you slide down the banister of
life be sure that the splinters are all pointed
in the right direction (This is not only
amusing).
I think the key issues for men in the 21st
Century are around recognition for choosing
roles that fit the individual NOT the gender
biases that presently exist. I think this is
something that extends to all men globally.
Masculinity to me is personal expression,
holding my head high and being proud, finally
fitting in, being on a continuum that doesn't
box me in or misrepresent me, allowing me to be
the sum total of all my parts.
