About Me Personal

Over the 5 years from 2016 until 2021 I occasionally considered who I was as a person, increasingly struggling to capture a high level “hook” that could be used on profiles or for introductions. Based on my life experiences and considering the activities that brought the most happiness and meaning to my life, I wrote the following…

I’ve always had a genuine passion for the mystery and wonder in this world. I’m interested in most things that people could get excited about including culture, nature, music, history, art, sport, games, laughter, intimacy, and adventures.

Mostly, I love having fun with other people!

My favourite memories are being part of groups or teams that celebrate together or surrounded by people feeling comfortable and engaged. I’m most happy when I’m helping others relax, develop, and grow.

Music

My first significant haven was music. Starting in choirs from a young age, where a highlight was making it over to Rome and the United Kingdom with the Victorian State Children’s Choir when I was nine, I went on to head up the percussion section for the school orchestra and band, practiced the piano and some brass instruments and completed a Music Performance subject in year 12 for my Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) with the Pipe Organ. I’m most famous for my triangle playing though. While my playing days are long gone, my love for all different types of music and sound has remained.

Cricket

Sport has also been a big part of my life, particularly cricket, which I started playing at Burwood District Cricket Club when I was six and have barely missed a season since. Also representing Camberwell Grammar School and Macedon Cricket Club, cricket is one of the best sports for spending time with people from a whole range of backgrounds, and the game itself constantly reminds me of life analogies. Some of my happiest moments are the two premiership seasons I was lucky enough to contribute too. It is a long game though, so if you’re not into it, beware.

Sports

I’ve played a bunch of other sports more casually throughout my life and while I haven’t always been fit, I have always strived to stay active. I especially love team sports including Aussie Rules footy (North Melbourne Kangaroos), NHL Ice Hockey (Colorado Avalanche) and Irish Hurling (whichever team seems like the best craic on the day).

Boardgames

One of my best friends owns a boardgame store, and some of my favourite memories during uni was spending time at the store trying out all the new types of games people invent throughout the world. I’m ok if strategy or a little bit of skill is involved, but I’m not great under time pressure, and I’m terrible at word games or games of chance. More recently, I’ve found escape rooms and immersion entertaining and I’m often down for getting dressed up in costumes. It’s easy to forget how rewarding play can be.

Other Games

Have I mentioned I love games yet? In school, there were things like debating, which could be interesting, but I loved computer games. I had many good times with my Nintendo 64, but I especially loved strategy and economic management games like Command and Conquer, Age of Empires, Civilisation, Total War and StarCraft. I still test out different things every now and again.

Arts

Another area that has brought me much joy has been the arts. I probably reached the pinnacle of my career in my high school production of Guys ‘n Dolls as Big Jule, or possibly it was a half angry, half happy elephant I drew in year 10, but this hasn’t stopped my enjoyment in a range of forms including live performance, plays, musicals, dance, words, canvass, decorative art (particularly anything colourful or surreal), photography (particularly where a natural moment can be captured) and lighting at events. I’ve had a go at starting businesses, such as promoting the work of early career artists and providing consulting advice on light installations and products but haven’t progressed these ideas very far, yet. I’m constantly amazed when anyone can express something that’s not easy to define in some beautiful, impressive, unique, authentic, humble, funny, or honest way.

Hospitality, Events and Cleaning

I’ve worked a lot of hospitality and cleaning jobs while I was at University and in my early career. Some days were not fun, and it can be really hard work. However, I have had the opportunity to share times with some great people and experience some awesome events. From very large public events and festivals to intimate private gatherings. Some highlights were working in an Elwood Russian wedding reception/ mansion, hosting celebrations, dealing poker, waiting in the Chairman’s Club at Flemington Racecourse, Betty the lift and a few others in Union House at Melbourne Uni, the Docklands, some great music festivals, and light installations.

History

Another real passion of mine is history. I’ve done a couple of subjects, watch a bunch of documentaries and like to do research in my spare time. I’m fascinated with faith, direction, and the impacts to people on their daily lives across all the eras from ancient Western and Eastern civilisations through the gatherings and empires to modern day ideals.

Travel

Growing up in Melbourne, my home town and city I love most, I’ve travelled a fair bit and try to immerse myself in new environments and do different things, not always well. During my 30’s, I lived in Cologne for 4 months, and lived in Prague for 3 months. It’s often not easy and can involve being outside your comfort zone, but… it’s pretty good – and changed my life in so many ways..

Camping

While I do often stay busy, some of my most content moments have been camping out in the bush with friends, looking into the fire or looking up at stars. Maybe with some tunes..

Space and Environments

My overriding interest has always been people and spaces. I love being in positive, supportive, inclusive environments and try to contribute to the intention towards any gathering or passing; practicing something, testing skills, experiencing something or just hanging out. I live to be around people when they’re feeling comfortable and connected and I’m driven by the concept of fostering fun, achievement, and performance.