As a Board Director of the Cairns RSL Sub Branch, I was encouraged by Cairns RSL Sub Branch members to nominate to fulfill the vacancy of President. Whilst on Board, I have been actively involved in all aspects of the Board from attending meetings, representing the Sub Branch at events, acting as MC, resolution of the loan issue that was inherited, and have made a commitment to the members of seeing through my tenure as a Director, even through challenging times.

My priority as President is to continue the momentum of the great work already being done by our Sub Branch. That is a focus on Veteran welfare, member engagement, and activities, supporting HMAS CAIRNS and 51 FNQ servicemen and women, the continuation of the youth kickstart program, engaging and promoting involvement with our younger veterans, and overseeing the important commemorative events.

As a director of my own business, I understand the importance of maintaining a strategic business plan, financial accountability, and business acumen. And in essence, that is what the Directors are charged with, to enable the Sub Branch to continue its core function and remain a viable and high-performing business. As a Director, I have done this and will continue to do so, leading the team of Directors on this journey.

By way of introduction, for those of you who I have not already met, I was born in Canberra and grew up in the northern suburbs of Brisbane. After finishing High School, I followed my dream and
commenced my trade as a chef prior to joining the Royal Australian Navy. I served in numerous shore establishments and served at sea in HMA Ships TORRENS, WESTRALIA, BUNBURY, GLADSTONE, and WEWAK. Significant events in my career included deployments to Heard and Mcdonald Islands under operations Stanhope and Dirk supporting the apprehension of illegal fishing in the Australian Antarctic fishing zone and was a crewman on the damage control team in
HMAS WESTRALIA. Along with operational tours on Border Protection, service in Bougainville Peace Monitoring in 2001, ANZAC Exchange with the Royal New Zealand Navy, and on the Maritime Commanders staff working for Rear Admiral Smith and Rear Admiral Raydon Gates AO, CSM.

Since leaving the Royal Australian Navy I have developed my commercial experience and am now the owner of a successful business in Cairns for 14 years now whilst serving the Sub Branch has provided me with the unique opportunity and experience to serve and support veterans of all ages as Sub Branch President.

Key Priorities for my term as President

• Supporting all veterans and their needs (without sacrificing existing veteran services)
• Being available for you, the membership at any time of day should an urgent issue need immediate attention
• Passionately enhancing the reputation of RSL in Cairns mostly amongst younger veterans, without them onboard we won’t have an RSL in the future as membership is already declining
• Ensure good governance practices are maintained and speak out, regardless of the consequence when this is not being adhered to.

It has been a great honour and privilege to serve the members as Sub Branch President I will do my upmost to ensure that our defence family continues to be supported at the highest level. Rest assured, I am committed to the ongoing success of the Sub Branch and will always be an active contributor in the role that the membership feels is best utilisation of my skill set.