I was born in Warwick in 1968 and attended Warwick West State Primary School and later attended Warwick State High School to complete my senior education. While still at school I joined the Australian Army Reserve serving with our local infantry battalion, 25th Royal Queensland Regiment (now 25/49 RQR), and later I transferred to the Queensland Agricultural College Training Unit at Gatton. Followi
ng High School I dabbled in some tertiary studies before deciding I would prefer to get into the work force. A twist of fate landed me in the fast food pizza industry and up to the end of 1996 I was the National Franchise Sales Manager with Eagle Boys Pizza Australia. I was personally responsible for the sale and/or construction of around 60 of these stores including liaison with local council on health, building and planning issues, premises lease negotiation, budgeting, forecasting and business planning. In late 1996 opportunity knocked and I moved home to Warwick to open my own Eagle Boys store in March 1997. After a very rewarding 10 ½ years in business, I sold the Eagle Boys Franchise in late 2007 to focus on my role as a Councillor and my community interests. My wife Sharyn and I met through work just before my move back home to Warwick. The long-distance relationship grew, culminating in Sharyn and I marrying in August 1998. We have two beautiful children, Jacob (15) and Caitlyn (13). I have a very strong involvement in our community and this has included membership of the Warwick Chamber of Commerce for 17 years including stints at President and Vice-President, involvement with Red Cross and previously chairing Red Cross Warwick Branch, involvement with Warwick State High School Parents and Citizens Association, Patron of the Warwick Swimming Club, Patron of the Warwick Men's Shed, and my active involvement as Assistant Regional Commissioner for Joey Scouts with the Scout Movement on the Darling Downs. I have a strong belief in continuing professional development in my role as a Councillor. To that extent over recent years I have successfully completed a Diploma of Town Planning and Certificate III in Small Business. I also attend appropriate conferences from time to time to keep informed of the most recent legislative and policy developments affecting local government so that I can serve our community to the best of my ability.
