Safe community
We are blessed with an outstanding location right on the fringe of the CBD. Our cultural life is active and rich, with locals able to access regular festivals, markets, community and sporting events, all within one of the safest communities in Australia.
We are lucky to have a thriving business community with many of our businesses located on five of the best-known main-streets in South Australia: King William Road, Unley Road, Goodwood Road, Glen Osmond Road and Fullarton Road.
Many of our residents bought their first homes here and are still living here 50 years later. As such our residents are passionately invested in their community, and actively engaged in Council business.
We are proud to provide a home to the SANFL 2016 Premiers, Sturt Football Club, who regularly play and train within arm’s reach of their many passionate local supporters. I’ve always particularly loved the Unley Oval and watching my local footy team play.
Growing up in the area
I have lived in the Unley area all my life. I have great childhood memories learning to ride my bike and playing with other neighbourhood kids in Goodwood.
I became an Elected Member in 2006 when I was 23. I’m currently serving my third term, second as Mayor.
I had wanted to be on the Council since I was really little. My dad was an Elected Member for many years. He used to pick me up from school and take me along to civic functions where I’d watch him speaking with residents and other council members, and I always thought, ‘I’m going to be like that one day’.
As I got older, the drive to do something that would make a real difference in the community is what really encouraged me to get involved.
The best part about being on Council, is being able to suggest new ideas and initiatives and, seeing those ideas get support from fellow Elected Members and staff, and then seeing those ideas brought to life in the community.
I also love being more involved in community activities like neighbour day or reconciliation week.
Family is really important to me. I love spending time with my wife Jocelyn and our two-year-old daughter Matilda. We are also expecting our second child later this year, which is really exciting.
Outside of Council, I have served in the Australian Army (Reserves) since 2008. Whilst I have recently moved into the standby reserves, I am still dedicated to keeping up my commitment to training and fitness.
Leading the way on active aging
I’m enormously proud to be part of a Council that was the first in South Australia, and now one of only 23 in Australia, to gain membership to the World Health Organisation Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
Our membership signifies that the City of Unley has become a place where people are able to contribute and flourish whatever their age, and a tangible demonstration that we are committed to improving the quality of life for our older residents.
The City of Unley’s Active Ageing Strategy aims to ensure a thoughtful, sincere and committed response as an organisation to planning, developing and implementing policies, programs and services that address the changing needs within our community.
I believe that Local Government really needs to lead the way in this area. Cities designed for older people are great cities for everyone.
Future plans
I’ve decided to contest the seat of Badcoe in the next South Australian State election. As a result I will seek a leave of absence as Mayor of Unley from October, followed by my resignation in January next year. I believe this is the proper course of action to ensure that State politics doesn’t intrude on the business of Council. By resigning in January it will mean we don’t require a costly by-election, and an acting Mayor can be elected from our existing councillors to take my place until the Council elections next year.
I would also really like to write a book – not about politics. But I’m pretty busy so realistically this is probably more of a retirement plan.
