Did anything good come out of 2020?

There were a number of things – for me the re-election for a second term was a highlight, however for our communities, the rapid launch of Scenic Rim Farm Box showed resilience and innovation of our region to support growers during COVID-19 and in the wake of the Eat Local Week event cancellation. I also think our communities were able to tackle the challenges of COVID-19 more united because of the strong resilience shown following the bushfires.

What’s your favourite summer memory?

Rain in December 2020 instead of the fires of December 2019 and watching our mountains and valleys return to green.

 Are you a summer or a winter person?

Hmmm … I love both! Summer in the pool with the grandkids is always fun – degustations and the delights of Eat Local Week and our Winter Harvest Festival make winter hard to top.

How do you stay resilient during periods of change, like the year just gone?

A wonderful wife walking with me through life and when I look at my beautiful rim of mountains from my front deck, I am reminded it has taken 23 million years to get to here so whatever we are facing will also pass. I look forward to shaping a brighter tomorrow.

Who were your heroes of 2020?

In 2019 it was our firies, in 2020, our council staff and community. Council staff stayed totally focussed on serving our communities, solving problems and innovating to be true quiet heroes and made me proud, and most in our community stepped up and took care of each other. What more do we want from our heroes?

What’s your secret ambition?

My secret ambition for the Scenic Rim is to ensure an exciting sustainable future for the whole region. For myself it is to be dancing with my wife for our 60th, 70th and beyond anniversaries.

What’s your favourite holiday spot?

When you live in the richest place on Earth, and your grandchildren can come to visit, then a staycation at home is hard to beat.

What are you hoping for in 2021?

Firstly, a lot more rain to start with and fill our dams. Secondly, having great success with our exciting program across the region to bring the gift of joy for all to come and enjoy. And finally, strong recovery and innovation across our visitor economy.

What have you been watching on television/streaming services lately?

Denise and I have a few classics we try to watch each Christmas New Year. Love Actually, Home Alone 1  and 2 are musts, Star Wars episodes with the grandchildren is a growing ritual

Any people or businesses to watch in 2021?

The Scenic Rim is full of passionate people following their dreams and doing great things.  I don’t really want to single any one person out, but keep an eye out for wonderful new tourism offerings across our region, bringing stunning new accommodation options to the existing array of cottages, farm stays, B&Bs, resorts and lodges, and groundbreaking new adventure experiences. Also, look for exciting new agricultural enterprises that capitalise on the richness of our farmland, the quality of our produce and the innovativeness of our primary producers and processers.