Attending St Joseph’s Primary Wandal and later on Christian Brother’s Rockhampton ( CBC ). I was a member of the High School Cadets and I represented CBC in athletics, swimming and football. I later played Ruby League for Railways and Fitzroy Clubs. I completed grade 12 in 1969 and my first fulltime job was as a Bank Officer with the ANZ Bank East Street. I was transferred in this position to reli
eving staff at Monto, Baralaba, Kilkivan, Paddington, Redcliffe and Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. I then secured a position as a cleaner with Queensland Rail, Rockhampton and went on the be a fireman and engine driver. I began these positions in 1971 and departed this employment in 1988. I worked in these positions at Rockhampton, Alpha, Cloncurry and Blackwater/Bluff. During this time I was successful in gathering together a substantial property portfolio in a partnership. This included a number of residential homes in Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast as well as Commercial properties in the Rockhampton CBD. After leaving Queensland Rail I started the “Funny Farm” a 144 acre rural retreat on the Emu Park road where I was engaged in “Woofing” which involved hosting international back packers and tourists in conjunction with Cap Coast Backpackers in experiencing Australian Bush Life in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere. It was during this time I had sea change and started to question the rush and tumble of everyday life and the costs of that associated with demand on the environment and individuals. I was resident at the Funny Farm for over 20 years. At this time I was also engaged in a campaign to save the Rockhampton to Cap Coast Rail line as a much needed community asset. Labor turned this into a White Elephant substantially unused “walking track. Future generations will not thank us for destroying existing rail infrastructure. I was a foundation member of the Rockhampton Youth Shelter Committee starting around 1984 and I was instrumental in the setting up of 2 Community Gardens in Rockhampton. One at Wandal and a second at Armstrong St North Side. I currently run “Haveachat” on East Street. Authorised by Chris Pineapple Hooper
20 East Street
Rockhampton 4700
