Having spent 35 years in the building construction section of Australia Post as a Project Manager, I retired in 2005 and pursued my interests in horse riding and basketball.
My interest in basketball began when my daughter was selected to play in representative competition at Kilsyth Basketball and I was invited on to the board of management of Eastern Sports Development. This organisation managed the operation of basketball, employed the staff and at a later stage, held the gaming and liquor licenses for two licenced clubs.
I was eventually elected to the chair of ESD and in my 15 years in that position, we constructed one 4 court stadium, negotiated the lease on another two 4 court stadiums and redeveloped a new multi-million-dollar entry foyer to the Kilsyth Stadium.
At the end of my tenure with ESD, I was awarded life membership with Kilsyth Basketball. My youngest granddaughter now plays basketball for Kilsyth.
My horse-riding interests began in my mid 50’s when a lot of my age are getting into motor bikes or sports cars, but I pursued an interest in horses.
My first horse, an old grey Percheron had been a member of the Mansfield SES Mounted section but sadly, it did not get fully operational due to insurance issues. I rode him for a number of years until he developed stringhalt, and I had to retire him.
After testing several different horse breeds, I, as some say foolishly, settled on the Arabian horse mainly for its independent personality and loyalty of which I now have 2.
On researching the various riding disciplines, I chose trail riding in the Strathbogie State Forest in Victoria and joined the ATHRA club of Alexandra and District Trail Riders and quickly became a committee member of the club. Unfortunately, the club closed after several years due to membership issues.
I then joined Yarra Valley and District Trail Riders in its early days, eventually becoming President for 2 years and vice President for another 2 years. In 2025, the club awarded me with life membership.
In 2017, I joined the Mansfield and District Trail Riders which is now my home club where I have been Treasurer for the past 6 years.
