Born in Inverell NSW, so a country boy at heart.
Left home at 17 and worked in Newcastle Steelworks whilst doing a part time University degree.
Graduated from Newcastle University in 1970 as a metallurgist.
Then worked for BHP in mining, marketing, administration and senior management till 2000.
Lived and worked in Whyalla, Melbourne (twice), Perth (twice), Yampi Sound, Port Hedland, Hong Kong and Brisbane.
Consulted for three years then went to India to run an Indian mining company for three years.
After that was a director of a number of mining companies, including one in India.
Took up art as a hobby in 2012.