John is a retired builder, commencing as a carpenter and joiner apprentice in 1955. I moved to Sydney to complete a post trade course, gaining the Clerk of Works Certificate, (now the Building Supervision Certificate). I progressed to being a Builders Surveyor and Estimator and at one stage worked with a builder who had a branch in Cooma. Most of my building experience was commercial buildings, such as multi storey offices, schools and churches etc. In 1977, I moved to Cooma to work with a local builder, then began contracting in Estimating and Costing for Building Works.

In 1980, I began teaching Building at TAFE, firstly in Goulburn and then later at Cooma. I gained a Diploma of Teaching, a Diploma of Applied Science (Building) and a Building Inspector Certificate. I became head teacher of Building at Cooma TAFE then later the College Manager. In this role I’m pleased to say I was pivotal in preventing the close of the art and pottery department. Through my role at Cooma TAFE, I oversaw the design, construction and installation of one of Cooma’s iconic civic features, the “Time Walk” display which still takes pride of place in Centennial Park.

I am an associate of the Construction Estimators Institute and I am a member of the Cooma Lions Club and have been heavily involved in the planning and delivery of many community projects throughout Cooma.