Careers & Conversations

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT PERSONAL ADVERSITY YOU HAVE FACED?

When I was going to university in Bunbury as a 19-year-old living by myself, it all became too much. I sort of had some sort of breakdown and walked out on university completely. I was out.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT BECAUSE OF THAT EXPERIENCE?

Mental health, in particular men’s mental health.

Mental health can be seen as this stigma that doesn’t get talked about. That’s especially true for men, and even more common for rural Australians.

HOW DO YOU EXPRESS THAT PASSION IN YOUR LIFE?

This passion of mine motivated me to become a Mental Health First Aid officer. I thought it would help me develop a skillset that I can use to break the stigma around talking about mental health in rural Australia and in male-dominated settings.

I also joined a group of like-minded fools for the Mates 500 Relay. We ran 1500kms around regional WA - from Wyalkathchem to Manjimup - to raise money and awareness for Men’s Mental Health.

During that time, we also spoke to many regional Western Australia about their real-life struggles living in isolated communities.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I love Manjimup. It’s a small country town with a lovely, small-knit community. I was born here, I grew up here, and I think it’s a great place to bring kids up. One of the great strengths of living in a small town is the sense of community -  you build great relationships inside and outside of work.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS YOU GET UP TO IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

I like to get outside and potter around in the garden or the shed. I like to think of myself as a tradie and a farmer, but not very successfull as yet.

I have two children and spend a fair amount of time trying to contribute positively to their growth. To keep myself sane and somewhat healthy, I like to go for runs.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU’RE CURRENTLY TRYING TO MAKE A HABIT?

I’m trying to get back into running on a daily basis. I’ve competed in the Blackwood Marathon for 10 years with the same group of guys. Our team is named Honey Badgers. If you’ve seen the meme video, you can probably guess what our team motto is!

WHAT IS SOMETHING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU … YET?

I would like to live an off-the-grid lifestyle. Solar power, collect your own rain water, live predominantly off the land you have available, and what you can grow and source yourself.

Professional Life:

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN BUSINESS ADVISORY?

I will be celebrating 25 years working with RSM in November this year. I have spent all 25 of those years working in Business Advisory and almost all of them in Manjimup.

WHAT DID YOU DO PREVIOUSLY?

I had a couple of part time jobs before RSM. My family ran a local Retravision store which I worked in for a while. I also worked part time on the family horticultural farm.

WHAT LED YOU DOWN THIS PARTICULAR CAREER PATH?

My main influence into becoming an accountant was my year 11 and 12 accounting teacher - Miss Harris. I had never thought of accounting as a career until Miss Harris came into my life.

WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF PROFESSIONAL ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?

You don’t know what you don’t know. Never be afraid to say I don’t know.

CAN YOU SHARE A MEMORABLE CHALLENGE YOU’VE FACED IN YOUR ROLE AND HOW YOU OVERCAME IT?

Nothing particularly stands out, which I consider a positive. Every day brings its own set of challenges, some of which can be quite taxing over time. However, having a strong support network both at work and at home ensures that none of these challenges become overwhelming. It's not all smooth sailing, but it's manageable

Life at RSM:

HOW HAS WORKING AT RSM HELPED YOU EXPRESS YOUR PERSONAL WORKING STYLE?

Working in Manjimup in a small office and leading the team for many years, you really get to decide the way you want to work. RSM and the Partners give you the flexibility to go at it your own way and develop your own style.

WHAT ARE THE MOST SATISFYING ASPECTS OF YOUR JOB?

I love solving problems for clients and getting them a solution. If you can ease the financial, mental, or physical burden for someone they are forever appreciative.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING AT RSM, AND HOW HAS IT SHAPED YOUR CAREER?

RSM has been a constant in my life. I began my journey with RSM as a 19-year-old undergraduate in my small hometown of Manjimup. At a time when my confidence was low, RSM gave me an opportunity that led to me completing my degree. 

I then moved to Bunbury for a short period, where I met my wonderful wife. Eventually, I returned to my comfort zone in Manjimup. At 24, while still completing my CA studies, I was entrusted with office management. 

RSM has always had unwavering faith in my abilities. So, what I enjoy most about working at RSM is the freedom and trust the Partners have shown me throughout my career