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I started my long and varied career as an apprentice motor mechanic in 1961, though I soon joined the
RAAF to be trained as a radio technician air. I left the RAAF in 1972 as a young married man and returned
to WA, the land of opportunity, and was able to pursue my dream to become a Cray fisherman at Two
Rocks, Lancelin and Wedge Island. These were all shack communities in those days, and the experience of
living in these towns made up from people of many different nationalities, instilled in me a community spirit
that I have been blessed to carry with me my whole life.
When I retired from the Cray fishing industry, I was fortunate enough to be able to work in the television
industry as a technician in outside broadcasts. This was one year prior to the Americas Cup in Fremantle,
and I subsequently went on to spend the entire cup challenge as part of the Kookaburra syndicate. Due to
my success in this position, at the end of the Cup I was offered the position as a technical director.
I held this position for many years, and loved broadcasting the many sporting events. This culminated with
the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, a truly spectacular event. Eventually I again switched career paths and
started working as a representative for a company called Nautronics, selling JRC Marine electronic
equipment. due to my success as a representative, I soon became State Manager and then National
manager. Currently, I am a resident of Calingiri, where I have been for the last sixteen years, and have ran
the Calingiri Auto Workshop on Railway Street for the past three of those years.
I am a firm believer that local government should be open and accountable to their electorate, and as a local
small business owner in our community, I will ensure that I am easily accessible by all residents.
As a new voice, and not being aligned to any particular group, will work hard to be an independent, impartial
decision maker to represent your interests on council.
I am committed to protecting our native wildlife and fauna. From the time we purchased our Calingiri
property in 1999 we started planting trees and shrubs that were Carnaby friendly. We still regularly
rehabilitate our property, to be wildlife friendly.
I also believe there should be a designated tourist trail through Calingiri and all towns in our shire, one that
highlights the beauty and frailty of our shire. The council with the aid of community minded groups should
be continually upgrading and beautifying this route.
Victoria Plains Shire Central Ward
Extraordinary Election -
Saturday 18
th
March, 2017
VOTE 1 GARY O’BRIEN
OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE
Shire of Victoria Plains
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