As I wrote previously, I’ve been an avid mountain biker since I discovered the pastime as a teenager. Back then riding was largely a social affair. There was competition, but there was also cooperation. We were not all at the same level and yet we could work together. We could help each other and hold…
I discovered mountain bike riding when I was 16 years old. I was living near Templestowe, outside of Melbourne. The mornings were cold and the tracks were slippery and muddy. I’d see Cadel Evans at some races, he was riding in “experts”, while I was still in amateur class. It was the perfect challenge for…
As I was growing up my father volunteered with the local branch of St Vincent de Paul. I’d hear dad’s stories about visiting families doing it tough: about assisting with groceries or replacing broken whitegoods. Other times, I would join dad while volunteering at one of the soup kitchens near Melbourne city. I saw all…
I know the importance of searching for answers. And I know how much of an impact it has when you see how big questions play out in everyday life. I was 24 when I went through an intensive six-week training program with the National Evangelisation Teams (NET ministries) followed by nine months of mission work.…
As I write at the beginning of Holy Week, I am conscious that Scripture reminds us that God is both patient and just. This creates a problem for the faithful. While working for just outcomes, we must sometimes wait for long periods before seeing positive results. God’s timing does not always line up nicely with…
I got to know B.A. “Bob” Santamaria through his written work. It was his skill with words and media that struck me. I recall a camping weekend with friends and family when I took along Bob’s Against the Tide for my light reading. I’m not sure entirely what I was expecting, but what I found…
Saturday, February 25, was the 25th anniversary of the death of Bartholomew Augustine “Bob” Santamaria. I came across the life and work of B.A. Santamaria while I was studying Science at Melbourne University. Uni campuses back then had changed a lot since Bob’s day. In my era, the most controversial thing to do was man…
Dear readers, It is an honour and privilege to be addressing you in this capacity. At the most recent formal Conference of the National Civic Council, I was elected National President of the National Civic Council. We are facing many challenges today – challenges to our world, challenges to our nation, challenges to our families,…