Phil, as current “controller” of the SES Lorne Unit and an active member of CFA since 2007, not to mention member and past treasurer of the Surf Club and member of the Aquatic Club …. and more, he is to say the least, fully occupied.
His background as a practising accountant has made him a particularly highly valued and sought after Lorne resident.
“I didn’t really want to be an accountant to be honest. When I finished my matriculation in Melbourne, in November 1974, I had to get a job. I took myself off to the big green Australian Government office in Spring Street, sat their exam and within a month was offered the choice of a position at the Tax Office or the Post Office.” Phil chose the Tax Office. It soon became obvious that to advance his career he needed a degree and proceeded to study accounting part time. Thirteen years later he resigned and opened his own Melbourne Tax Agency in 1989.
In 1977, with the combined effort of a builder and his father, a retirement home in Lorne for his parents was completed. Phil’s family has been coming to Lorne for holidays ever since. However, with the Internet allowing his business to become mobile, he moved to live here permanently in 2006.
Phil’s hopes for his sons to take over his practice are not looking bright since both, as keen members of the Surf Club, became interested in first aid. One is already a paramedic and the other studying to be.
Currently, Phil is enjoying a new dimension of community involvement – the Festival of Performing Arts. He loves dealing with the people connected to the genre, the management aspect and all the new skills required to help produce the September event.
How true is the adage … if you want something done, ask a busy person?
