What are one of your goals for this year?
In 2017, Eden Park will host three British and Irish Lions fixtures with an estimated global audience of 200 million households.

I had the pleasure of being involved in two Lions tours in Melbourne and the passion and interest in New Zealand is arguably greater than that for the Rugby World Cup.

Naturally, these fixtures provide a huge opportunity for Eden Park to further enhance our global reputation as an iconic stadium.

Most impressive person you’ve ever met?
HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh – at the Rugby Sevens tournament, which we were hosting as part of the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

If I were on the other side of the stage, who would you be / what would you do?
Chris Martin from Coldplay – so many great songs!

What is one trait you can’t do without in your role?
Attention to detail – Over 500,000 patrons annually visit Eden Park and, as venue managers, we have been entrusted with their safety, security and well being.

If you weren’t doing your current role, what would you do?
I would seek preselection for State or Federal politics.

How do you unwind?
Playing sport, spending time with family and traveling the world with my beautiful fiancée.

What do you feel you have bragging rights to?
The end of a football ground in Melbourne is named after me – I am the leading goal kicker in the Victorian Football League.

If you were the Prime Minister of Australia what would you tackle first?
I would allocate greater funding and resourcing to education. To quote Nelson Mandela, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?
Always act with honesty, integrity and determination and be the change you wish to see in the world.
Venue Management Association Newsletter