“I was born in Port Douglas” Ron proudly declared. To my question whether that was before the emergence of that town in Queensland’s Far North as a major tourist destination, he added “well, there were some 50 hotels already then!”
After High School, Ron initially worked in Retail, then at 21 years of age, decided that the Army was his destination. Come 1968, he joined the 1st Battalion (Infantry) for 1year service in Vietnam followed by a 3 year posting to Malaysia and Singapore.
After training as a Fire Controller (Mortars) in Australia, Ron was posted to RMC Duntroon as a Drill Instructor. On promotion to WO2 another posting to 2/4th Battalion as a CSM. A posting followed to Infantry Centre as an instructor on the RSM’s Course as a WO1. The final posting was to The 2/4th Battalion as the Regimental Sergeant Major.
Upon his discharge, after 21 years in the services, he was appointed to the Defence Housing Authority in Townsville. Upon obtaining formal Real Estate Agent qualifications, his work included the purchasing of houses and accommodation for Defence personnel in North Queensland.
Ron met the love of his life, Zina, in the Army; she then was a Paymaster (Paymistress?). Retiring to the Gold Coast, they both enjoy Golf, going to the Gym at least twice a week, gardening, touring the world, and now plan extensive touring of Australia. Music? “Sure!” He replied, “Rock, Pop, Frank Sinatra, and what’s that blond Australian classic music singer? Yes, Mirusia!”, he confessed…
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