CUC Community Chat

 

Know Your Member

I was born in Malta, the eldest of 11 children. I did my primary schooling at the local school then did my secondary at the Lyceum where I obtained my General Certificate of Education.
 
The family migrated to Australia in September 1966 as “Ten Pound Poms’.
 
I immediately found and started work with an insurance company and  obtained my Insurance Certificates. Leaving the Insurance company, I then worked for a finance company. Again continued financial studies.
 
As I had an interest in motor vehicles and my uncle had a Chrysler/ Mitsubishi Dealership, I joined the family business. In the early seventies, an American system was introduced in Australia where car dealerships had in-house staff connected with finance and insurance companies to assist prospective clients. It was the beginning of the Business Manager role in the big dealerships
 
With the introduction of new privacy and financial services laws. I took further studies and obtained my Financial Services Certificate. When the family business was sold, I established my own consultancy, became a locum where I would, train, and mentor dealerships Business Manager. I also replaced the dealership Business Manager when they were unavailable.
 At the same time, I obtained my Finance Brokers Licence and specialized in financing cars, trucks and machinery. In 2000, I went to Gippsland in Victoria to do some locum work at a dealership then owned by Sydney-sider Nick Polites. I ended staying there for about 13 years  and when he sold the business and I decided to retire.  I now keep busy by taking small maintenance jobs around the retirement village where I live
 
I am not a sporting fellow but do enjoy woodwork, have renovated a couple of houses.
 
I have two daughters, Naomi and Meaghan. 14 years ago, Naomi and her partner gave me my only grandson Lachlan. They live in Melbourne. Meaghan has no children and lives in Canada.
 
I met Mary, at a family reunion. My mother and Mary’s mother had been friends since they were teenagers and both the families stayed in touch. My parents decided to return to Malta and in 2019, my mother came back for a holiday. Mary was invited to a family reunion in Melbourne  and both our lives changed.
 
My Community Service:
I was inducted in the Rotary Club of Boroondara Sunrise Vic in 1990. I served as Club Secretary  I was club President 1994-1995. In 2002, I transferred to the Rotary Club of Heidelberg and 2004 when I moved to Gippsland, I transferred to The Rotary Club of Traralgon. There, I served as Secretary and Community Service Director. I was also President 2007-2008. I also served District 9820 as Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) chair between 10 years. two years as Assistant Governor The club honoured me with my 1st Paul Harris Fellow in 2010 culminating in my 3rd Sapphire in 2019   
 
In 2021 I moved to live in Sydney and tranferred the Rotary Club of Pennant Hills & Cherrybrook
 
On the 27th February 2021 I also had the honour of being invested as a Knight of Honour in the Order of St John Of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaler. 
 
I enjoy my community service as I believe that Australia has always been kind to me and now I like to return this by assisting those that are less fortunate.
Regards
John

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