Alan Johnson
After a mediocre (but sufficient) pass in the LC, proceeded to Sydney University, and achieved a solid BA (Fail).
A labouring career in the NSW Railways at the Darling Harbour Goods Yard was headed off by two years in a box and printing factory, followed by appointment to Commonwealth Public Service. Made acquaintance with a number of graduates in Refectory Studies from Sydney University, and discovered a whole world of interesting and sometimes crazy people. Have fond memories of a City where there were pubs on many corners, and a generation with the confidence and enthusiasm which came with full employment. Fortunately not conscripted (but have never forgiven the bastards who introduced it!!)
After stints in the P.M.G.'s Department, Navy, and Supply, job salvation came in the early seventies with transfer to newly revamped Australian Council for the Arts, and another world of really interesting and really crazy and creative people. Later joined the Public Lending Right Scheme (a lasting legacy of the Whitlam years) and took over as Administrator. Enjoyed a rewarding period of distributing funds to Australian authors and publishers and working with a committee of authors, publishers and government experts in law, libraries and statistics. Participated in preparation and passage of PLR Act. With transfer of PLR Scheme to Canberra in the early nineties joined the newly established National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour (just down the road from where I worked with the railways). Undertook project work and set up and managed the Volunteer Program, and served as union representative.
Slow death in a castrated public sector was averted by early retirement about five years ago, following a life decision to swap income for time. Organised a Volunteer Conference in Cultural Heritage and became involved in other volunteer work, in local government and teaching migrant English. Have a special interest in restoring democratic principals to The Wine Society, and saving public land for public use in Seaforth.
Have married twice, and have two children (son and daughter) and two stepsons all of whose academic achievements (as does my wife's) clearly surpass mine, but claim superiority over the cat.
Now living at Seaforth. Early retirement has permitted rebuild and use of a 1959 Bugeye Sprite (owned since 1965), and of a classic clinker built putt putt open launch, the latter which I frequently enjoy on nearby Middle Harbour. Both pastimes are particularly delightful between Monday to Friday.
Still trying to work out just where my education came from.