Mal Phillips is a former Port Douglas real estate agent and valuer, who has lived in Port Douglas since 1986.

Mr Phillips was born in Sydney, and lived there until age 39. There, he ran real estate agencies, mainly around Drummoyne, and practiced as a valuer.

In 1985, Mr Phillips, his wife Leonie and two sons, Mason and Douglas, travelled to Port Douglas for a week’s holiday. As many others have done, the family fell in love with its laid-back lifestyle, and made the move from Sydney 12 months later to manage Douglas holiday rentals.

In 1990, Mr Phillips bought a 50 per cent share in Raine & Horne Port Douglas with Phil Holloway. After eight years he sold his share and, with his wife, sailed the coast for a few years.

Returning to dry land, he joined the volunteer Coast Guard, attaining the rank of deputy Commander and regrouping with former colleagues and opening Century 21, where he stayed until retiring about three years ago.

Since then, he has been elected to, and serves on, the committee of the Port Douglas Combined Club as treasurer.

Council Priorities

• The appointment of the right CEO to the new DSC;
• Determining the fiscal responsibility of the new DSC;
• Prioritising a plan for the next two years of an interim Council; and
• Driving of private enterprise.