Perhaps one of the most significant changes I have seen during my career is in the area of technology. I remember manual typewriters with black and red material ribbons, multiple documents prepared using carbon paper, the introduction of electric typewriters, followed by "golf ball" typewriters, typewriters with limited memory and a one line  "strip screen", the first IBM computers leading up to today's technologies. The ability to take dictation and accurate typing was virtually mandatory for stenographers and if a mistake was made in typing a Will for example, in many instances the documents needed to be started all over again.

I also remember handwritten documents and when the fastest means of communication was by way of telegram, Telexs then became the fashion followed by facsimile machines and now of course emails and video conferencing. In the 1970's files moved at a much slower pace ñ we dealt with the Stamps Office and Titles Office in Townsville by post ñ there was usually at least a 2 week turn around to stamp documents, and obtain Titles Office searches, and Titles Office registrations  seemed to take forever, especially survey plans for new subdivisions.  These days of course we conduct Titles Office searches etc electronically from our desktop and results are available almost instantaneously. Furthermore, many Titles Office documents can be lodged electronically. Electronic settlements are now being progressively introduced throughout Australia.

Over the years I have had involvement with many "not for profit" organisations e.g. as a Committee Member of the Queensland Ambulance Transport Brigade Mossman and fundraising to build the Port Douglas Ambulance Centre, sporting groups including the Douglas Cricket Club, making available the Firm's Trust Account for the deposit advertising costs paid by contributors/advertisers in the first Port Douglas Brochure, "The World's Best Kept Secret" and other such community ventures;

I believe I had some small part in the shaping of Port Douglas from a sleepy fishing village to what it is today e.g. the development of the former Crown Land as Sheraton Mirage rather than a residential subdivision along the lines of the Northern Beaches of Cairns, including my involvement with the Christophe Skase and John Morris consortiums;

Whilst development in Port Douglas was inevitable I am pleased that this has been achieved with no "high rise" (no buildings higher than a coconut tree);

My philosophy has been to develop  "personal" relationships with clients resulting in real and practical outcomes rather than a corporate time based charging system. This may have worked to my detriment financially aa a client once told me I should charge "like a real solicitor".

Lifestyle when I first came to Port Douglas I used to go to the beach for a swim, but during the "boom" times I was lucky to be even able to take a lunch hour.

And finally, I am grateful that many clients have become longstanding friends and have given me great support over the years".

Maybe we can convince him to write his full auto biography one day!!