What has been the highlight of 2023 for you?
It is almost impossible to choose one highlight.  The first weekend of October presented a wonderful opportunity for Brisbane to get behind the Lions and the Broncos.  It was fabulous to see the city immersed in blue, gold and maroon throughout the finals, and it also led to record levels of hotel occupancy across the city – great for our visitor economy!

Who is someone to watch for in 2024?
One of Brisbane’s hidden talents is Director and Producer Mel Poole from 18 Degree Films. This year Mel directed an extraordinary short film ‘Charlie’, based on the life of a man in Brisbane who was homeless for many years, and his interactions with myself and the volunteers of Eddies Van. Due for release next year, the film will challenge our stereotypes on poverty and homelessness. Itis tipped to figure prominently in the 2024 International Film Festivals.

What is your most vivid memory of the festive holidays?
As a young boy on Christmas Eve, I would lay awake waiting for Santa. I would sit by my window looking up into the sky listening for sleigh bells. Waking up on those mornings is one of my most treasured memories.  Santa knew that I loved model airplanes, Hot Wheels cars and toy soldiers, and my Mum and Dad would race into my bedroom to watch me take each present out of my Santa sack and placed them carefully on my bed. Pure bliss.

What’s your New Year’s resolution for 2024?
Every second year I try and do something that takes me out my comfort zone.  In the past I have walked the Simpson Desert for Youngcare, raced huskies in the Yukon and walked the Masai Mara.  This year I am joining three mates to train to run in the 400m at the World Track and Field Masters in Sweden.  I fully acknowledge the chances of me getting through this unscathed and with hamstring intact are about 1 in 100.

If you could have anyone from any time period attend your Christmas lunch, who would you choose?
I would love to have one last Christmas with my Dad.  I feel that I still have things I need to say to him.  My Dad got sick quite quickly and there was not enough time to truly thank him for the adventure of my life.  He was a great role model for our family and a very humble man.  I don’t think he truly understood the impact of his love and kindness.

Coastal holiday or city holiday?
Brisbane provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy a coastal and city holiday, all in one. One of my favourite Christmas family breaks was a three-night staycation at the Sofitel hotel. We explored the city precincts by night and ate at some of our favourite restaurants along the Brisbane River. We finished our Christmas shopping in the Queen Street Mall and then wrapped up Christmas Eve by seeing The Nutcracker at QAGOMA.

What are you looking forward to in 2024?
I am an Olympic and Paralympic tragic.  I will be glued to the TV watching the track and field, swimming, basketball and wheelchair rugby.  Ever since Montreal 76 Games I have been obsessed with the performances and stories of our Australian athletes.

Do you have a summer book or podcast you can recommend?
This year I have not really had a chance to read a novel.  On my last Christmas holiday, I could not put down Chris Hammer’s Scrublands and I am looking forward to making time to read his new novel, Seven. It will take me all holiday due to my inability to keep my eyes open after two pages (my wife’s least favourite part of our holidays, is hearing me snore after reading one page and imploring me to turn off the light 😊).

What will be served at your house for Christmas lunch?
One of my favourite things to do over Christmas is to take on the challenge of catering and cooking for everyone on Christmas Day.  My Mum and Dad loved cooking for everyone on Christmas Day and I have tried to keep this tradition alive. We always start the day with a hot breakfast of ham, eggs, sausages and fritters. It’s then straight to the Christmas tree to open presents, followed by a catch up with family and friends. At around about 11:30am, I love setting up the table for a seafood smorgasbord of Moreton Bay bugs, sand crabs, prawns, oysters and salads. We then settle in for a great afternoon of relaxing and reminiscing.

How will you spend the first day of 2024?
For the past 10 years we have holidayed with good friends, and we always see the New Year in by going out to dinner together and then racing back to their unit on the beach for the countdown. New Years day is always a recovery day.  We tend to sleep in after a late night and then stroll across the street to dive in the ocean. Last year we went to see Pete Murray in concert and this year we hope to do the same.