DR Garry Richards OAM ‘Dad’
Description: Garry has had a wide ranging experience of life, with strong and extensive academic qualifications as well as a national leader in adventure and outdoor education and also as a high school teacher, a university researcher, a ships Master, a management consultant , and Chief Executive Officer of national organisations. He has travelled very extensively and operated businesses in Australia and overseas and was recognised in the 1990 Queens Honours list by an award in the Order of Australia for services to youth and the community. He has a passion for knowing about things and actively engaging in. He is an easy going, friendly, positive personality who gets on with everyone well and enjoys being with people.
Garry’s wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm means that you always get interesting answers, even to the most detailed of questions.
Interests, favourite bits:
Built and operated the biggest outdoor education and adventure organisation in the world for 23 years and interested in all outdoor activities and adventures including travelling throughout the world understanding other peoples and cultures.
Favourite guiding experience:
I took a small group of American young people of Korean origins on a wildlife tour. Every second that I was not giving information they filled the air with constant deep questions on everything from wildlife to history to geography to politics to the origins of the universe. At the end of the day I was totally and absolutely drained. They had got their money’s worth. I was exhausted. I loved it!
Interesting fact:
I love the enigmas and oddities of life and history.
We look at the Southern Cross and admire it… it’s on our flag … but it doesn’t exist!
Australia’s greatest poet died in alcoholic poverty… and then was immediately given a state funeral!
Quote for travelling:
“There is a tide in the affairs of men, which taken on the flood, leads on to fortune…” (Shakespeare’s way of saying… “Don’t delay.. Get into it now!”)
