Peter O’Connell
Senior Air Traffic Control Officer at RAAF Base Townsville
Suburb: Kirwan.
AKA: Pete.
I’m renowned for: Having very small calf muscles. It’s made me the butt of many jokes, usually from people I can outrun!
Only a local would know… I’m terrified of Crocodiles (who isn’t!). I come from a small inland town in Victoria so I was able to ‘suppress’ this fear until I started ‘co-habiting’ with them.
My most memorable holiday was… Hamilton Island with my family.
Right now I wish I was… at the beach building sand castles with my beautiful girls, hitting the gym with my boy or just hanging out with my wife, Michelle.
My favourite day is: Friday… the gateway to the weekend.
The biggest influence in my life is: Professionally I’d say my Dad. He’s enjoyed a stellar military career spanning 40 years. His pursuit of excellence inspires me to leave a positive, lasting legacy. Personally, it would be hands down my beautiful wife. She’s the backbone behind my every success and happiness. Without a shadow of doubt, I’m a much better human for having the blessing of her in my life over the past 27 years.
The funniest thing that ever happened to me was… during our honeymoon, we went for a picnic to a secluded beach. I couldn’t figure out how to lock the boat’s engine out of the water so docked about 100 metres off shore to avoid rocks. About 10 minutes into our picnic Michelle pointed out that our boat was now about 500 metres offshore. I then had to swim out to get the boat. Attentive readers would recall my ‘issue’ with crocodiles. Let’s just say for a very brief period, I swam like Kieran Perkins (I am not ordinarily a good swimmer). It’s amazing what a bit of adrenaline and ‘masculine pride’ can do for you.
Someone famous I met was: The Queen. She is every bit the class act. Very elegant and regal.
My motto is: Seek perfection knowing you can never achieve it, doing so with those you love at the forefront of your mind.
MY FAVOURITE
Song An American Trilogy (Elvis Presley)
Shop Cycle De Vie
Eat Michelle’s homemade curried chicken
Drink Portello (It’s a Victorian thing)