We’re blessed with so many talented and interesting people that we introduce you to four local characters each month. If you think someone should be featured just send an email to: editor@duomagazine.com.au
VIV MORAN
EXHIBITIONS & PUBLIC PROGRAMMES (COMMUNITIES) OFFICER, MUSEUM OF TROPICAL QUEENSLAND
I’m renowned for: Asking for the details. As a child I always… looked for things to climb, didn’t matter whether it was a table, a roof or a tree, I always wanted to be off the ground and looking around.
If I had a superpower it would be: Time travel – that’s where all the answers are.
When I’m alone in my car I think about: How to better design the visors and seat belts. Both are essential but neither would win a prize for outstanding design or comfort.
Right now I wish I was… shaking hands with my bank manager who is effusing about my exceptionally speedy final mortgage repayment.
My favourite day is: Christmas Eve. It’s always been a day of changing excitement and anticipation. Now, the gathering of friends to prepare for the following day over a few wines can’t be beaten.
One thing I can’t live without is: My sun visor.
In five years from now I hope I’m… still doing bootcamp.
Last gift I gave someone was: Six koala ties – five inadvertently purchased from eBay, for someone who misses Australia.
Best advice I’ve been given: Choose your battles carefully.
My biggest regret: Never having learned to play a musical instrument beyond the school recorder.
The best day of my life (so far): Stepping onto the tarmac at Sydney airport as a new Australian; I knew I’d arrived and that the world on that day was my oyster.
Two celebrities I’d like to dine with: Adam Liaw and Paul Kelly. One could cook and one could serenade – doesn’t matter which way round as the end result would be fabulous.
The motto I live by: Be true to yourself.
PETER FRY
SELF EMPLOYED IN SALES, PRESIDENT OF TOWNSVILLE CRICKET
AKA: Wombat – it goes back to rep teams playing indoor cricket.
I’m renowned for: Getting in and getting it done.
The song that describes me best is: Monty Python’s Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life.
As a child I always… wanted to play and jump in the puddles, the simple things in life.
If I had a superpower it would it be: Duplicate myself so that I can help twice as much to get things done.
When I’m alone in my car I think about: What song is on the radio or the play list as I find being in the car on a drive and the music going is very relaxing and gives me the chance to unwind.
Right now I wish I was… travelling the world watching cricket in all the great ovals and stadiums of the world.
My favourite day is: Everyday the sun shines, and the weekends as it is cricket time – the smell of leather and willow. One thing I can’t live without is: The inspiration to make a difference.
In five years from now I hope I’m… still being inspired everyday.
Last gift I gave someone was: A gift card to my daughter for her birthday. But I also give out plenty of advice.
Best advice I’ve been given: Words don’t make you a better person, behaviour does.
My biggest regret: Not following some of my dreams earlier in life as a teenager.
The best day of my life (so far): The birth of my two children.
Two celebrities I’d like to dine with: Sir Richard Branson and John Cleese, great conversations over the dinner table, both are good intellects, witty and funny.
The motto I live by: The most important thing in life is to have fun and enjoy the moment.
RAY HOGAN
OWNER JIM’S POOL CARE FRANCHISE
AKA: Don’t have one,that I can mention.
I’m renowned for: Always being on time.
The song that describes me best is: Lazy Sunday Afternoon. I’m pretty laid back (apparently).
As a child I always… wagged school to go surfing or ride motorbikes. Until I was found down the beach by my Dad and Head Master. Not a good day that one.
If I had a superpower it would be: The power to travel through time and space. To see history as it happened and of course go forward to see what’s ahead of us. Let’s be honest I would go forward to find out next week’s Lotto numbers.
When I’m alone in my car I think about: Friends, next bike ride, the next job that I’m going to.
Right now I wish I was… cruising around Australia on my motor bike.
My favourite day is: Monday. Start of a new week, you never know what’s coming.
One thing I can’t live without is: I really can’t live without my Ducati. It’s my escape. Helps keep me sane.
In five years from now I hope I’m… riding around Australia for a year then after that I would like to ride around Europe.
Best advice I’ve been given: It’s OK to dream, chase after those dreams.
My biggest regret: Can’t think of any.
The best day of my life (so far): The day I picked up my Ducati Diavel.
Two celebrities I’d like to dine with: Barry Sheen and Valentino Rossi. Two legends of the Moto GP.
The motto I live by: Don’t look back, keep moving forward.
LAUREN BROWN
BOARD MEMBER OF TOWNSVILLE CRICKET
AKA: Loz or Lozzie.
I’m renowned for: Baking and cooking for my friends and family.
The song that describes me best is: Happy by Pharrell Williams.
As a child I always… wanted to be a hairdresser.
If I had a superpower it would it be: The ability to heal myself and others. After undergoing surgery on my knee last year due to a sporting injury, I now no longer take for granted the freedom of movement I have and to be able to give freedom of movement to others would be a humbling and life changing experience.
Right now I wish I was… travelling the world luxuriously and leisurely!
My favourite day is: Sunday during cricket season as this is when I get to have a great game of cricket with a group of talented and fun women; it’s always a highlight of the week.
One thing I can’t live without is: Google! I have a curious mind and love learning new things, so Google facilitates instant answers for the things I don’t know.
In five years from now I hope I’m… still working in a job I love with an amazing and supportive team, and playing cricket in a women’s league.
Last gift I gave someone was: Some journals for a colleague filled with some kind thoughts at random places throughout the books.
Best advice I’ve been given: Surround yourself with people that challenge you to be the best person you can be.
The best day of my life (so far): One of the best days so far was arriving back in Australia after a month in Europe and knowing I’d made my travel dream a reality.
Two celebrities I’d like to dine with: Hamish and Andy because it seems like it would be fun.
The motto I live by: Treat others how you wish to be treated.