Kerry Drinkwater:
CLASS OF 1964
Coorparoo State High SchoolClass of 1964
Brisbane,
Kerry's Story
After graduation from Year 10 in 1964, I went to QUT (it was QIT then) and did a Diploma in Industrial Chemistry, didn't like being in a lab all day so took up an apprenticeship as an electrician. Spent several years working on industrial and mining construction in Mt Isa, Peak Downs, Blackwater, and pulp mills in New Zealand. Got married, and settled down as Instrument Technician for Pauls Milk for 10 years, during which I completed a Diploma in Applied Science (Rural Technology), before being head hunted to manage a farm in North Queensland between Bowen and Collinsville growing mangoes, vegetables, and 2 million Kentia Palms for export to the Middle East.
After a couple of years I got bored, so we returned to Brisbane where I was approaced to work for Ruben Pelerman on his rose and cut flower farm at Yatala. After spending a few years as Manager, I leased the property from Ruben for a couple of years, successfully growing cut flowers and glasshouse vegetables out of season.
Then I was advised by a friend in DPI that they were looking for horticulture teachers for TAFE, so I applied and was accepted into the beginning teache...Expand for more
r program, completing a Degree in Adult and Vocational Teaching. I spent a number of years teaching, which I enjoyed, before being seconded to head office, where I undertook a number of roles, including Principal Project Officer and Principal Finance Officer in Dept Education and Training, and Principal Project Officer for Dept Premier and Cabinet. During this time, I completed a Bachelor of Business and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) . I returned to my college in preparation for retirment, and took all my long service and holiday leave owing, intending to have a holiday in Europe. While in Paris, I received a call from a chap I had met previously who was working for Irish company working in New Guinea, who made me an offer I couldn't refuse. What was supposed to be a job for a couple of days per week for about six weeks turned into the Logistics Manager position five or six days a week for nearly three years, but they paid EXTREMELY well. After the project concluded, with my super considerably enhanced, I retired, and have since moved to Newport Waterways on a canal where my boat sits and awaits my pleasure.
Register for Free to view all details!
Reunions
Register for Free to start a reunion event!
Photos