Born in the quiet town of Dumfries in southern Scotland, John spent his childhood, completed his schooling, and learned early on that life doesn’t always go smoothly, but with strength and support, you can still move forward.
“I had a really bad stutter,” John shared. “In school, when we’d have to stand up and say our names, I’d have to hold on to my desk and just try to get my words out.”
The challenge left a lasting impact on John’s confidence during his early years. “I felt I wasn’t good enough,” he recalled. Thankfully, his school recognised the need for support and introduced classroom observers and psychologists who quietly monitored students in need.
John’s father worked as the county treasurer, and his mother served as a deputy matron at the local hospital. “My dad always said, ‘Whatever you do in this world, son, never lose your self-respect.’” It’s a lesson John carried with him through his decades.
In 1961, John left the UK and immigrated to Australia. “I remember coming in on the boat and seeing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the old “Coathanger,” he said with a smile.
John’s career in policing began with a simple childhood memory: “Back in Scotland, the local police would stop traffic at the school crossings. That’s how we all got to know them,” he said. Inspired by that early connection to community safety, John served as a police officer for 28 years, both in Scotland and Australia.
By John’s side during our conversation was Amelia, his partner of nearly five decades. “We’ve known each other for 50 years and been together for 48,” he said. Amelia has played an influential role in his life. “She’s always been a good influence on me.”
