Greg says the IBC will be fostering the objectives that good business thinking and sharing ideas will lead to a better overall community.

He says networking is a vital procedure in the way forward and businesses, in particular, in the Illawarra, should move towards desiring the best and not settling for less.

Born at Lithgow, Greg came to Wollongong in 1979 to study physical and health education at what was then known as the Wollongong Institute of Education, now our University of Wollongong.

He worked as an assistant manager at a Bundanoon health resort before undertaking a stint as a school teacher. Then he joined the Wollongong City Council as manager of the Beaton Park Leisure Centre where he helped develop various programs and events.

Along the way he was chairman of the Cancer Council’s Relay for Life and was also involved in the development and reconstruction work at Beaton Park, the hockey stadium, various surf club improvements and other capital works programs.

Greg was also active as a competitor in triathlons where he enjoyed running, swimming and cycling.

A move to Wollondilly

A move followed to Wollondilly Shire Council where he worked for five years as the Director of Corporate and Community Services. His time there was also spent in finance administration, information technology and library services.

It was then he decided to take a break from work for a year before becoming active in consulting to local councils, and he’s just about to finish a Masters in Business Coaching.

There was also 10 months spent in the not-for-profit sector at Illawarra Community Services before he applied for and was appointed the new CEO at the IBC.

He believes his role will be to help ensure the IBC maintains and grows its membership and in assisting businesses wherever it can.

Greg also believes that the three key opportunities facing the future of Wollongong centre are around getting the right infrastructure in place, keeping local jobs and lowering the costs of doing business.

He is also a firm believer in the need for businesses and people generally to think about any proposals they believe might help the local community, and that it is important “to do the homework first if you want to be listened to”.