Louis moved to the Goulburn Valley from Melbourne with his wife Caz at the beginning of 2020 to  escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. After a couple of years working in community development in Seymour, Louis joined NHM at the end of June 2022. With a passion for community action and a background in law, journalism, teaching and community development, Louis brings a broad range of skills and experience, as well as a unique perspective to the role.

 

When he’s not at work, Louis surfs, fishes and camps as much as he can or spends time with his animals and in the garden. He also moonlights as a musician.

I grew up in Melbourne and spent most of my childhood playing sports, bushwalking, camping, fishing, and growing edible plants, and along the way did a bit of studying to obtain a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture. I co-founded one of the first Indigenous plant nurseries based in Melbourne for bush regeneration projects. In 1988 I moved to Shepparton and for 22 years worked for the Victorian Agriculture Department and later for the Conservation Department and then in 2008 co-founded a registered social enterprise, not for profit renewable energy company called GV Community Energy (GVCE) - based in Murchison. In 2018 I joined the NHM committee and have met many energised wonderful people dedicated to helping Murchison be a wonderful and warm place.

 

I live on a property adjacent to the Goulburn River at Murchison North where together with my wife and two adult children enjoy the open space, bush setting and company of two Border Collies.

 

I enjoy meeting and engaging with people and embrace the challenge of collectively working towards solutions within a framework that is socially, environmentally, and commercially sound.

 

I still enjoy surfing, snorkelling, canoeing, bush camping, long-distance bike riding, growing edible plants, dancing and socializing with friends and family over a coffee, a pot of tea or a wine.

I moved to Murchison from Melbourne in August 2020, with my wife Katrina. We moved into Kay and John Ball’s property on Gregory Road. We feel so blessed to have moved to the country when COVID struck and pretty much from day one this property and town have felt like home. The community has been most welcoming, and we thank you for that. 

 

I am veterinarian who for the past twenty plus years has solely worked in the aquarium industry (see www.theaquariumvet.com ). And yes, from beautiful Murchison I still work most days (remotely) in the business – answering queries regarding sharks and other fish, penguins, sea turtles, dugongs and other aquatic animals.

 

The reason I joined the Neighbourhood House Murchison committee was to become a part of and contribute to the Murchison community that has been so welcoming to us.  I am delighted to be able to bring my skillset to assist with the organization that should be at the centre of the community. Please feel free to reach out to me at any stage with suggestions, thoughts, ideas, comments and even criticisms. My email address is rob@theaquariumvet.com . My desire to is to contribute to making Neighbourhood House Murchison the best Neighbourhood House in Victoria. With that achievement, Murchison will have a Neighbourhood House that supports and develops every member of this community.