I have been a General Practitioner at the Goonellabah Medical Centre since 1979. I also practise as a GP at Jullums Lismore’s Aboriginal Health Service owned and run by Rekindling the Spirit. I was involved in the establishment of that service. I have also been involved with NORPA since it was founded at Lismore City Hall in 1993 and served on the Board for many years, including as Chair of that organisation.

In 2003 I was awarded a Member (AM) of the Order of Australia in 2002. This was for services to medicine and health education particularly in the areas of lifestyle awareness and palliative care and to the community of Lismore.

I have always been an advocate for the arts in all its forms and the links between the arts and health, particularly in helping to keep mentally healthy. I am also an advocate for physical health whether through sport or other physical activity. I am a keen cyclist. Prevention of chronic disease in an ageing population has been a particular interest.

I come from a very creative family with partner Jeni Binns an artist and graphic designer, and son Dougal Binns a graphic designer, and son Fergus Binns an artist and art teacher. My grandchildren are showing great promise in the creative art field too.

I have always promoted the importance of our mental health by feeling connected to community. I have placed importance on community cohesion and spirit. I support the Lismore Rainforest Botanical Gardens which fulfil such an important role in education and environmental conservation, as well as been a great destination for local people and tourists.

I have also focused on ethical business enterprise and demonstrated this not only in the health field but in the importance of media. I was a founding Board Member of the past Northern Rivers Echo and have kept up my interest in journalistic standards and the media business.

From this media experience, I have co-founded health magazines that have withstood the test of time since 1994 including GPSpeak, HealthSpeak and NorDocs. I have been a contributor to these health magazines and many of his articles are on this blog: www.healthyaspirations.com.au

The topics covered are Lifestyle Medicine, Arts and Health, Custodial Health and Aboriginal Health. I was a co-founder in Lismore of the now so-called Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine.

As a general practitioner I set up and started as a solo practitioner in 1979 in Goonellabah, but now work in a larger group practice, the Goonellabah Medical Centre after an amalgamation process with two other smaller practices.

I am pleased to live in such a great city as Lismore which is a very diverse and inclusive for all. Keeping it that way and caring for our precious environment is important to me.

What is your vision for Lismore over the next 3 years?

That Lismore will grow and develop in a sustainable way with strong social cohesion.

What are your objectives being a councillor?

To use my life’s experience to advise on how to make our city a great place to live and a welcome participant in community life.

What was your motivation to become a councillor?

To support my team which reflects diversity and opportunities for all.

How does Lismore become a vibrant, prosperous city?

Address health and wellbeing as well as quality of life including for those who are disadvantaged.

Do you hold any concerns for the region that have not been addressed?

Addressing the cultural awareness and needs for our Indigenous community and other disadvantaged and marginalised groups in our community.