[2] His father was born in Eidsvold, Queensland and fought in World War II.
[3] He attended Brisbane State High School and was interested in rocks, minerals and soils from a young age.
[2][3] He was awarded a scholarship to attended the University of Queensland and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Geology.
[3] After graduation from university, he worked as a geologist for the Department of Mines and Energy of the Government of Queensland.
In 2013 he partnered with the Royal Flying Doctor Service to deliver a mobile dental service to provide free dental health care to communities across central and northern Queensland.