[1] He was born in Perth, Western Australia to Jack Michael and Ourania Zempilas, Greek immigrants.
[2] His father was a World War I veteran, having served in the Australian Army before becoming a fruit barrow owner and later a grocery shop.
[2] He attended Highgate Primary School and later Perth Boys' but left to work in the family business when he was fourteen.
Michael Pty Ltd, supplying electrical equipment to businesses in Western Australia and Victoria.
[2] The Mick Michael Reserve, on the corner of Vincent and Charles Streets in West Perth is named after him.