What’s your professional background? I went from Hobart to Byron Bay for a surf trip in 1981 and never went back. I started my career as a chef and have worked in many restaurants in and around Byron before moving into the managerial side.
Tell us a bit about your role at Bunzl. I’m an account manager in our Ballina office. We have a small team here so we need to be multi-skilled. We have a retail side that’s open to the public so people can come and buy anything from a new wine glass to commercial restaurant equipment. I also look after kitchen fit-outs so my job is very varied.
What have you been working on lately? Together with Ross Abernethy and Craig Bradfield from our design department, I recently fitted out a new Vietnamese restaurant called Hungs Kitchen in Ballina.
What’s been your most memorable project? Fitting out the restaurant and bar at Peppers Blue resort on Magnetic Island. We filled up two semi-trailers in Ballina, shipped everything to Townsville and then across to the island on a ferry – and unloaded it all ourselves! You’re also a Station Commander with Fire and Rescue NSW.
Can you share some recent experiences of fighting bushfires in your area? In November, a call came through that a large fire had started at Bora Ridge and there were houses and people under threat. When all the houses were saved we moved on to the next lot of houses… this kept going for about 10 hours. The feeling of having fire all around you is quite nerve-racking but knowing you have a team looking after you puts you at ease. In these situations, communication is key.
Contact Andrew with your custom fit-out requirements: Andrew.Hill@bunzl.com.au
