John had a sheltered but awkward life growing up on a dairy farm in Albury. Always making and inventing things. With the creation of the Albury Wodonga Development, the river flats were purchased and family moved to Mulwala.

Developed irrigation equipment inventing a stop that works with automation. With the drought irrigation became more efficient, with less time needed for better crops. Save 1/3 water by watering faster.

Today Australia has the most efficient surface irrigation in the world. Cotton industry now has 3 times yield with GM cotton. To survive on world markets have to get smarter.

Padman Stops the biggest pre-cast industry in Australia.

John now works on research and development with son Shaun running the business. Challenge is to take something complex and make it simple.

After the suicide of a worker John became involved with mental health promising to help prevent suicide.