Bill O'Reilly

PROPERTY SERVICES MANAGER
Australian Technology Park

At work ... I have responsibility for the physical environment and maintenance of the park. I am also the first point of contact for OHS issues at the ATP.

My first job ... was an apprenticeship as a butcher. I left school at 14 years and nine months old, and, while scrubbing the freezer floor one day, decided the job was not for me. I took the afternoon off, caught the train into town and joined the navy as a trades assistant, with no idea whatsoever of what I was letting myself into.

My favourite part of the park ... are the heritage displays. They are a constant reminder that the ATP has been on the cutting-edge of technology for over 100 years.

An influence that shaped my life ... was the navy. After joining up, I volunteered for submarine service. I served on HMAS Otama three times and on HMAS Onslow twice. It was a unique environment that required and taught me about self-discipline.

The place where I grew up ... was next door to the old Liverpool Speedway. It was all farms and bushland. We were so close you could smell the fumes from the engines. Now it is a series of housing estates and a supermarket occupies the site.

My best choice ... was undertaking a study program to kill time, while I was at sea. I started with my trade and then took every post-trade course that was available, until I finished as a marine engineer. I learnt every aspect of my trade, from carrying the tradesmen’s toolboxes to controlling an onboard engineering department.

My worst choice ... was to leave school so early, without finishing year 8. It made study harder, when all courses assume you have finished year 10 at least.

If I could wave a magic wand ... I would go back and do it all again, without knowing what I know now – so that it could be an adventure all over again.

The highlight of my week ... varies from week to week. A major highlight is always when I hand over a completed project or find a resolution to a problem.

My burning ambition ... is to ensure my children receive a good education, so they don’t have to do the hard yards to get ahead.