QUICK CHAT
SIMON SAYS First job? I left school at 15 to become a jackaroo. My cousins were on the land and I always wanted to be like them and took a shine to being a jackaroo. I set off from Melbourne to far west central Queensland. It was a huge change, not only in landscape but day-to-day life that included boundary riding, sleeping outside and contract mustering. Overall, it was a tough experience that was character building, but I really loved the adventure.
What is your favourite place on the Sunshine Coast? Marcoola Beach, as it is where we spend time together as a family.
What are you currently working on? Working together with partners to ensure we are successful as a region in driving and developing the tourism industry. For example, capturing the full potential of the new airport in terms of driving new markets here, but also exporting our local produce.
Can you nominate a day in your life that turned out to be a turning point and why? My father passing away, as I lost my best friend.
Your family includes? Partner Ingrid, sons Will and twins Jack and George. First car? 1970 Ford Cortina. Favourite book? The Last Place God Made, by Jack Higgins.
Simon Latchford BIO
s s o b m s i tour
Simon Latchford is the CEO of Visit Sunshine Coast. He lives at Bli Bli with his family and is passionate about ensuring the Sunshine Coast reaches its full tourism potential. Tourism currently contributes more than $2.5 billion to the Sunshine Coast economy and the goal is to double that by 2020. Mr Latchford would also like to see an end to homelessness on the Coast and is joining the Vinnies Community Sleepout on August 23.
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IMAGE: TRACY NAUGHTON
If your life was a book, what would be the title? Never Die Wondering. What are you reading now? Night School, by Lee Child.
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What frustrates you the most? Being told that something is not possible. How do you deal with your frustrations? Find another way. Go up river, down river, but find another solution. Advice to your 18-year-old? You can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing – have the courage to ask, to try.
Best advice you’ve been given? Believe in yourself. My mother instilled in me a tough work ethic and also taught me if you believe in yourself, you can be whatever you want to be. When she was aged 16, her father went off to the Second World War and her mother had a stroke, so she was left to raise younger siblings. Like so many of her era, she was very independent and resourceful and taught me to stand on my own two feet, and to get up when you fall down.
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If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would they be? Winston Churchill, Horatio Nelson and Anzac legend, John Simpson. Tea or coffee? Tea, white and strong. NRL or AFL? AFL – Collingwood (apologies).
Know someone interesting on the Sunshine Coast? Email leigh@myweeklypreview.com.au.
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10 My Weekly Preview | August 17, 2018
“I have been sailing all my life, winning my first race at Sorrento when I was seven”
When was the last time you played sport and what was it? Sailing in 2005, now retired.
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What achievement are you most proud of? The idea to involve the Advance Australia campaign in the 1983 America’s Cup challenge. I have been sailing all my life, winning my first race at Sorrento when I was seven years old, so the America’s Cup was the holy grail for me. I was behind the idea to involve the Advance Australia campaign to fund the construction of more than one boat to be created over several years, which culminated in the syndicate winning the 1983 America’s Cup.
What are you watching right now? The news to stay informed and probably wouldn’t recommend it, as it is rarely good news.
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Best day in your life and why? When my sons were born.
Your greatest regret? Not spending as much time with my family as I should.
Favourite song and why? Great Southern Land, by Icehouse – a great anthem for Australia.
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If you could change one thing on the Sunshine Coast, what would it be? Homelessness – which is why I am supporting the Vinnies Community Sleepout.
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8/13/2018 3:52:46 PM