Reporter Matt Crossman talks to accountant and business leader Michael Osborne…
How long have you lived/worked in the Sunbury area?
I moved to Sunbury and commenced work here just over 25 years ago. It’s a great place to raise a family.
How/why did you become involved in accounting?
Why is simple; I grew up on a farm and did not want to earn a living as a farmer.
After working in the robot importation and then legal field, Dan McMahon asked me to look after his accounting business for two weeks while he went on holidays.
I am still here 25 years later. It is a great profession.
How did your involvement with the business association come about?
I have been part of the Sunbury Business Association for five years, the last four as president.
I see one of our major roles as increasing the awareness of the diverse range of business and community groups that we have in the area.
How would you describe Sunbury’s business community?
We have a fantastic range of businesses in this area – whether they be shop front/retail, home-based, professional services and trades. When you combine this with the amazing work done by the not-for-profit and special needs groups, as well as the sporting organisations, what we get is a great community.
What are some of the major changes you’ve seen in Sunbury over the years? What are some changes you’d like to see?
Obviously, there has been a significant increase in our population, which has subsequently increased traffic in the area as well. This has put a lot of strain on our infrastructure, and we have therefore lost a lot of our country lifestyle. I believe a lot more thought and planning should be given to the issues of traffic and parking, as it is having a detrimental effect on the business and general community.
You’ve completed Kokoda and made it to Mount Everest base camp in the past few years … which gave you the greatest satisfaction?
Kokoda had a lot more significance because of the Australian connection, and was quite difficult. I found Everest base camp more demanding, both physically and mentally, because of the altitude. Just very happy to finish both!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I like my golf and quiet times while trekking, but with two of my three daughters now living out of home, any time spent with the extended family at home or up on the river waterskiing is cherished.
