Norman Hall--Member Behind the Badge
Norman Hall who for several years has boasted of his youngest member status delighted us with his "behind the badge" presentation. Born in 1964 at Shortland Newcastle and characteristically steeped in the Rugby League tradition of that region of New South Wales we followed his educational trail from Shortland to the rural reaches of Armidale and the University of New England to study Applied Economics. Subsequent study continued in post grad efforts in banking and finance and even now to "stop being bored" the CPA course.
There ends the academic perception of Norman! As he backtracked his work and other adventures one sees that he has crammed a lot of other activities into his life. Consider a Rugby League career from 6 to 21 years so that only one body joint remains unscathed, a multiple of concurrent jobs while studying (shop attendant, cleaner, Pizza Parlor operator & bouncer), a martial arts devotee and competitor, a magazine writer, a ham radio whiz, an outback and 4 wheel drive racer across most of the iconic tracks in Australia (Charleville, Birdswood, Simpson Desert) and in the USA. The list of Norman's experiences in sport and work is extensive.
As a diversion he has his family's current endeavor of cattle raising on a farm or is it a ranch called "Washbrook Sound" in NSW which sees him in unposed pictures complete with ten gallon hat or Akubra and horse.
After all that "Rocky" or even "Storming Norman" seems a more appropriate call sign.
Married to Trish for 25 years, with two sons Alex and Connor, Norman started with the National Australia Bank (he was the local manager at Kew when recruited to our club) and notwithstanding success there left to pursue his own path. He wanted to move from the constraints of, and the political bureaucratic environment of, a large corporate culture. Subsequently he ran a small finance broking business, and more recently and now is deeply involved in the software game with Trish in the family business, Star Business Solutions. Aimed at that market between the small player and MYOB, and the giants who use SAP, Norman explained that many of his clients are non profit charitable organisations thus giving him a further insight and pleasure in dealing with communtiy oriented entities.
No trace of an American accent is evident despite living for five years in Denver Colorado close to the ski fields (doubtless an experienced skier too!) when Trish's work demanded it, Norman reflected that he is now wedded to Melbourne but alas cannot embrace AFL football although at least he is a Melbourne Storm Rugby League fan.
As always the "Member behind the Badger" talk uncovered some amazing in-house stories , thank you Norman.