Chris brings a wealth of hands-on experience as a tradesman, technician, navy veteran and now engineer.
He has a family history of service, with both of his parents serving in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and a sibling currently following in their footsteps. He has lived across the country due to his family’s military background, but Adelaide has always been home and it’s where he’s spent more than half of his life.
After leaving school at 15 to pursue an apprenticeship as an automotive trimmer, Chris later joined the Royal Australian Navy. During his service, he completed his second trade as an aircraft maintenance engineer and was deployed in 2015 as part of ‘Operation Resolute,’ helping protect Australia’s northern borders.
Since returning to Adelaide in 2016, Chris has worked in the western suburbs in aerospace and defence industries, contributing to building Hobart Class Destroyer Warships at the Osborne Naval Shipyard and Search and Rescue Aircraft at Adelaide Airport. He is currently working as an engineer in South Australia’s shipbuilding industry while completing his Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering.
He believes the shipbuilding industry is vital to Adelaide’s western suburbs and will always fight for local jobs in this industry.
In addition to his service background, Chris has been a community volunteer raising guide dogs, helping fauna rescue, and as a treasurer for not-for-profits. His own experiences with renting, fighting his way into the housing market, and navigating the cost-of-living pressures drives his passion for addressing these issues in Adelaide’s western suburbs.
Chris believes that tradespeople and engineers are underrepresented in Federal Parliament and is determined to be a strong and sensible voice for the residents of Hindmarsh.