ANDREW Slaney was born in Melbourne and grew up in Cheltenham but made the change to the country about seven years ago, initially living in Euroa and Strathbogie. About three years later he made the move to Yackandandah where he lives with his partner Melissa.
What do you do workwise?
At age 18 I started my working life as a butcher in Melbourne. Fifteen years later after graduating from university I became an advanced life support paramedic for Ambulance Victoria for the next seven years, working both in Melbourne and in the country. These days I run a local business, Handy Andy’s Quality Lawn & Garden Maintenance.
What brought you to your latest work role?
After leaving Ambulance Victoria I still wanted to work in a job where I felt I could make a difference to people’s lives but without the added pressure of life or death. A few family members suggested I could start my own business, so I thought, yeah, why not. The thought of being my own boss seemed quite appealing. It’s a lot of work, but I could not have imagined it was going to take off the way it has.
What do you love about your work?
All my careers have been incredibly rewarding in their own ways. Being a gardening/mowing contractor is great for keeping fit, meeting people, learning new skills, and working in some of the most amazing and beautiful places in the country. It is particularly satisfying to be able to help those who are no longer able to look after their own gardens. And at the end of the day, who wouldn’t love working in our amazing community.
What do you do in the community?
Short answer, I like to make everything look neat and beautiful. I am also an avid car enthusiast and guitarist/songwriter. One day I hope to be able to share some of my music with the people of the community.
In the past I’ve undertaken medical volunteering and a little with my kids sports teams, but these days my job keeps me well and truly flat chat.
Is there an important community issue that you think needs addressing?
When I worked in ambulance, I was privy to a vast number of issues that impact all communities. Accessible and affordable health care always seems to be something that proves elusive to many people in the community, and as housing expands and the population increases, we are going to need more services in our area to be able to cope with the increased demand. Unfortunately, the current cost of living crisis is further compounding this issue.
What do you see as one of the most important current world issues?
The inability of some leaders/governments to see the value of human life.
If the person you would most like to meet came to Indigo Shire, who would that be, what would you show them, and why?
One of my favourite musicians/guitarists is a Canadian man named Devin Townsend. His music is quite eclectic and isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but it's right up my alley. I’d take him around the Beechworth Gorge, up to Mt Pilot as well as other lookouts, and to Woolshed Falls as I’d love to hear what kind of music he would be inspired to write after visiting these places.
What book are you reading?
‘Eleven Bats’. It’s an autobiography written by an Australian SAS soldier who organised games of cricket to help break tensions and bring communities together in war-torn places such as East Timor, Afghanistan, and Iraq.