Former Tungamah Shire secretary, Bernie McCarthy chose to live life to the absolute fullest. He’s now retired and living in Cairns, north Queensland.
Former Shire secretary of the Tungamah Shire from 1979 to 1990, Bernie McCarthy earlier this year released a 300 page memoir ‘Definitely Not a Boring Life’ which covered much of his time in the region.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
Bernie shares his amazing life, which took him from growing up in a little town in Victoria, to working for 51 years in local government in Victoria, the Northern Territory and Queensland, to travelling to more than 80 countries.
His life has definitely not been boring.
A brief blurb on the book reads, “Bernie McCarthy’s life has definitely not been boring, as he has always done things a little differently.
“Sometimes it has resulted in a bit of drama, such as being involved in a boat crash off Mornington Island, attacked in Cape Town by a knife-wielding youth, robbed in Budapest and Los Angeles, and evacuated from Thursday Island to Cairns Hospital.
“Bernie grew up in Heathcote in Victoria, a country town founded during the 1850s gold rush. His country roots explain his strong connections to nature, hard work and family.
“His steadfast determination, diligence and courage have resulted in a life story that is unusual, exemplary and admirable.
Bernie McCarthy’s book makes for great holiday reading.
“He worked in local government administration for 51 years in Victoria (10 years in the Tungamah Shire), the Northern Territory and Queensland in many different locations, including three islands, a tourist resort and a number of Indigenous communities.
“He was awarded a Public Service Medal in recognition of his long career in local government. He is now retired and living in Cairns, Queensland.
“In 1978 Bernie and two mates did the Kombi van circuit of Europe and the United Kingdom, igniting his passion for overseas travel.
“His visits to more than 80 countries included an overland tour from Kathmandu to London, four months’ camping in South America, travelling across the United States, and visiting the Baltic States and Scandinavia.”
Bernie’s memoir ‘Definitely Not a Boring Life’ can be bought now from www.jabirupublishing.com.au and is a read not to miss.
