Gary began his career at Forster High School in the 1980s where he stayed for 14 years.

In 1994 the opportunity came up to become the head teacher of art at Taree High School – Gary took the role and has held the position for 23 years. 

Gary trained to become an art teacher at the Alexander Mackie College in Sydney, where he had a lot of leading Australia artists as lecturers. 

Despite being an art teacher for nearly 30 years and seeing the evolution and popularity of graphic design and photography – Gary said the fundamentals still remain the same.

“Students still want to paint and sculpt – a lot seek hands on work,” he said. 

Gary said students often have a unique way of looking at the world which is expressed in their art. 

“That’s the joy of it – seeing students start art in year seven and watching them develop to the point where they produce sophisticated works of art for the HSC,” he said. 

A part from teaching – Gary was involved with producing the school magazine The Torch, running the school’s girls touch football team for 21 years and in his early days transporting dance squads to Newcastle and Tamworth. 

One of Gary’s greatest contribution is the creation of Taree High’s annual MADD (Musical, Artistic, Dance and Drama) Concert, which this year marks 22 years. 

Gary developed the idea with fellow teacher Peter Job after school musicals were given a break. 

The concert has become one of the school’s biggest annual events and showcases a broad range of talents. 

“It’s often a humorous and light show,” he said. 

“It’s also a good showcase of not only the students but the staff – the quality they achieve is just outstanding.” 

Gary’s final MADD concert is on this Friday, December 9 at 7.30pm at the Manning Entertainment Centre.

Last week Gary celebrated his retirement at Club Old Bar with other Taree High School teachers who are also retiring.

Gary’s plans for his retirement is to further pursue his own photography and art-making.

He would like to become involved with local art groups such as Manning Regional Art Gallery’s Friends of the Gallery. 

He also looks forward to traveling and surfing more.