James Griffin – Member for Manly (MP)

What’s your favourite place on the Northern Beaches?
North Head – Sunsets & Sunrises. A truly Magical Place.

Is there something about you that would surprise people?
I am a challenged dancer… not surprising but I really cannot dance.

What’s something everyone should do at least once?
Volunteer at the Soup kitchen at St Matts Church and also at Community Northern Beaches

It’s Sunday afternoon, where do we find you?
In the backyard mucking around with kids

If you were down to your last $50 what would you spend it on?
A really good green chicken curry & then watch a movie at the cinema

Business

How did being a member of parliament happen?  How long have you been doing this?
Mum and Dad were in the army and encouraged all of the kids to do something bigger than themselves. James Griffin was Inaugurated on the 3rd May 2017.

Best business experience?
Australia’s first palliative care hospice at North head. Commenced today with the first turning of the soil. 10th May 2021.

If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
Corporate career. Management consultant. Previously employed at KPMG and would be pursuing my corporate career.

Best part of your job or most enjoyable part of your job?
Seeing people in a better position than when they were at when they first met me.

Most stressful part of your job?
The relentless nature of issues that are presented.

What’s the weirdest thing that has happened at work?
Wearing a suit and putting on large white and fluorescent green helmet to test ride Sydney’s first electric rideshare scooter around the block where my office is situated. Noting that the electric scooters I rode never went very far in Manly.

What’s the best part of working on the Northern Beaches? Why’d you chose to work here?
Best part – The people & the community. The beautiful environment we have and live in.
Why – I love serving the Manly community.
I moved to Manly (Northern Beaches) due to environment benefits, community and infrastructure. I have lived in every capital city in Australia & more & I have also spent time in the UK. The best place I have lived is Manly.

Personal

What would you rate 10/10?
A Beer at Wharf Bar on a Friday afternoon

What is the best advice you’ve received?
Let your actions do the talking and treat everyone with respect

What’s the best thing that’s happened to you this week?
Manly Hospice opening

Greatest strength?
Joining the dots. Ability to join the dots and solve problems.

Greatest weakness?
Hyperactivity

Does anything scare you?
Massive deep water, Ocean swells (Thalassophobia)

What’s your most treasured possession?
Grandfathers War Record WWI. Record of service

What’s your idea of absolute happiness?
Sunny afternoon with family and friends

Which two famous people would you choose to be stuck in a lift with?
Matt Damon & Jonny Wilkinson

What travel experiences is on your bucket list?
Telluride ski resort in Colorado

How do you switch off?
Running

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Double Coated Chocolate Tim Tams

Who’s your personal hero?
Father

If you were an animal, what would you be?
Leopard

How would you like to be remembered?
Someone who is humble who made a real positive change for the community

If we could ask you one more question what would it be and what’s your answer?
Will the aquarium open again – NO!