Definitely Not a Boring Life

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.

He worked in local government administration for 51 years in Victoria, 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 include 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.