Michael Linnan is your classical convert to the pleasures of living in Far North Queensland. Although spending the first twenty one years in Brisbane he then travelled north to Townsville where he spent the next 16 years. During this time he met and married his lovely wife Thea. The family came to their collective senses and have now been a residents of Cairns for 13 years.

1. In three words – what does Cairns mean to you?
Vibrant; Friendly; Humid.

2. What was your first ever job?
During School I worked at Barry and Roberts packing grocery bags

3. For people just starting their career – what are your 3 success tips?
Have a goal; Be flexible; maintain their physical, social and mental well being

4. What business decision, or action, that have you taken do you see has had the
most impact on the people around you or on Cairns?
Following the announcement of Australian Airlines hubbing out of Cairns Iinitiated, through my office of the Department of State Development and Innovation, an Action Plan of how we could assist businesses to capitalise on the increase in visitors, as well as Trade and Investment opportunities. Also flowing from this project was the work that we have undertaken with Advance Cairns in positioning Cairns businesses to develop business links with China.

5. What do you dislike most about your industry?
Because Business is very competitive, some feel that they can only succeed at the others expense

6. What motivates you most to go to work each day?
I am very lucky to work with a Department that is all about helping business be successful.When you add that to the fact that I work in an office full of extremely talented, motivated and supportive people, it is not hard to go to work each day.

7. If you had an opportunity to change careers for a month – what would you do?
CEO of the Brisbane Lions Australian RulesFootball Club

8. Have you ever had a great idea or innovation that wish you had the time to
pursue?
To develop a process that replicates the perfect golf swing. Surely with today’s technology, robotics etc there has got to be a suit or other device that we could put on and it would show our body what the perfect golf swing looks and feels like.

9. If you could change one thing about your past, what would it be?
Spend more time with my four children

10. Have you ever had a situation where it seemed like it was the end of the world,but where some greater good came out of it or you became a better person?
Yes definitely, but I do not want to divulge it here. To keep me on the straight and narrow, Thea reminds me of it every now and then.

11. Who do you aspire to?
Bob Harwood, he was a football coach who I played under.He taught me a lot about myself and life in general, as well as a bit about footy.

12. If you could re-live one moment in your life – what would it be?
Winning the 1980 Australian Rules Premiership in Townsville. We were rank underdogs and it was a great feeling.

13. If you could invite someone famous for dinner (dead or alive) – who would it be?
Bill Clinton

14. When was your last overseas holiday and where?
1981; Thea and I holidayed in Bali

15. What’s your favourite journey?
Road to Port Douglas

16. Your favourite time of day?
Saturday afternoon after a round of golf you relax with the family and have a few drinks and a BBQ

17. Your favourite restaurant for that ‘Friday afternoon lunch’?
Verdi’s

18. What music or radio station do you listen to in your car?
102.7 , usually rock music

19. Your favourite author or book?
Arthur Beeston’s Autobiography

20. What will you be doing when you’re 80?
Playing Touch Football and Golf