Former Technical Sailor finds haven in the arts

Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch Secretary Mark Richardson with original World War II journals from soldiers, sailors and airmen, alongside Sub Branch President Kristen Rice. 

Former Warrant Officer and Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch member Mark Richardson had a long Navy career – serving 27 years within the Marine Engineering department.  

Mark’s career took him to a range of interesting locations, including ports throughout the Middle East as part of a deployment to HMAS Kanimbla (II) in 2002.  

After discharging from the Navy in 2007, Mark worked as an engineering manager at Green Island – located immediately off the Cairns coastline – before retiring.  

Unfortunately, though, Mark contracted an infection in his right foot, which would drastically change the course of his life.   

Having been a ‘can do’ sailor for the previous 27 years, Mark ignored the pain. So, by the time he and his wife, Kerry, attended the emergency department, they were told what no one wants to hear: Mark would have to have the limb amputated.  

As a result, Mark was left with a profound sense of loss and an unshakeable low mood that followed him everywhere.  

To focus on something completely different and novel, the former Technical Sailor enrolled in a Bachelor of Arts course at James Cook University.  

“I enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts to keep my mind active,” Mark says.  

“Physically I could not do what I used to; however, this was not an issue with studying. My wife, Kerry, noticed an improvement in my mood straight away so I continued studying until successfully completing my degree last year.” 

After graduating with distinction, Mark went searching for a new pursuit and is now the new Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch Secretary.  

The role sees Mark putting the knowledge and discipline gained from his degree to great use. Along with collecting and curating material on military history, including World War II, Mark delivers presentations and guest speeches on military history at his Sub Branch’s monthly coffee catch-ups. 

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone like Mark on the team,” Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch President Kristen Rice says. 

“We crossed roads on ANZAC Day earlier this year and Mark happened to be looking for something to do post-Arts degree. 

“As someone who had a career in the Navy technical department for 20 years, I find it inspiring that Mark can complete a Bachelor of Arts degree, proving anything is possible despite what physical limitations you may have.”

Join Edge Hill/Cairns West RSL Sub Branch for 'Coffee Connections' at 10am on the last Friday of each month (Warhaven Veterans Residence Common Room, Cairns). Family and friends welcome. 

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